COLLEGE FOOTBALL

ALABAMA, DOLPHINS AWAIT SABAN’S DECISION

Miami Dolphins coach Nick Saban needed another day to consider a job offer from Alabama.

Saban met with Dolphins owner Wayne Huizenga at the team complex for 10 minutes yesterday and asked for more time to decide.

“The meeting went good,” Huizenga said. “We had a quick meeting. We had a nice conversation. Coach asked if we could defer the decision until 10 o’clock tomorrow morning. And then he went into several reasons as to why he wanted to do that. I agree 100% with his reasons. I understand more now what he’s thinking about.”

BASKETBALL

O’NEAL COULD RETURN TO HEAT IN MID-JANUARY

Shaquille O’Neal, recovering from knee surgery, could return to the lineup January 15 against the Los Angeles Lakers when the Miami Heat complete a six-game road trip. The 34-year-old center will accompany the Heat on their Western swing beginning Friday, coach Pat Riley said. O’Neal hasn’t practiced since tearing cartilage in his left knee November 12.

He had surgery a week later and was then projected to be sidelined until at least late December. O’Neal is expected to resume running and practicing soon. He estimated he’ll need a “couple of practices” to feel comfortable enough to play.

HOCKEY

RED WINGS RETIRE YZERMAN’S NO. 19 JERSEY

Steve Yzerman spent his entire career trying to avoid the spotlight.

Even when the Detroit Red Wings retired his no. 19 jersey last night, he deflected credit during a ceremony at Joe Louis Arena.

Yzerman praised his family, the franchise’s front office, former coach Scotty Bowman and former teammates. Then, the usually stoic Yzerman got emotional when he addressed his adoring fans.

“My jersey is going to go up there and I hope as you watch it go up, and when you come back and see it, you give yourself a pat on the back because you’re a big reason why that jersey is up there,” he said. “It doesn’t represent what I did, but what we did as an organization.”

SOCCER

FULHAM AGREES ON DEAL FOR REVOLUTION’S DEMPSEY

Major League Soccer has agreed to send Clint Dempsey to Fulham of the English Premier League for what would be the largest transfer fee in MLS history — if the New England Revolution midfielder can obtain a British work permit.

Revolution spokesman Brad Feldman confirmed yesterday that the league agreed to the terms of a transfer. It could be worth up to $4 million, a person familiar with the agreement said yesterday, speaking on condition of anonymity because the deal was not yet final.

— Associated Press