Sports in brief

NFL

Roethlisberger cleared for return to Steelers

Ben Roethlisberger was cleared by the NFL yesterday to return to the Pittsburgh Steelers beginning next week, although no decision has been made on the length of his suspension. He was suspended without pay for six games last month by commissioner Roger Goodell after a 20-year-old college student accused him of sexual assault in Milledgeville, Ga. No charges were filed.

The Steelers' next offseason workout is Tuesday, the first of three next week. They have three the following week, then are off until training camp starts on July 30. Roethlisberger already was cleared to join them in camp and can play in preseason games.

TENNIS

Cowboys Stadium to host event

Six days after Wimbledon, Jerry Jones' $1.2-billion Cowboys Stadium will host a pair of best-of-three matches, featuring Serena Williams against Maria Sharapova and Andy Roddick against John Isner. The showcase, to be held July 10, is called the Cowboys Tennis Slam.

GOLF

Mickelson 6 back at Colonial

Jason Bohn, Jeff Overton and Blake Adams shot 7-under 63s to share the first-round lead at the Colonial in Fort Worth, Texas, where 2008 champion Phil Mickelson's return turned into a struggle after an impressive start. Mickelson birdied the first two holes, but that was the lowest he got, finishing 1-over 71.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL

Tillman, Howard headline Hall of Fame class

The late Pat Tillman and Heisman Trophy winner Desmond Howard are among the 14 newly elected members of the College Football Hall of Fame. Tillman played linebacker for Arizona State from 1994-97 and gave up an NFL career to enlist in the Army in 2002. He was killed while serving in Afghanistan in 2004. Howard was a receiver for Michigan and won the Heisman in 1991. The coaches to be inducted are Barry Alvarez and Gene Stallings, who led Alabama to a national title in 1992.HORSE RACING

Dave in Dixie joins Belmont Stakes field

Trainer John Sadler said Dave in Dixie will run in the June 5 Belmont Stakes, increasing the likely field to 11. Co-owner Ike Thrash said Calvin Borel will ride.