Roethlisberger apologizes for behavior
PITTSBURGH, June 10 (UPI) -- Pittsburgh quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, in his first interview since being handed a six-game suspension, issued an apology to the team's fans Thursday.
Roethlisberger was accused of sexually assaulting a woman at a Georgia nightclub this year and although no charges were filed in the incident, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell suspended him for violating the league's personal conduct policy.
The quarterback consented to an interview with two Pittsburgh television stations Thursday.
"I've wanted to apologize for so many things," Roethlisberger said. "For being immature, for being dumb, for being young, not knowing any better, for getting caught up with everything that was still in my way.
"I didn't want to gain the whole world and lose my soul and that's what I was doing.
"From the bottom of my heart, I know I haven't been the best person, the best quarterback for the Steelers. I'm not just talking on the field, I'm talking off the field. I try my best and hardest to be a good role model with the kids and do things in the community, but I know I can be even better. That's what I want to do."
The interview came the day after the Georgia Bureau of Investigation released more than 50 taped interviews pertaining to the sexual assault case.
Goodell has ordered Roethlisberger to undergo behavioral evaluation as part of the suspension. The commissioner has said he might reduce the suspension to four games, but if Roethlisberger does not cooperate, the suspension could be lengthened.
Niese throws one-hitter against Padres
NEW YORK, June 10 (UPI) -- Jonathon Niese, in his 18th big league start, threw a one-hitter Thursday and the New York Mets earned a split of a doubleheader with a 3-0 win over San Diego.
Niese (3-2) allowed only a double to Chris Denorfia in the third inning. He then retired the final 21 batters while turning in the first complete game of his career.
He threw 108 pitches, 76 for strikes. It was the first nine-inning performance by the New York pitching staff this year.
There had been 25 previous one-hitters in franchise history and this was the first since Aaron Heilman threw one in 2005.
New York did all its scoring in the first three innings. Niese came across with one of the runs on a groundout by David Wright in the third.
Jon Garland (6-4) took the loss, giving up three runs on eight hits over six innings.
San Diego enjoyed a 4-2 victory in the first game of the day-night doubleheader, which was made necessary by Wednesday's postponement.
Westwood leads St. Jude Classic
MEMPHIS, June 10 (UPI) -- Lee Westwood, ranked third in the world and tuning up for next week's U.S. Open, grabbed the lead Thursday after one round of the St. Jude Classic.
Twenty players were still on the course when play was suspended for the day because of bad weather but none of them had a chance to affect the top of the leaderboard.
Westwood, runner-up to Phil Mickelson at this year's Masters, shot a 7-under 63. He needed just 29 shots to play his opening nine holes -- the back nine at the TPC-Southwind course.
The 63 equaled the best score he has shot on the PGA Tour.
Casey Wittenberg, who lives at the Southwind course and who received a sponsor's exemption to play in the tournament, was alone in second at 64.
Padraig Harrington shot a 65 to stand alone in third and 2001 St. Jude champion Bob Estes led a large group at 66. Zach Johnson, who won at the Colonial Invitational two weeks ago, posted a 67.
Rory McIlroy had a 69 and Ian Poulter had a 72. They both claimed their first win in the United States earlier this year.
Nadal wins among upsets in London
LONDON, June 10 (UPI) -- Rafael Nadal barely scrapped by but Novak Djokovic and Andy Roddick were beaten Thursday at the Aegon Championships in London.
Nadal, the world No. 1, who is coming off his triumph at the French Open, just shook off a challenge from No. 16-seeded Denis Istomin, escaping with a 7-6 (7-4), 4-6, 6-4 victory. Nadal had five service breaks in the match, including the final game, to advance to the fourth round.
Nadal won 112 points to 111 for Istomin, who attacked with nine aces.
The second-seeded Djokovic was taken out by Xavier Malisse 6-3, 4-6, 6-2. Malisse had four breaks while dropping serve only once.
Roddick, the No. 4 seed, went out in straight sets to No. 14-seeded Dudi Sela 6-4, 7-6 (10-8). Roddick had 10 aces but was unable to solve Sela's serve, winning just 17 points over 11 games.
Fifth-seeded Marin Cilic was also beaten with Michael Llodra taking a 7-6 (7-2), 6-2 decision.
And, in what may turn out to be another upset when the match is finished Friday, third-seeded Andy Murray was tied 4-6, 6-1, 3-3 with Mardy Fish when play Thursday was called because of darkness.
Also Thursday, seventh-seeded Sam Querrey got by Marcel Granollers 6-4, 7-6 (7-5) and No. 8-seeded Feliciano Lopez topped ninth-seeded Julien Benneteau 6-2, 6-4.
