THE SIDELINES : More Star Athletes Drop N.Y. Meet

NEW YORK —  Hurdler Greg Foster and sprinter Leroy Burrell, two of the biggest attractions for Saturday’s New York Track and Field Games, have withdrawn, the meet’s executive director, Fred Lebow, said.

Lebow announced today that Burrell, who was timed in 9.94 seconds for 100 meters this year, the fourth-fastest clocking ever, has an injured left leg.

He said he had received a message from Foster’s club, World Class Athletes, saying only that the two-time world champion and 1984 Olympic silver medalist in the 110-meter high hurdles, would not compete. There was no further explanation.

Burrell and Foster joined a growing list of key athletes who have withdrawn from the first major international outdoor meet in New York in 23 years. Others included women’s milers Mary Slaney, Lynn Williams of Canada and PattiSue Plumer, men’s high hurdler Arthur Blake and pole vaulter Billy Olson.