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NFL reinstates Bengals' Odell Thurman

CINCINNATI, April 21 (UPI) -- Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Odell Thurman has been reinstated from a league suspension, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announced Monday.

Thurman missed the 2006 season for violating the NFL Substance Abuse Policy and was denied reinstatement for 2007. The NFL cleared Thurman to train and work out at the Bengals' facilities in January.

"Odell has met the NFL's conditions for reinstatement and has been added to our off-season roster," Bengals Coach Marvin Lewis said. "It is now up to Odell to continue to meet all NFL guidelines, and to maintain a standard of personal responsibility that will allow him the chance to compete for a spot on our team."

Thurman led the Bengals in tackles as a rookie in 2005. He received a four-game suspension to begin the 2006 season for the substance abuse violation. Following a drunken driving arrest in September 2006, the NFL extended the suspension for the full season.

Skiles new Milwaukee Bucks coach

MILWAUKEE, April 21 (UPI) -- Scott Skiles agreed Monday to accept a multiyear contract to become head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks.

Skiles, 44, is a former Bucks player who has an overall record of 281-251 in eight seasons as an NBA head coach with Phoenix and Chicago. He was fired as coach of the Bulls during this past season after the team started 9-16.

The previous season, Skiles directed the Bulls to a 49-win season and a first-round sweep of Miami in the playoffs.

He replaces Larry Krystkowiak, who was fired last week after Milwaukee finished this past season with a 26-56 record.

Skiles got his first head coaching job in Phoenix in 1999, when he was promoted after Danny Ainge resigned. He has coached teams to the post-season five times.

Arizona's Jackson is NL player of the week

NEW YORK, April 21 (UPI) -- Arizona first baseman Conor Jackson, who hit nearly .500 last week, was selected the National League player of the week, NL officials said Monday.

Jackson hit .480 with three home runs and a league-leading 10 RBI from April 14-20. He tied for the NL lead with 27 total bases and two triples in winning his first player of the week honor.

Among other players considered for the award were Chicago Cubs Derrek Lee, Mark DeRosa, Reed Johnson, Geovany Soto and Ryan Theriot and Florida's Jorge Cantu, Josh Willingham and Scott Olsen.

Cabrera, Ramirez take AL player honors

NEW YORK, April 21 (UPI) -- Boston's Manny Ramirez and Detroit's Miguel Cabrera were selected the American League players of the week, league officials said Monday.

Ramirez and Cabrera, whose teams have the best (Boston) and worst (Detroit) records in the American League, were honored for their play in games April 14-20.

Ramirez, an outfielder, hit .417 with four home runs and eight RBI. It was the 16th time he's been named an American League player of the week.

Cabrera, the Tigers' third baseman, hit .429 with four doubles, four home runs and 11 RBI. It is his first American League player of the week honor but he won the award four times while a National Leaguer.

Others considered for this week's AL honor were: Chicago White Sox designated hitter Jim Thome; New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter; Boston's Kevin Youkilis; Angels pitcher Ervin Santana and Chicago White Sox pitcher John Danks.