Gillooly Brother Accuses Harding -- Skater `Turned' For FBI, He Says

PORTLAND, Ore. - Tonya Harding's ex-husband decided to divulge the champion skater's role in the attack on Nancy Kerrigan after authorities convinced him Harding had turned on him first, his brother has said.

Jeff Gillooly, one of four men arrested in the Kerrigan case, was surprised when he learned that Harding had not stuck with the cover story the two made up, his brother, John Gillooly, told The Associated Press yesterday.

John Gillooly said his brother's attorney, Ron Hoevet, tried to convince his client that Harding had turned on him, but Jeff Gillooly didn't believe it until he read a 46-page deposition the skater had given the FBI.

"Whatever implications were made against him, he has to rebut," John Gillooly said. "If it involves implicating her, that's probably the crux of it."

He said Harding told his brother shortly after she talked to the FBI that she had said nothing to link him to the Kerrigan plot.

Kerrigan was struck with a metal baton above the right knee after a workout Jan. 6 as she prepared for the U.S. Figure Skating Championships in Detroit. Harding went on to win the championship.

As expected, Harding was on the list of 12 athletes submitted yesterday by the U.S. Figure Skating Association to the U.S. Olympic Committee as participants in the Winter Games, which begin Feb. 12 in Lillehammer, Norway. However, the USFSA also submitted the names of 10 replacement skaters, including 13-year-old Michelle Kwan, who would compete if Harding is dropped from the team.

The USFSA has formed a special committee to decide if there is probable cause to revoke Harding's association membership, a first step toward possible removal from the Olympic team.

Jeff Gillooly testified for two hours Saturday before the Multnomah County grand jury, which apparently did not meet yesterday.

Norm Frink, Multnomah County deputy district attorney, said yesterday he didn't expect any indictments to be issued soon.

Jeff Gillooly reportedly has made a deal in which he will plead guilty to one count of racketeering and receive a two-year prison sentence and a $100,000 fine. Hoevet has said he expects his client to hold a news conference today or tomorrow, an indication he plans to enter his plea by then.

John Gillooly believes his brother's public statement would set off a chain of events.

"This will come to a head very quickly and will be resolved once Jeff makes his statement," John Gillooly said.