SPORTS digest

Eaton apologizes for tweet during Oscars

GLENDALE, Ariz.

Chicago White Sox outfielder Adam Eaton apologized Monday for a tweet he posted during the Academy Awards telecast.

While host Chris Rock was making his opening monologue Sunday night, Eaton tweeted why “does it always have to be about black and white? #American”

Rock’s comments referred to the lack of black nominees at the Oscars, and Eaton said his intention was to discuss equality. Some Twitter followers — Eaton has nearly 35,000 — took offense to a statement they felt was vague.

“I feel terrible,” Eaton said. “I mean no harm and I apologize. I should not have even gone into that realm.

“In my baseball world, we have equality. Everybody in this room I respect and love, and everybody has an opportunity.”

Eaton said he is re-evaluating his dealings with social media. “I want to have a connection with people and I may step back for a little bit,” he said.

Former OF Jones joins Braves as assistant

ATLANTA

The Atlanta Braves are bringing back former 10-time Gold Glove center fielder Andruw Jones as a special assistant to baseball operations.

Jones already was with the team as a guest instructor in spring training. Under the official capacity, he will focus on working with Braves outfielders. Jones, a native of Curacao, also will assist with the team’s international initiatives.

Chipper Jones also returned to the team this year in a similar capacity.

Andruw Jones, a five-time NL All-Star, won his string of Gold Gloves from 1998-2007. He set a Braves franchise record with 51 homers in 2005.

The 38-year-old Jones played in Japan the last two years before retiring. The team announced last week Jones will be inducted into the Braves Hall of Fame this summer.

Sixers’ Jahlil Okafor sidelined with bruise

WASHINGTON

Rookie center Jahlil Okafor is day to day after missing Philadelphia’s 116-108 loss at Washington with a bruised right shin.

Okafor got hurt during his 26-point performance in Sunday’s loss at Orlando. The No. 3 overall pick in last year’s draft is averaging 17.5 points and 7.0 rebounds.

Coach Brett Brown thinks the 20-year-old Okafor will only have to miss one game.

Clippers’ Lawler to get Hollywood star

LOS ANGELES

Ralph Lawler is going Hollywood.

The veteran Los Angeles Clippers broadcaster is getting his own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Lawler’s star in the radio category will be dedicated on Thursday during a ceremony attended by Clippers coach and president of basketball operations Doc Rivers. The star will be located on Vine Street near a sports bar.

The 77-year-old broadcaster is in his 37th year handling play-by-play for the Clippers, making him the third-longest tenured broadcaster in the NBA. Lawler has broadcast more than 2,800 Clippers games during his career.

He will have the 2,575th star on the Walk of Fame.

Spurs sign Miller, have 2 oldest active players

SAN ANTONIO

The Spurs have signed 39-year-old guard Andre Miller four days after the oldest player on an NBA roster was waived by Minnesota.

The addition of Miller on Monday gives the Spurs the two oldest active players, according to STATS. Miller turns 40 on March 19, followed by Tim Duncan on April 25.

Miller had spent all season with the Timberwolves, his eighth team. The 17-year veteran averaged 3.4 points and 2.2 assists in 26 games.

The eighth overall pick by Cleveland in 1999, Miller has career averages of 12.6 points, 6.6 assists and 3.7 rebounds in 1,291 appearances, which ranks 20th on the career list. He is ninth in NBA history with 8,495 assists.

Staff/Wire