PITTSBURGH — Ben Roethlisberger is dealing with a swollen head, an issue that has troubled many NFL quarterbacks. Only this time, it's not the result of too many commercial endorsements, a big contract or too much fan praise.

When the Steelers quarterback resumed practicing this week, he realized his helmet didn't fit right. He sustained a concussion Dec. 28 against Cleveland, and spent last week getting over headaches associated with the hit.

"I had a little headache after putting the helmet on because it was so tight," Roethlisberger said Wednesday. "But we'll deal with it and move on."

After receiving a concussion during the 2006 season, Roethlisberger declined to switch to a newer style of helmet designed to better protect against concussions. He apparently has not switched helmets this time, either, preferring to stay with the model he has traditionally worn.

OAKLAND, Calif. — Jason Giambi and the Oakland A's finalized a $5.25 million, one-year contract with an option Wednesday, bringing the free-agent designated hitter and first baseman back to the place he began his big league career.Giambi, who turns 38 today, follows a line of aging and injury-prone designated hitters in recent years with the A's — Frank Thomas, Mike Piazza, Mike Sweeney and then Thomas again.After leaving the A's following the 2001 season, Giambi signed a $120 million, seven-year contract with the New York Yankees. He was slowed by injuries and was ensnared in the federal and baseball investigations of performance-enhancing drugs.

Career saves leader Trevor Hoffman is closing in on a deal with the Milwaukee Brewers. A person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press Wednesday the sides are near an agreement. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the contract hadn't been completed.The 41-year-old Hoffman had pitched for the San Diego Padres since 1993, but the team recently withdrew its offer for next season. Hoffman posted 30 saves last season, increasing his saves record to 554, then became a free agent.

BOSTON — Boston College fired football coach Jeff Jagodzinski Wednesday, days after he was warned of dismissal if he interviewed for the coaching job with the New York Jets.BC athletic director Gene DeFilippo told Jagodzinski on Saturday that his job would be in jeopardy if he went through with the Jets interview. Jagodzinski met with the Jets Tuesday night. A few hours later, at a morning meeting lasting about 25 minutes, DeFilippo told Jagodzinski he was out.DeFilippo said he fired Jagodzinski over a "difference of vision for the future." Jagodzinski has been BC's coach for two years and had three years left on his contract.

CLEVELAND — Butler High seniors R.C. Double, Tanner Master and Justin O'Donnell played key roles in the Ford City hockey team's championship run at the Brother James Hockey Tournament last weekend.O'Donnell posted a 2.75 goals against average in net and won four games. Double led all scoring with four goals and eight assists. Master had four goals and one assist.Ford City defeated St. Francis of Buffalo, N.Y., 3-2 in the title game.