O'Neal apologizes for language
TORONTO, Feb. 2 (UPI) -- Laker Shaquille O'Neal apologized Monday for using profanities during a live television broadcast after a Lakers-Raptors game.
"My comments were made out of frustration in the heat of the moment," a statement released by the Lakers said on his behalf. "But I realize that my choice of words was inappropriate and again, I would like to apologize."
The NBA is reviewing the interview, KABC-TV reported Monday.
O'Neal scored a season-high 36 points to lead the Lakers to an 84-83 victory in Toronto on Sunday in his third game back after missing 12 because of a strained right calf.
He was angered by the officiating, and made that clear with his choice of language during the post-game interview, language usually frowned upon in network television broadcasts.
When reminded he was being broadcast live, O'Neal reportedly uttered another profanity before the interview continued.
Detroit Tigers sign Ivan Rodriguez
DETROIT, Feb. 2 (UPI) -- Catcher Ivan "Pudge" Rodriguez, a 10-time all-star, signed a four-year $40 million contract Monday with the Detroit tigers.
"We are thrilled to have him on board," Tigers President David Dombrowski said. "Many individuas have worked over an extended period of time on signing Rodriguez."
Rodriguez leaves the world champion Florida Marlins for a Detroit team that lost an American League record 119 games last season.
"To get a player of this magnitude, it's a start," Tigers Manager Alan Trammell said in reference to the team's efforts to rebuild.
The Tigers have signed other players recently, including outfielder Rondell White, second baseman Fernando Vina and pitchers Al Levine and Jason Johnson.
Rodriguez was the American League's Most Valuable Player in 1999. He is a career .304 hitter with 231 home runs and 914 runs batted in.
Bengals tackle arrested in Houston club
HOUSTON, Feb. 2 (UPI) -- Levi Jones of the Cincinnati Bengals, a 6-5, 310-pound left tackle, was arrested early Monday morning following a fight at a Houston night club.
In town for the Super Bowl, Jones reached for an officer's baton before several others were forced to restrain him, police spokesman John Cannon said. Jones had ignored instructions from police to clear the area outside the Mercury Room.
Jones, 24, and his cousin, Fred Robinson, 29, were charged with interfering with the duties of a public servant.
Jones just completed his second season with the Bengals, who made him a first-round pick in the 2002 draft.
Tampa Bay re-signs Coach Gruden
TAMPA, Fla., Feb. 2 (UPI) -- Tampa Bay Buccaneers Coach Jon Gruden has signed a two-year extension that will keep him under contract through the 2008 season, it was reported Monday.
The Tampa Tribune reported the extension is worth nearly $9 million, with Gruden set to make $4.3 million in both the 2007 and 2008 campaigns.
The team was unavailable for comment.
After Gruden led Tampa Bay to its first Super Bowl title last season, the Buccaneers missed the playoffs this past season with a 7-9 record.
Gruden was named Tampa Bay's seventh coach on Feb. 18, 2002, signing a five-year, $18 million deal.
In late December, Tampa Bay general manager Rich McKay resigned to take a similiar position with the Atlanta Falcons.
