O’Neal Fined And Suspended

Shaquille O’Neal was suspended for one game and fined $10,000 by the NBA on Monday for slapping Utah center Greg Ostertag before their teams’ season opener last week.

O’Neal apologized to Ostertag earlier in the day, admitting he had failed to set a good example for young people.

“I hope he accepts my apology and that he and I can put behind us any bad feelings,” he said in a statement.

“I made a mistake. Instead of focusing upon what is best for the team, I got caught up in the drama of the season’s first game and reacted emotionally instead of logically,” said O’Neal, who was to miss Tuesday night’s game at Sacramento.

Ostertag did not immediately comment on the suspension.

Rider is AWOL

Isaiah Rider, fresh off a two-game suspension from the NBA, was a no-show at the Portland Trail Blazers’ practice Monday.

Team officials were at a loss to explain why Rider, who has made a habit of being tardy for workouts and missing flights, wasn’t at the Blazers’ practice facility in Tualatin, Ore.

Coach Mike Dunleavy told Portland radio station KXL he was disappointed at Rider’s absence, and said the guard likely would be fined. But he won’t be suspended, and could be back in uniform for tonight’s game against the Timberwolves.

Around the league

Michael Jordan rescued the Chicago Bulls again Monday night.

He hit a 3-pointer to force overtime, made a tying jumper in the first overtime and scored three of Chicago’s final four points in the second extra period as the Bulls outlasted the San Antonio Spurs 87-83.

Jordan, who shot just 12 of 39, finished with 29 points and 13 rebounds. Dennis Rodman had 22 rebounds for the Bulls.

San Antonio’s David Robinson scored 21 points with 12 rebounds and rookie Tim Duncan added 19 points and matched Rodman with 22 rebounds.