Action 3 News - Omaha, Nebraska News, Weather, and Sports | Americans filing protest after DQ in 400 relay
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BERLIN (AP) - Soon after turning in the fastest time, the United States was disqualified from the 400-meter men's relay at the world championships Friday for passing the baton outside the zone.
The botched race follows the fumbled the exchange at the Beijing Olympics last summer.
The U.S. appealed the decision, citing inconclusive video footage, and a ruling is expected later in the day.
With memories of Beijing still fresh, the relay team took a cautious approach, making slow and safe exchanges. The final pass, however, between Shawn Crawford and Darvis Patton may have been outside the zone.
Patton was part of the blown exchange in Beijing, along with Tyson Gay, who didn't run Friday because of a groin injury.
Before the disqualification, the U.S. was in line for a showdown in the finals with Usain Bolt and the Jamaicans on Saturday. The Americans easily advanced while the Jamaicans, running without Bolt and Asafa Powell, finished second in their heat.
"My thing is safe baton passes in the semis," Crawford said moments after the race. "When it comes to the finals, just let it all out."
The Americans may not get a chance to enact that plan.
After the race, Patton said he doesn't give the bad exchange from Beijing a moment's thought. Running the anchor leg Friday, he grabbed the baton and simply took off.
"If you dwell on the past, I think it can hamper your progress," Patton said.
The exchange between Patton and Crawford wasn't even the dicey one.
That was the pass from Mike Rodgers to Crawford. Crawford slowed way down, making sure he had a firm grip before taking off.
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