Overtime

NFL

Owens reinforces Super Bowl plans

For the third time in four days, Terrell Owens has made his intentions clear: He will absolutely, positively be playing in Super Bowl XXXIX.

He didn't say it publicly. And everyone still will have to wait nine more days to find out if it's actually true.

For now, it's just the latest installment of the continuing Owens Super Bowl circus, this time courtesy of former Dallas Cowboys receiver Michael Irvin, who now works for ESPN.

Irvin, in a "breaking news" item, said Owens told him he "definitely" would play in the Super Bowl on Feb. 6, "barring any unforeseen setbacks."

Irvin added that when Owens returned from his jogging at the Eagles' indoor practice facility on Thursday afternoon, he shouted to Eagles trainer Rick Burkholder, "Everybody said I couldn't do it, Rick, but it's going down."

Swimming

Six Augustans make ësweet 16' for 2004

Six members of Greater Augusta Swimming have been honored for placing in the top 16 in the nation in their age classes in 2004.

Jessica Hales, Holly Johnson, Ashley Scott and Pam Splichal were ranked No. 1 by United States Masters Swimming in the 200-meter freestyle relay with a time of 2:01.19. Hales, John, Scott and Emma Rout were first in the 400-yard freestyle relay with

4:01.23 and seventh in the 200-yard freestyel relay at 1:47.62.

Joel Johnson ranked 14th in the boys 17-18 100-yard backstroke, according to USA Swimming.

Baseball

Braves manage deal with Gryboski

The Atlanta Braves settled their final salary arbitration case, signing reliever Kevin Gryboski to a one-year deal for $877,500 on Thursday.

The Braves also closed in a deal with right-handed reliever Jay Powell on a minor-league contract. He pitched last season in Texas.

Gryboski, who made $377,500 last year, asked for $975,000 in arbitration. The Braves countered at $780,000.

The 31-year-old right-hander would receive a $2,500 bonus for pitching in 70 games, and $10,000 each for reaching 75 and 80 games. Last season, he worked in 69 games, going 3-2 with a 2.84 ERA and two saves.

- Former NL Rookie of the Year Hideo Nomo agreed to a minor league contract with Tampa Bay after spending more than two months on the disabled list and going 3-11 in 18 starts for Los Angeles in 2004.

Nomo, who was invited to the major league spring training camp, has a 10-year record of 118-101 with a 4.05 ERA in 301 games, including 299 starts.

He was Los Angeles' opening-day starter last season but struggled with injuries.

- Japanese infielder Tadahito Iguchi and the Chicago White Sox completed their $4.95 million, two-year contract.

The 30-year-old Iguchi spent eight years with the Fukuoka Daiei Hawks of Japan's Pacific League and batted.333 with 24 homers and 89 RBI last season.

He's won two stolen base titles, three Gold Glove awards and been a four-time All-Star.

- Former Colorado Rockies pitcher Denny Neagle pleaded innocent to a solicitation charge stemming from allegations that he offered a woman $40 for sex in Golden, Colo.

Neagle's lawyer, Harvey Steinberg, filed the plea in Jef¤ferson County District Court. Neagle was not present.

Police issued the solicitation citation on Dec. 3, and the Rockies terminated Neagle's contract three days later, citing the provision in the uniform player contract that states the team can end the deal if the player shall "fail, refuse or neglect to conform his personal conduct to the standards of good citizenship and good sportsmanship."

- Outfielder Doug Glanville and utility player Damian Rolls reached preliminary agreements on minor league contracts with the New York Yankees.

Glanville would get a $550,000, one-year contract if he is added to the major league roster and Rolls would receive a $600,000, one-year deal.