MLS fined Kansas City coach Ron Newman $1,500 and Columbus midfielder Marcelo Carrera $500 for their actions during the waning moments of the Wizards’ 2-1 win over the Crew at Ohio Stadium July 4. Newman was fined for his physical confrontation with Crew defender Mike Lapper, his attempts to provoke a fight with several Columbus players and his foul language. Carrera was fined for his physical confrontation with Newman inside of the Wizards’ technical area. MLS commissioner Doug Logan reprimanded the Kansas City coach in an open letter: “I have carefully reviewed the video tape evidence of your behavior in your game against the Columbus Crew on July 4, 1997. Your words and actions were disgraceful and constitute a severe disservice to the game of soccer at every level. I hope that you will take this opportunity seriously to reflect upon your actions so that our public (which includes many children) is not subjected to such a provocative, and ultimately embarrassing, display in the future.”