Fan pays Rodman's bill; star won't face charges

Fan pays Rodman's bill;star won't face charges
GLENWOOD SPRINGS, Colo. -- Police have declined to file charges over Dennis Rodman's unpaid gas bill after an anonymous female basketball fan stepped in to help keep the former NBA star out of trouble. Rodman reportedly failed to pay the bill last month at a gas station while he was driving his gold-and-black Lamborghini through Colorado in a charity rally race. Police Chief Terry Wilson said authorities were preparing paperwork on the case, but contacted the store to see if Rodman had paid the bill and found that a woman, who did not identify herself, had covered it. "Since they accepted payment, that was the end of any involvement by this department," Wilson said. A clerk at the Tomahawk Auto Truck Plaza told police that Rodman tried on a cowboy hat then put $20 on the counter for gas. However, his gas bill was more than $40 and the clerk said Rodman didn't pay for the hat, either.
Fox: Abdul will remaina judge on 'American Idol'
LOS ANGELES -- There is no proof that "American Idol" judge Paula Abdul had an affair with one of the show's contestants, according to Fox TV, which said Abdul will remain on the show. An "enhanced non-fraternization policy" will be in place when Abdul and her fellow judges return next season, however, to prevent future incidents that could call into question the relationships between judges, contestants and others connected with the show, Fox officials said. Fox announced last month it was hiring an independent counsel to investigate claims by former "American Idol" contestant Corey Clark that he had a sexual relationship with Abdul when he was a contestant in 2003 and that she helped him prepare for his performances on the show. Abdul dismissed the claims as lies. Fox said the two lawyers it hired could not substantiate Clark's allegations. "Paula Abdul, therefore, can continue as a judge on 'American Idol,"' the network and the series' producers said. The 31/2-month inquiry included interviews with 43 people and a review of material provided by Abdul and Clark.
Insurance company seeksfreedom from liability
LOS ANGELES -- An insurance company that issued a policy for rock band Limp Bizkit is asking a judge to rule it has no liability for any damages awarded as the result of a teenage fan's death at a 2001 concert. According to a lawsuit filed by Diamond State Insurance Co., Jessica Michalik, 16, died after being trampled by fans at the "Big Day Out" festival in Australia on Jan. 26, 2001. The suit in Los Angeles Superior Court said Limp Bizkit singer Fred Durst "incited" the crowd to rush toward the stage. The band was not charged with any wrongdoing. In December 2003, the girl's mother, Barbara Michalik, filed a claim in the Supreme Court of New South Wales naming several defendants, including the show's promoters, the band, and its individual members, according to the insurance company's lawsuit.
No home tours allowed
HERNANDO, Miss. -- Fans of rock 'n' roll icon Jerry Lee Lewis will no longer be allowed to tour his home. Lewis' Nesbit residence has been closed to the public for more than a year during his lengthy divorce proceedings with his sixth wife, Kerrie McCarver Lewis. Lewis bought the 15-room house on 30 acres in April 1973. It has been a popular tourist attraction for the past decade. Lewis opened the house for tours when his fan club was under the direction of Kerrie McCarver Lewis. She no longer manages the Jerry Lee Lewis fan club. The couple, married in 1984, were legally divorced in June.
Notable death
LOS ANGELES -- Nick Perito, an Emmy-nominated Hollywood composer and arranger who worked for more than three decades with Perry Como, has died. He was 81.
Today's birthdays
Pulitzer Prize-winning author Russell Baker is 80. Singer Buddy Greco is 79. Actress Alice Ghostley is 79. Singer Dash Crofts is 65. Rock singer David Crosby is 64. Country singer Connie Smith is 64. Former jockey Robyn Smith Astaire is 61. Comedian-actor Steve Martin is 60. Actress Susan Saint James is 59. Singer-musician Larry Graham is 59. Author Danielle Steel is 58. Actress Jackee Harry is 49. Actress Marcia Gay Harden is 46. Former basketball player Earvin "Magic" Johnson is 46. Singer Sarah Brightman is 44. Actress Susan Olsen is 44. Actress Halle Berry is 39. Actor Scott Michael Campbell is 34. Actress Mila Kunis is 22.