Sports digest 12/26/01

GRAPEVINE, Texas -- Former Dallas Cowboys defensive end Harvey Martin, once a Super Bowl MVP, died of pancreatic cancer. He was 51.Baylor Health Care Center spokeswoman Maureen Porter said Martin died at 8:24 Monday night at Baylor Medical Center in Grapevine.

The four-time Pro Bowler starred for the Cowboys in the 1970s and highlighted his 11-year career by being the co-MVP of the 1978 Super Bowl.

Martin underwent major surgery about a year ago and his condition worsened recently. Porter said Martin's family planned to issue a statement by today.

Martin was one of the Cowboys' most popular players in the 1970s and early '80s, setting team records with 114 career sacks and 20 in 1977. That season he was the Associated Press' NFL defensive player of the year.

Lakers put O'Neal on injured list

LOS ANGELES -- Los Angeles Lakers star Shaquille O'Neal was placed on the injured list before Tuesday night's game against the Philadelphia 76ers because of soreness in his big right toe.

To replace the NBA's most dominant big man, the Lakers activated center Jelani McCoy from the injured list.

The move means O'Neal will miss at least five games, starting with the Christmas night contest against the Philadelphia 76ers, a rematch of the NBA Finals last June.

The 29-year-old O'Neal is tied for fifth in the NBA in scoring with a 26.0-point average, and is fifth in rebounding with an 11.5 average.

-- From wire reports