The Associated Press

MONTEREY PARK, Calif. - Authorities on Thursday arrested a Swiss bodybuilding coach they said made a $3 million offer to kill the woman who has accused Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant of sexual assault.

Patrick Graber was arrested for investigation of soliciting a murder after making the offer to Bryant's security director and then meeting with undercover detectives, Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee Baca said.

Graber, 31, of El Segundo, agreed to the murder for $1 million up front and $2 million after, Baca said.

"We believe it was a credible threat," sheriff's Lt. Jim Taylor said.

Graber was booked and held on $1 million bail, and an arraignment was set for Monday. Sheriff's officials said he had an expired visa and worked at a local gym.

Auto racing

NASCAR RULES CHANGE: NASCAR banned drivers from racing back to the yellow flag under caution.

The rule, which takes effect this weekend, forbids passing once the caution flag is displayed. NASCAR president Mike Helton said the change was needed "to further ensure the safety of the competitors."

Drivers had been allowed to race at full speed under caution until reaching the flagstand at the finish line, where they had to slow and line up behind the pace car.

Despite the old rule, drivers had been expected to follow a Gentleman's agreement and hold their positions when the caution flag came out. That agreement often was ignored.

BUSCH SERIES: Driver Shane Hmiel was suspended indefinitely by NASCAR for violating its substance-abuse policy. It was not announced what substance was involved. Hmiel, eighth in the season standings, could seek reinstatement after agreeing to attend counseling and undergo random testing.

Golf

84 LUMBER CLASSIC: Gavin Coles and Donnie Hammond don't have a single top-20 finish between them this year, yet shot 7-under 65s to share the first-round lead under wet, breezy conditions at Farmington, Pa.

One stroke back were Brent Schwarzrock, Grant Waite and Michael Clark II, all of whom are No. 186 or below on the tour money list.

Lee Janzen, one of the few recognizable names close to the lead, was among a large group at 5-under 67. Mark O'Meara and Rocco Mediate were among those at 68, and British Open champion Ben Curtis was in a group at 69.

NATIONWIDE TOUR: Michelle Wie, the 13-year-old who's playing in her second men's tournament in a month, opened with a birdie but unraveled and finished with an 7-over 78 at Boise. Gavin Coles and Donnie Hammond tied for the lead with 7-under 65s.

College basketball

XAVIER: Second-year head coach Kevin McGuff has finalized the women's team's 2003-04 schedule, which includes five teams that participated in the 2003 postseason. The Musketeers twice will be featured on Atlantic 10 Television.

XU will open the season on the road on Nov. 21 at Louisville, a school it last met in the 2001 NCAA Tournament.

The Musketeers will play their home opener on Nov. 23 against IUPUI. On Nov. 30, they will host crosstown rival Cincinnati.

The third annual Provident Bank Xavier Invitational will be held at Cintas Center on Dec. 6 and 7, with Central Michigan, East Tennessee State and High Point participating.

Hockey

WILD: Right wing Marian Gaborik is prepared to miss a good part of the season while he holds out for a better contract, his agent said. Gaborik led the Wild with 65 regular-season points last season.