SANTA CLARA, Calif. - Center Jesse Sapolu, a member of four of San Francisco's five Super Bowl teams, was waived yesterday along with fullback Tommy Vardell in payroll-cutting moves to get the 49ers under the salary cap. ’Niners turn Sapolu loose
Associated PressTeam vice president Dwight Clark said the release of Sapolu, who earned Pro Bowl honors as a center in 1993 and left guard in 1994 before returning to center last season, was due to cap considerations and had nothing to do with his heart surgery last month to repair a damaged valve.
"It wasn't health considerations," Clark said. "It was definitely a financial deal. From what the doctors tell us, he's better than he ever was as far his breathing and blood flow and all that. He's in pretty good shape now.
"It definitely was a tough call with Jesse. There were just so many positive things. He'll definitely be missed."
Sapolu, a former Farrington High School and University of Hawaii standout who turns 36 on March 10, has been released from the hospital, is recovering well and his doctors already told him he could continue his football career. The 49ers broached the possibility of his retirement, a notion rejected by Sapolu.
"The heart operation was very successful," said Sapolu's agent, Leigh Steinberg. "The doctors have cleared him to continue playing. He would like to be with the 49ers. If not, we'll explore other options."
The University of Hawaii coed sailing team has advanced from No. 10 to the No. 8 position in the latest Sailing World poll released yesterday. UH sailors move up poll
Star-Bulletin StaffThe Rainbows finished 10th in the final fall poll. Yesterday's poll was the first of eight spring season rankings.
Tufts replaced Boston University in the No. 1 spot.
UH coach Andy Johnson's squad will compete in the Stanford Team Race, March 2-3.
Waimea Mountain Bike Adventures, a member of the National Off-Road Bicycle Association, will hold the first of a series of downhill races Sunday at 11 a.m. at Waimea Falls Park's new Downhill Mountain Bike Trail. MOUNTAIN BIKE RACES
For more information, call Tracy Paiva at 737-7025, ext. 237.
The University of Hawaii men's tennis team will begin the spring season Wednesday by hosting the fourth annual City Championships at the UH Courts. CITY COLLEGIATE CHAMPIONSHIPS
The semifinal matches begin at 1 p.m. with the final at 3:30 p.m.
Joining the Rainbows are Hawaii Pacific University and Chaminade University.
The second event of the Hawaii Pro Am Circuit surfing series will be held at Banzai Pipeline on the best three surfing days between Wednesday and March 2. HPAC MEET AT PIPELINE
Over 100 local, national and international surfers will be competing for the $20,000 prize purse.
