Sports in brief
Roethlisberger won't
appeal suspension
Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger says he won't appeal his six-game suspension for violating the NFL's personal-conduct policy.
Emphasizing that he committed no crime, Roethlisberger apologized yesterday to his teammates and fans for his behavior last month in a Georgia bar, where a 20-year-old college student accused him of sexual assault.
"The commissioner's decision to suspend me speaks clearly that more is expected of me. I am accountable for the consequences of my actions. Though I have committed no crime, I regret that I have fallen short of the values instilled in me by my family," Roethlisberger said in a statement. "I will not appeal the suspension and will comply with what is asked of me - and more."
"I am sorry to let down my teammates and the entire Steelers fan base. I am disappointed that I have reached this point and will not put myself in this situation again."
The suspension can be reduced to four games if Roethlisberger completes an evaluation mandated by the league. Roethlisberger is the first player suspended by Goodell under the conduct policy who hasn't been arrested or charged with a crime. Goodell said the league's conduct policy gave him the right to impose discipline regardless of whether Roethlisberger broke the law.
LeGarrette Blount, the Oregon running back suspended for punching a player last season, agreed to terms with the Tennessee Titans as an undrafted free agent. Blount missed eight games in 2009 for punching Boise State defensive end Byron Hout in the season opener Sept. 3. Blount returned late in the season and played in the Rose Bowl loss to Ohio State.
BASKETBALL
Oregon taps Creighton coach
Longtime Creighton coach Dana Altman has signed a seven-year deal at $1.8 million per year to become Oregon's new head basketball coach. Altman, 51, spent 16 seasons at Creighton, finishing with a 327-176 record. He led the Bluejays to 11 consecutive 20-win seasons before they went 18-16 this past season. He replaces Ernie Kent, who was dismissed after 13 seasons at his alma mater. The Ducks went 16-16 last season.
Creighton then hired Iowa State's Greg McDermott in a 10-year deal to replace Altman. McDermott led Northern Iowa to the NCAA Tournament three straight years before leaving for Iowa State in 2006. He did not have a winning season at Iowa State.
- AP
