FOOTBALL

JETS, PENNINGTON CLOSE TO EXTENSION

Jets quarterback Chad Pennington is close on a deal that will net him about $22 million in guaranteed money. His agent, Tom Condon, who did not return telephone messages, and Jets negotiator Mike Tannenbaum, who does not comment on contracts, were meeting yesterday to finalize details. The contract is expected to run six or seven years.

With the 2004 season being the last under the contract he signed as a first-round draft choice, the team recognized the need to re-sign Pennington before he became a free agent. Pennington, who is entering his fifth season, set a deadline of September 1, but now says that is flexible. He simply wants the deal done before the season begins, or else negotiations will be cut off.

GIANTS REACQUIRE WHITTLE FROM BUCS

The Giants reacquired guard Jason Whittle from Tampa Bay for an undisclosed draft pick yesterday in a move to help New York’s struggling offensive line.

Whittle spent five seasons with the Giants, starting 14 games in 2002. He signed with the Bucs last season as an unrestricted free agent and had an up-and-down year after breaking a leg in a minicamp. The 6-foot-4, 305-pounder started the first five games at right guard for Tampa Bay.

WOODSON SIGNS TENDER, JOINS RAIDERS

Charles Woodson signed the Oakland Raiders’ one-year tender for $8.782 million on yesterday, joining the team for the first time after a 33-day holdout. The four-time Pro Bowl cornerback can now begin negotiating the long-term deal he wants.

Coach Norv Turner said Monday that Woodson wouldn’t play in tomorrow’s exhibition against St. Louis. Turner also said Woodson wouldn’t start and would play nickel back in the Raiders’ season opener September 12 at Pittsburgh.

The Raiders placed the franchise tag on Woodson in February. The 27-year-old Woodson, who’s entering his seventh pro season, is seeking a big-money, long-term contract and reportedly wants to be the highest paid cornerback in the NFL.

FALCONS LOSE HALL FOR TWO MONTHS

The Atlanta Falcons learned yesterday that rookie cornerback DeAngelo Hall will miss six to 10 weeks with a small fracture on the left side of his hip.

Hall, the no. 8 overall pick and the first cornerback taken in the draft, had been designated as the starter on the left side three months ago by coach Jim Mora. Kevin Mathis will replace Hall Friday night when the Falcons visit Washington.

SANDERS JOINS THE RAVENS

Deion Sanders is back in the NFL, this time with the Baltimore Ravens. The seven-time Pro Bowl defensive back passed his physical yesterday and formally ended his retirement by signing a one-year contract laden with incentives. Sanders will practice with the team for the first time today, and expects to play in the Ravens’ season opener September 12 against Cleveland.

Sanders, 37, played cornerback in his prime, but will be used as a fifth defensive back in Baltimore.

OLYMPICS

HAMMER THROWER VOWS TO KEEP MEDAL

Adrian Annus, the Hungarian hammer thrower who was stripped of his gold medal after refusing to take a follow-up drug test at the Athens Olympics said yesterday he still considers himself the champion and vowed to keep his medal.

Annus also reiterated his decision to retire rather than deal with what he called a campaign to manipulate test results against him.

Annus was ordered to take another drug test after he returned to Hungary, but failed to show up. Refusing to take a drug test is considered the same as testing positive. He was stripped of the medal at an IOC disciplinary hearing that he did not attend. Annus said he is still considering legal action against the IOC.

SOCCER

ROONEY SIGNS WITH MANCHESTER UNITED

Teenage sensation Wayne Rooney joined Manchester United yesterday despite a last minute holdup caused by his broken foot, which will keep him off the pitch for at least another month.

Manchester United finalized the deal to acquire the 18-year-old striker from Everton at the transfer deadline date. The six-year deal is worth $48.3 million; with agent fees, the total soars to $54 million.

– Associated Press