NFL: Harrison apologizes for remarks

Pittsburgh linebacker James Harrison has apologized for using an anti-gay slur to refer to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell in an interview with “Men’s Journal,” and says his critical statements about teammates were taken out of context. Harrison posted a statement on his Twitter account last night.

In the article, the Steelers’ star criticized Pittsburgh quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and running back Rashard Mendenhall for their play in last season’s Super Bowl loss to Green Bay.

MEDIA: Shaq joins Turner Sports

Shaquille O’Neal agreed to a multiyear deal with Turner Sports to become an analyst on its NBA coverage, where he will fold his 7-foot-1 frame into the fourth chair on the TNT set alongside Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith and Ernie Johnson. O’Neal also will contribute to NBA TV and NBA.com.

MLB: Big Papi, Gregg suspended four games

Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz and Orioles closer Kevin Gregg each received a four-game suspension and an undisclosed fine from Major League Baseball for their parts in Friday’s benches-clearing melee, according to MLB.com.

NHL: Islanders agree on deal with Colliton

The Islanders say they have agreed with forward Jeremy Colliton on a one-year, two-way contract. The 25-year-old Colliton had two goals and one assist in 15 games with the Islanders last season.

TOUR DE FRANCE: Sanchez wins 12th stage

Spanish climbing specialist Samuel Sanchez won the 12th stage of the Tour de France and Thomas Voeckler retained the overall lead.

COLLEGE: Georgia Tech put on probation

The NCAA put Georgia Tech on four years of probation, fined the school $100,000 and stripped its ACC title game victory from the 2009 football season for violations that also included problems in the men’s basketball program.

ETC.: Soccer rule book fetches $1.4 million

Soccer’s oldest rule book, dating from 1857, was sold at auction in London yesterday for 881,250 pounds ($1.42 million). The handwritten pamphlet was sold to a telephone bidder at Sotheby’s auction house as part of an archive of Sheffield FC, the world’s oldest football club.

* The NBA laid off about 114 people over the last two days, planned cost-cutting moves that a league spokesman said yesterday are “not a direct result of the lockout.” The laid off employees represent about 11 percent of the league office workforce in New York, New Jersey and internationally.