By The Associated Press

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. - A sports collectibles company has sued Shaquille O'Neal, claiming he violated their contract by providing an illegible autograph and refusing to sign souvenirs.

Dreams Inc., based in Plantation, Fla., requested the return of hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash and stock, plus compensatory damages for lost profits and sales, court documents say.

The company filed suit in Broward Circuit Court against O'Neal and Mine O'Mine, which has the rights to O'Neal's name. The suit alleges that the Los Angeles Lakers' center violated his agreement to autograph a specified number of souvenirs and serve on the company's advisory board.

O'Neal and Mine O'Mine denied breach of contract, requesting the case be dismissed along with claims that specifically mention O'Neal because the contract was with Mine O'Mine, not him.

The defendants also filed a counterclaim contending Dreams Inc. breached the contract. The counterclaim says the company failed to schedule signings or present items for O'Neal to sign after December 2001, and it says Dreams owes O'Neal hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Last week, Broward Circuit Judge Jeffrey F. Streitfeld ruled the case could go forward. Dreams' attorneys have requested a jury trial in the suit, which was filed last May.

"It's a very unique situation for the company," said Leonard K. Samuels, an attorney for Dreams. "They have excellent relations with all of their athletes. It took major problems from Shaquille O'Neal and his people for us to file a lawsuit."

Dreams has contracts with hundreds of current and former athletes, including Dan Marino, Vince Carter and Pete Rose.

Benjamine Reid, an attorney representing O'Neal and Mine O'Mine, said he didn't want to comment because the lawsuit is pending.

As president of Mine O'Mine, O'Neal signed a three-year contract with Dreams in December 2000, court documents say.

The agreement called for the company to pay O'Neal $1.85 million and 500,000 shares of Dreams stock - then worth about $1 a share. In exchange, he would make three appearances for the company, provide his autograph on 15,000 pieces of merchandise - 5,000 a year - and serve as a member of the company's advisory board.

According to the suit, O'Neal owed the company 1,800 autographed pieces after the first year of the agreement. Some of those he did autograph were illegible because he rushed the signature, the suit says.

O'Neal canceled signings, refused to promote the company and violated exclusivity provisions by signing memorabilia for others, the suit says. It says he also failed to provide promised Shaq-model shoes.

In a deposition, O'Neal said of Dreams that he "felt they were a good company." He said he didn't remember being told he would serve on the advisory board.