Sports briefs 12/16/03

Baseball

A stunt by a Houston radio station failed to drive Roger Clemens back into baseball. Clemens said Monday he was still retired, turning down a luxury sport-utility vehicle offered by a Houston car dealer in exchange for joining his hometown Astros. But Clemens didn't rule out changing his mind. Astros owner Drayton McLane isn't closing any doors, either. Having already agreed to a $31.5 million, three-year contract with Andy Pettitte, McLane wouldn't mind adding his former New York Yankees teammate.

The Mariners reached a preliminary agreement on a three-year contract with first baseman Scott Spiezio and acquired outfielder Quinton McCracken from the Diamondbacks for infielder Greg Colbrunn. Spiezio, 31, was a key player in Anaheim's 2002 World Series victory. He hit .265 with 16 homers and 83 RBIs that season. His deal, worth about $9 million, cannot be finalized until he passes a physical. While there was no announcement by the Mariners, the agreement was confirmed by a baseball source who spoke on the condition of anonymity. In addition to reacquiring Colbrunn, Arizona agreed to an $800,000, one-year contract with catcher Brent Mayne.

The Expos think Carl Everett's troubled past is behind him. The All-Star outfielder, who feuded with management in Boston but revived his career last season in Texas and Chicago, agreed to a contract with Montreal that guarantees him $7.5 million.

The Phillies agreed with free agent Roberto Hernandez on a one-year contract, adding yet another reliever to their rebuilt bullpen. Hernandez must pass a physical, expected to be taken Wednesday, before the deal is finalized. The contract guarantees him $750,000, with bonuses based on performance.

Basketball

Guard Ricky Davis was traded by the Cavaliers to the Celtics in a six-player deal, a source within the NBA told The Associated Press. The Cavs sent Davis, Chris Mihm, Michael Stewart and a draft pick to the Celtics for Eric Williams, Tony Battie and Kedrick Brown, the source said on condition of anonymity.

Colleges

Kansas coach Bill Self met with senior Jeff Graves and his family before practice but gave no indication when the suspended senior might be allowed back on the team. Self suspended the 6-9 Graves last Friday for repeated violations of team rules, such as showing up late for practice or missing it altogether.

Football

Rich McKay officially joined the Falcons as president and general manager less than a week after leaving Tampa Bay because of a rift with coach Jon Gruden. McKay said his relationship with Gruden had deteriorated so much that he had to ask Tampa Bay executive vice president Joel Glazer to release him from his contract.

The Broncos breathed a little easier after tests showed Clinton Portis' right leg injury is not as bad as first thought. Portis had to be helped off the field Sunday after bending his leg at an awkward angle in Denver's 23-20 overtime win over Cleveland, but an MRI on Monday showed only ankle and knee sprains. Broncos coach Mike Shanahan wasn't sure when Portis would be able to return to practice, and listed him as questionable for Sunday's game against Indianapolis.-- From wire reports