Police: Taylor not targeted

Washington Redskins safety Sean Taylor was shot to death in what police suspect was a random burglary, and there are no indications the player was targeted or knew his assailant.

“There’s nothing that indicates thus far that there’s some kind of involvement on the victim’s part,” said Robert Parker, director of the Miami-Dade County Police Department, adding it was “more like a random event.”

He said evidence at Taylor’s home indicates one or more intruders barged into the house early Monday in an attempted burglary. After a confrontation inside the home, Taylor was shot once in the upper leg and died early Tuesday.

Taylor’s family has scheduled a funeral service for Monday at Pharmed Arena at Florida International University in Miami.

Police have no suspects in Taylor’s shooting and have asked the public to come forward with any information.

“We have no reason to think this was anything other than a burglary or a robbery involving an intruder,” Parker said.

Police are still investigating, however, a possible link to a Nov. 17 break-in at Taylor’s home.

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BASEBALL

Devil Rays trade Young to Twins in 6-player deal

Outfielder Delmon Young was traded by Tampa Bay to Minnesota as part of a six-player deal that sent right-hander Matt Garza to the Devil Rays.

In a swap of promising youngsters that has been discussed for weeks, the Twins also gave up starting shortstop Jason Bartlett and minor league pitcher Eduardo Morlan, and acquired shortstop Brendan Harris and minor league outfielder Jason Pridie.

Young was runner-up for American League Rookie of the Year this season and gives Minnesota a replacement for center fielder Torii Hunter, who signed with the Angels.

Tribune Co will release financial data on the Chicago Cubs to potential buyers in January, Commissioner Bud Selig said.

When Tribune put the Cubs up for sale in April, the company hoped to have a deal before the end of the year, with analysts estimating that bids might top $1 billion.

While Selig said he had no idea when a deal could close, sources suggested it could easily drag into next season.

Reliever Scott Linebrink, 31, and the Chicago White Sox finalized their $19-million, four-year contract. . . . The Dodgers signed corner infielder Terry Tiffee to a minor league contract that includes an invitation to spring training. Tiffee batted .226 in 54 games with the Minnesota Twins from 2004 to ’06.

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JURISPRUDENCE

La Russa pleads guilty in Florida DUI case

St. Louis Cardinals Manager Tony La Russa pleaded guilty to driving under the influence in West Palm Beach, Fla., eight months after police found him asleep inside his running sport utility vehicle at a stop light and smelling of alcohol.

As part of his plea agreement, La Russa, 63, will serve at least six months’ probation, pay a $678.50 fine, complete DUI school and any recommended treatment and complete 50 hours of community service.

GOLF

Lickliter, de Jonge share qualifying lead

Frank Lickliter II and Brendon de Jonge shot 10-under 62s to share the first-round lead in the six-round PGA Tour National Qualifying Tournament at Winter Garden, Fla.

The top 25 finishers and ties will earn 2008 PGA Tour cards.

Jane Park shot a seven-under 65 to take a two-stroke lead over 10-year tour veteran Kelli Kuehne after the first round of the LPGA Final Qualifying Tournament at Daytona Beach, Fla.

The top 17 players Sunday after the fifth round will earn 2008 LPGA Tour cards, and the next 35 will receive conditional status.

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MISCELLANY

Svindal out for months after crash in practice

World Cup overall champion Aksel Lund Svindal of Norway will be sidelined for months following a crash during practice Tuesday in Beaver Creek, Colo., that left him with broken facial bones.

Defending champion AC Milan moved into the second round of the European Champion League with a 1-1 tie at Benfica, and Chelsea advanced with a 4-0 victory at Rosenborg.

The UCLA men’s soccer team lost to seventh-seeded Santa Clara, 3-1, in the second round of the NCAA tournament at Santa Clara. UCLA finished at 9-9-3. Santa Clara is 16-1-4.

UCLA senior Rachell Johnson and former Bruin All-American Nana Meriwether were invited to a Jan. 7-12 tryout for the U.S. volleyball team in Colorado Springs. Long Beach State’s Alexis Crimes was also among the 13 players invited.

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PASSINGS

Bill Willis, Hall of Famer and pioneer, at 86

Bill Willis, a pro football Hall of Famer and one of four players to break the sport’s color barrier in 1946, died of complications from a stroke at 86. Section B.