Irvin Apologizes, Denies a Drug Problem

Speaking at length for the first time since being indicted on drug charges, Dallas Cowboy receiver Michael Irvin told ESPN on Tuesday he won’t be suspended from the NFL because he doesn’t have a drug problem.

“I think suspension is for somebody with a substance abuse problem--and I don’t have it. I definitely don’t have it,” Irvin said.

Irvin could not speak about his case because of a gag order, but he did apologize for the incident in which police say he was in a motel room with two topless dancers, cocaine and marijuana.

“I regret being in that room. I regret being in that situation,” Irvin said. “I’m sorry. I’m sorry to all the people that have backed me and love me, the people who know my character.”

Tennis

Thomas Muster defeated Czech David Rikl, 6-1, 7-5, in the first round of the Estoril Open in Portugal.

Second-seeded Yevgeny Kafelnikov of Russia lost to Italian Andrea Gaudenzi, 1-6, 6-3, 6-0.

American Jonathan Stark upset Magnus Norman of Sweden, 6-1, 7-6 (7-4), in the first round of the Indian Open in New Delhi, India.

Jurisprudence

Michigan quarterback Brian Griese was suspended from the team and appeared in court in Ann Arbor, Mich., for arraignment on a felony charge stemming from a weekend incident in which he allegedly smashed a bar window.

Athletic department spokesman Keith Molin said the matter is being treated as alcohol-related, which mandates suspension.

Griese, 21, the son of NFL Hall of Fame quarterback Bob Griese, is barred from spring practices, which have already started.

Although the American Arbitration Association believes that swimmer Jessica Foschi was not at fault for a positive test for steroids, swimming’s world governing body, FINA, said it was launching its own investigation.

FINA has the power to impose whatever punishment it deems necessary if it believes Foschi has broken its regulations.

Football

The former Cleveland Browns moved to Baltimore despite meeting only one of three key NFL guidelines for a franchise move, The Plain Dealer reported.

Three of the league’s nine guidelines for relocation were detailed in a confidential report given to each team by Commissioner Paul Tagliabue and the Browns met only one: the deteriorating condition of Cleveland Stadium made it unsuitable for long-term use by the team, the newspaper said.

Tight end Howard Cross remained a member of the New York Giants by signing a four-year, $5.2 million contract. . . . The Atlanta Falcons have reached agreement with former Denver defensive lineman Shane Dronett on a two-year contract. . . . The Philadelphia Eagles have re-signed defensive tackle Kevin Johnson to a one-year contract.

The Big West Conference plans to eventually expand from 12 to 16 members, adding two schools that play NCAA Division I-A football and two that do not, the league announced.

Basketball

Dominique Wilkins scored 35 points in Paris, leading Panathinaikos of Athens into the European Club Championships final as the Greek club beat CSKA Moscow, 81-71. Barcelona won the second semifinal over Real Madrid, 76-66.

Marquette reserve player Zack McCall has lost a year of eligibility because he tested positive for marijuana during the NCAA tournament, the school announced.

Wake Forest Coach Dave Odom agreed to a contract extension.

Miscellany

Lethbridge Coach Bryan Maxwell has been suspended for a year and fined $1,000 after two referees were assailed after a Western Hockey League playoff game in March.

Omar John Fareed, U.S. Davis Cup physician from 1976 to ‘91, died Monday at his home in Los Angeles of cardiac arrest. He was 80. Fareed was team physician under captains Tony Trabert, Arthur Ashe and Tom Gorman.