March 1, 2003

Former New York Mets manager Bobby Valentine responds to New York Yankees pitcher David Wells' insults in Wells' new autobiography with equal hostility; photo (M)

Harvey Araton Sports of The Times column suggests that New York Knicks former center Patrick Ewing, whose jersey was retired at Madison Square Garden, could have won several NBA championships had star forward Bernard King not been injured just before Ewing came to team; photo (M)

Sen Trent Lott, who has gone in two months from being one of most powerful men in Washington to junior senator from Mississippi after being deposed as Senate majority leader, is keeping his head held high but profile low; has bumped less senior colleague to take new position as chairman of subcommittee overseeing aviation, faithfully attends Senate's weekly Republican policy luncheons but reportedly does not often speak; is also trying to mend fences, both with blacks and whites, over his comment at Sen Strom Thurmund's 100th birthday party that nation would have been better off had Thurmond been elected president in 1948; takes gentle ribbing during recent toast-roast fund-raiser held by Mississippi Press Assn; photos (M)

Former New York Knicks player Patrick Ewing becomes ninth Knick player or coach to have jersey retired at Madison Square Garden; celebration takes place in front of sellout crowd; photos (M)

US Court of Appeals in San Francisco, over vehement objections of nine of its 24 judges, lets stand slightly modified version of decision by three-judge panel declaring Pledge of Allegiance unconstitutional because phrase 'under God' violates separation of church and state; some legal experts say vote is aimed at hastening US Supreme Court review; Attorney Gen John Ashcroft says Justice Department will spare no effort to preserve right of all citizens to recite pledge; children in public schools in nine Western states will be barred from reciting full pledge at least until US Supreme Court takes up case; photo (M)