FOOTBALL

Former Giants CB Peterson Joins Eagles

Will Peterson has a new team and a new name. The former Giants cornerback signed a one-year contract with the Philadelphia Eagles yesterday. He also dropped his last name and is going by William James now. To make room on the roster, the Eagles released cornerback/returner Dexter Wynn. Once considered one of the top young players at his position, James hasn’t played in a game since last September because of a back injury.

BASKETBALL

Bulls, Hinrich Agree To 5-Year Extension

Guard Kirk Hinrich and the Chicago Bulls agreed yesterday on a five-year extension, the maximum length allowed under league rules. The deal, which kicks in at the start of next season, is believed to be worth about $47.5 million. If Hinrich had not accepted the deal by 11:59 p.m. yesterday, he would have become a restricted free agent next summer and the Bulls would have had the opportunity to match any offer.

BASEBALL

Steinbrenner Okay After Falling Ill During Play In North Carolina

Yankees owner George Steinbrenner was hospitalized for the second time in three years after becoming ill while watching his granddaughter perform in a play. Steinbrenner was taken by paramedics to UNC Hospitals on Sunday, the Daily Tar Heel reported yesterday. Steinbrenner was released Monday morning and returned to Tampa, Fla., a spokesman, Howard Rubenstein, said.

—Associated Press