21.   Novacek has missed the past three workouts with a stiff back.

22.   That was evident in the play of Nash, who has been bothered throughout the playoffs by a stiff back.

23.   The stiff back and blisters on his right foot that developed during the course of his fourth-round marathon match with Yzaga are gone.

24.   This stiff back is, however.

25.   Wide receiver Kareem Kelly sat out practice to rest a stiff back.

26.   With Salmon out for the next few days and second baseman Randy Velarde out indefinitely with a stiff lower back, the Angels bench is thin.

27.   With his face swollen and his stiff lower back being massaged by a camp member, Holyfield already was looking ahead to the rematch.

28.   Paul Quantrill, pitching despite a stiff back, got the final out for his fourth save, retiring Gary Disarcina on a bouncer.

29.   Andretti complained of a stiff lower back and neck on Friday and it was clear that the veteran driver was still sore at Montoya too.

30.   Clark played after a stiff back limited him to pinch-hitting duty on Tuesday.