Polamalu strikes rich deal
Pittsburgh Steelers star safety Troy Polamalu signed a four-year contract extension on Monday that made him the team's highest-paid player and one of the NFL's top-paid defensive backs.
Terms were not immediately available, but Polamalu's agent, Marvin Demoff, was seeking a signing bonus in the $15 million to $18 million range -- far more than the Steelers have given any player.
Polamalu's signing was the second major contract deal by the Steelers in two days. They agreed to a five-year contract Sunday with outside linebacker Lawrence Timmons, their first-round draft pick, that guarantees him $12 million and could be worth as much as $15 million.
Reid sons may settle legal woes: The two adult sons of Philadelphia Eagles coach Andy Reid are involved in negotiations that could preclude trials on drug, assault and traffic charges.
"A plea is possible. We're preparing for trial if that is going to be necessary," defense lawyer Ross Weiss said.
Garrett Reid, 24, and Britt Reid, 22, are due in court Thursday for a status hearing in suburban Montgomery County, where they were arrested in separate traffic stops the same day in January.
Martinez resumes pitching: Pedro Martinez resumed pitching to hitters after a 19-day hiatus, throwing 50 pitches Monday in a simulated game against New York Mets minor leaguers.
Martinez had been off on a planned break since throwing 50 pitches in a simulated game on July 3. The 35-year-old right-hander threw 60 pitches in a bullpen session last Thursday.
Former Browns player dies: Former St. Louis Browns Rollie Stiles, believed to be the oldest former major leaguer, died Sunday. He was 100.
Born Nov. 17, 1906, in Ratcliff, Ark., Stiles pitched for the Browns in 1930, 1931 and 1933, compiling a 9-14 record with a 5.92 ERA. Babe Ruth was among the hitters he faced.
McDyess gets new contract: The Detroit Pistons signed forward Antonio McDyess to a contract extension on Monday, keeping the team's top reserve off the free-agent market next summer.
McDyess, whose career once was in doubt because of knee operations, played in a career-high 82 games in each of the last two seasons. He has one season remaining on his current deal.
Nets coach gets extension: Lawrence Frank signed a multiyear contract extension on Monday with the New Jersey Nets, who have advanced to the playoffs each of the four seasons he has coached the team.
New Jersey finished 41-41 last season, but lost in the second round to the Cleveland Cavaliers, the eventual conference champions. Frank, the NBA's youngest coach at age 36, has never gotten the Nets beyond the second round.
Simon back with Islanders: Chris Simon got a second chance from the New York Islanders.
The rugged forward, still serving a record 25-game NHL suspension for a two-handed, swing-swinging attack against the Rangers' Ryan Hollweg last season, re-signed with the Islanders on Monday.
Simon agreed to a one-year deal worth $475,000, but will be forced to sit out the first five games of the season for the vicious hit.
-- The Boston Bruins obtained center Carl Soderberg from the St. Louis Blues for goalie Hannu Toivonen.