Bo Jackson, former Chicago White Sox outfielder and NFL star, filed a defamation suit yesterday in Cook County (Ill.) Circuit Court against a Southern California newspaper that published a story on its Internet site alleging steroid use led to Jackson's hip-replacement surgery.

Jackson said he saw the story, published March 24 in the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin, on the newspaper's Web site. He is suing for unspecified general and punitive damages. His lawyer, Dan Biederman, also said they want the newspaper to print a retraction.

The story was written off a forum in which teenagers were warned about the use and abuse of steroids. The reporter, sports writer Jim Mohr, quoted a dietary expert who raised the allegation against Jackson.

"Bo Jackson lost his hip because of anabolic abuse," Mohr quotes Ellen Coleman telling the audience.

Coleman denies making the statement and Biederman said Coleman signed an affidavit saying she never made the statement either in public or in private. Biederman also says he has a videotape of the conference in which Coleman never mentions Jackson.

With Jackson by his side at a news conference at U.S. Cellular Field before the Indians-White Sox game, Biederman said the former Pro Bowl running back and All-Star outfielder "never used steroids" and Mohr "will be held accountable."

"This lie cannot stand," Biederman said.

BALTIMORE: Rafael Palmeiro made his second straight start at first base. Jay Gibbons started at designated hitter. However, Orioles manager Lee Mazzilli said Gibbons will get the majority of starts this season at first.

BOSTON: RHP Curt Schilling, working his way back from offseason ankle surgery, was scheduled to pitch today for Class AAA Pawtucket in Indianapolis.

CHICAGO: Manager Ozzie Guillen said he was starting Jose Contreras in the series-ender today because he felt more comfortable starting Orlando Hernandez at Minnesota tomorrow.

KANSAS CITY: Manager Tony Pena went with an all-right-handed lineup against Detroit LHP Mike Maroth. It paid off as Tony Graffanino went 4 for 4 with a walk in the Royals' 7-2 win.

LOS ANGELES: RF Vladimir Guerrero was presented with his MVP plaque and Silver Slugger Award. 1B Darrin Erstad received his third Gold Glove — which made him the first player in history to earn the award as an infielder and an outfielder.

NEW YORK: Derek Jeter, hit in the head by Mike Timlin's fastball, was taken to the hospital for tests, but they showed nothing abnormal. "We didn't fear anything," Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said. "We just wanted to be certain. We didn't want a phone call at 2 a.m." The pitch sailed up and in, glancing off Jeter's left shoulder and hitting him above the left ear in the eighth inning. He stayed in the game, but told manager Joe Torre he had ringing in his ears as he ran the bases. Jeter was replaced by Rey Sanchez in the ninth.

OAKLAND: The Athletics placed SS Bobby Crosby on the 15-day disabled list with a fractured rib. Oakland head trainer Larry Davis said it is unknown how long Crosby will be out. Oakland manager Ken Macha said Marco Scutaro will take Crosby's place.

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