FOOTBALL

ATLANTA SIGNS QB HARRINGTON

Joey Harrington signed a twoyear deal with the Atlanta Falcons yesterday, becoming a leading contender to back up starting quarterback Michael Vick.

Harrington, the third overall pick by Detroit in the 2002 draft, started 11 games with Miami last season after being obtained by the Dolphins in a trade with the Lions. He threw for 2,236 yards with 12 touchdowns and 15 interceptions.

Harrington was benched for the final game last season and then released by Miami.

BRONCOS, SHANAHAN AGREE ON 3-YEAR EXTENSION

Broncos coach Mike Shanahan has signed a three-year contract extension, keeping him in Denver through the 2011 season.

Shanahan, 54, led Denver to Super Bowl victories in 1997 and 1998. Since becoming head coach in January 1995, he has led the Broncos to seven playoff appearances and a 123-69 regular season record, best in the NFL over that span.

Although he’s had just one losing season, in 1999, following John Elway’s retirement, Shanahan has just one playoff win in the last eight seasons.

BASEBALL

HAMPTON TO MISS SEASON FOLLOWING ELBOW OPERATION

Mike Hampton will have surgery on his left elbow today in New York, leaving the Atlanta Braves without one of their starting pitchers for the second straight season.

Hampton, who had elbow ligament-replacement surgery performed by Dr. Dave Altchek on September 26, 2005, will have a torn tendon in the elbow repaired by Altchek today. He is expected to be held out of pitching activities for at least six months.

Hampton was examined in New York yesterday by Altchek, and the diagnosis was the latest in a series of medical setbacks for the lefthander. Hampton was unable to make a start in spring training after straining muscle in his left side during batting practice.

INDIANS MOVE SERIES WITH ANGELS TO MILWAUKEE

With the grounds crew still shoveling snow off the field, the Cleveland Indians decided it was time to head north to Milwaukee.

The Indians moved their series against the Los Angeles Angels to Milwaukee’s Miller Park after a spring snowstorm wiped out Cleveland’s series against Seattle for the fourth straight day yesterday.

“I thought we were going to move it to North Dakota, but we got Milwaukee instead,” joked Indians designated hitter Travis Hafner, a native of Sykeston, N.D.

CARDINAL ACE CARPENTER PLACED ON DISABLED LIST

Cardinals staff ace Chris Carpenter was placed on the 15-day disabled list yesterday after an MRI exam in St. Louis revealed arthritis and a previously undiscovered impingement in his right elbow.

Carpenter, limited to one start this season, will rest for the next 10 days to two weeks and will be reexamined after that. The condition sometimes requires surgery but also can be cured by rest and treatment.

According to a statement issued by the team, there was no evidence of an acute ligament injury.

COLLEGE BASKETBALL

KANSAS FORWARD WRIGHT JUMPING TO THE NBA

Julian Wright, the versatile but inconsistent power forward who helped Kansas win two straight Big 12 titles, is skipping his last two years to enter the NBA draft.

The 6-foot-8-inch Chicago player said at a news conference yesterday that money wasn’t the deciding issue.

“Money has never been my motivation,” he said. “It’s not my family’s motivation). Mostly, just playing and feeling like I’m able to advance my game to the next level. It’s not about the money. I’m just happy and grateful to have the opportunity.”

HOCKEY

SAKIC SIGNS 1-YEAR DEAL WITH AVALANCHE

Joe Sakic had too good of a season to even consider retiring.

The Colorado Avalanche captain signed a one-year deal Monday to remain in Denver. Sakic had 36 goals and 64 assists this season, giving him 100 points for the first time since 2000-01. He tied for sixth in the NHL in points.

The 37-year-old Sakic could’ve tested the free agent waters over the summer but preferred to remain in Colorado.