BRIEFLY\Pavin leads O'Meara by 1 shot.

Byline: Daily News Staff and Wire Services

Corey Pavin, starting off strong and making stumbling saves down the stretch, shot a 5-under-par 67 Thursday to take a one-stroke lead over Mark O'Meara in the first round of the Mercedes Championships at Carlsbad.

Pavin birdied four of the last five holes on the front nine for a 31 and made all pars on the back side, thanks to some nifty recovery shots.

Ron Weaver, the 30-year-old impostor on the Texas football team, may have placed bets on sports events for a small number of players on the team, Texas athletic director DeLoss Dodds said.

Dodds' announcement was the latest development in the bizarre story of Weaver, who enrolled at Texas last year as 23-year-old Ron McKelvey. Weaver also played under the name McKelvey at Pierce College.

Dodds said the players who allegedly placed bets with Weaver have been suspended from the football team pending the outcome of an investigation by the FBI and University of Texas police.

Weaver's sister, Bonita Money, who has acted as her brother's representative since his double identity was exposed last week, denied the allegations.

THE NFL

Saying he's not a violent person, Minnesota Vikings defensive end James Harris apologized for having "brought shame" upon himself and his wife by striking her.

Harris also said that he is not a bigamist, although his agent later said that Harris technically is married to two women.

THE NHL

Wayne Gretzky of the Kings earned his 15th NHL All-Star berth, leading Western Conference centers with 387,575 votes.

Defenseman Paul Coffey of the Detroit Red Wings rolled up a record vote among the six starters.