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Boston — The Big Three of the Boston Celtics are now a Very Big Four.

The Eastern Conference champions signed 7-foot-1, 325-pound Shaquille O’Neal on Wednesday, adding the 15-time All-Star to a team needing his size with center Kendrick Perkins recovering from knee surgery that could sideline him until February.

The deal with the free-agent center is for two years and about $3 million, a person with knowledge of the negotiations said on condition of anonymity because no details were released.

NBA

Ex-player Wright memorialized

Memphis, Tenn. — The procession moved slowly and solemnly Wednesday, a long line of mourners dressed in black and white, pausing in front of the silver casket of their slain native son Lorenzen Wright.

Hundreds of fans, friends and family members of the former NBA player filed into the FedEx Forum in Memphis for Wright’s memorial service and funeral, remembering the man many called “Ren” as a loving, gentle, charitable family man.

Pistons re-sign Ben Wallace

Auburn Hills, Mich. — The Detroit Pistons have re-signed center Ben Wallace to a two-year contract worth $1.9 million per season.

Baseball

Ryan wins auction for Rangers

Fort Worth, Texas — Hall of Fame pitcher and Texas Rangers president Nolan Ryan has won the high-stakes bidding war for the team.

Officials in federal bankruptcy court in Fort Worth, Texas, announced early today that the group led by Ryan and Pittsburgh sports attorney Chuck Greenberg had made the best bid for the team. They staved off a fierce challenge from a group led by billionaire Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban.

The news prompted cheers and a standing ovation in the courtroom 10 hours after the auction began.

The Greenberg-Ryan group’s final offer included $385 million in cash.

Sweeney traded to Phillies

Seattle — The Seattle Mariners traded five-time All-Star hitter Mike Sweeney to the Philadelphia Phillies on Wednesday for a player to be named later or cash considerations.

College athletics

Alabama gives AD extension

Tuscaloosa, Ala. — Alabama athletic director Mal Moore is reaping rewards from the success of Alabama’s football program and recent facilities upgrades.

The University of Alabama system board of trustees’ compensation committee voted Wednesday to extend Moore’s contract through June 30, 2014, and give him a six-figure raise.

ISU DB Sims out for opener

Ames, Iowa — Iowa State coach Paul Rhoads says defensive back David Sims has been suspended for the season opener against Northern Illinois.

Sims was accused of charging gas, groceries and shoes on the debit card of a Des Moines woman who had loaned it to her son before he visited Ames.

Jury weighs decision in Pitino case

Louisville, Ky. — A jury deliberated for nearly two hours Wednesday but went home without reaching a decision in the case of a Kentucky woman accused of demanding millions from Louisville basketball coach Rick Pitino to keep quiet about their sexual tryst.

Karen Cunagin Sypher, 50, has pleaded not guilty to extortion and other charges. She did not testify in her own defense, and her attorneys rested their case without calling any witnesses. In closing arguments, they claimed her ex-husband tried to extort the coach.

NFL

Suh signs, joins Lions

Allen Park, Mich. — The Detroit Lions waited four-plus days to get Ndamukong Suh on the field, then wasted no time putting him on their first-string defense in his first practice.

Suh took a flight from Nebraska to Michigan on Wednesday, signed his contract, passed a conditioning test and joined his teammates for drills on a muggy afternoon.

Suh’s five-year contract is worth $40 million guaranteed and as much as $68 million, a person familiar with the negotiations told the Associated Press.

Goodell: Roethlisberger doing more

Westminster, Md. — NFL commissioner Roger Goodell says Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is doing more than he was asked to do by the league when given a six-game suspension after being accused of sexual assault.

Goodell says he will meet with Roethlisberger before the regular season starts in September and determine whether to reduce the punishment to four games.

Bills release LB Schobel

Pittsford, N.Y. — Calling it “the fair thing to do,” the Buffalo Bills released top pass-rusher Aaron Schobel on Wednesday, providing the veteran linebacker the opportunity to sign with another team or retire.

Broncos add RB White

Englewood, Colo. — The Denver Broncos have signed LenDale White to strengthen their banged-up backfield.

Former Chargers DL dies

San Diego — The San Diego Chargers say former defensive lineman Gary “Big Hands” Johnson has died. He was 57.

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