Names In The News

NEW BUSINESS: Former NASCAR Managing Dir of Business Operations KEVIN TRIPLETT, who stepped down June 1, is "exploring a candidacy" for the 9th District congressional seat in Virginia. Triplett would run as a Republican against 21-year Democratic incumbent Rep. RICK BOUCHER (RICHMOND TIMES-DISPATCH, 7/11).

NAMES: With KARL MALONE's announcement that he will sign with the Lakers, in Salt Lake City, Glen Warchol notes that Malone and Jazz Owner LARRY MILLER "have become successful business partners off the court." The two Karl Malone Toyotas and Stockton to Malone Honda in which they are partners "are apparently of no small concern to either man." Miller said yesterday, "That's probably one of the main reasons Karl called me today. To reassure himself about our business deals." Warchol notes that Malone "also has launched several businesses without Miller's backing, but nearly all foundered" (SALT LAKE TRIBUNE, 7/11)....The Stars and MLB Rangers' "financial woes won't affect construction of a noise wall near" Owner TOM HICKS' North Dallas home. Hicks paid $650,000 in October "to build the noise barrier along the Dallas North Tollway" (DALLAS MORNING NEWS, 7/11).

ON CAMPUS: THE UNIV. OF CONNECTICUT announced yesterday that it will begin play in the Big East football conference in '04, "a year ahead of schedule. The Big East announced that any new member or members (read CINCINNATI and LOUISVILLE) would not be invited to begin participation" before '05-06 (N.Y. POST, 7/11)....ARMY, Conference USA's "lone football-only member, announced it was leaving the league" after the '04 season and will compete as an independent (TAMPA TRIBUNE, 7/11).