FOOTBALL

RB JOHNSON SIGNS 6-YEAR EXTENSION WITH CHIEFS

Holdout running back Larry Johnson agreed to a six-year contract extension and joined the Kansas City Chiefs for practice yesterday, surprising teammates who broke into scattered cheers when he jogged unannounced onto the field.

“Lar-ry! Lar-ry,” many players chanted. They had already been practicing for about 45 minutes when No. 27 suddenly appeared in their midst and began running plays.

Johnson, 27, set the NFL record with 416 carries last year while rushing for 1,789 yards, snapping the team record he set the year before. His six-year deal includes a $19 million guarantee.

After practice, Johnson quickly dressed and left without speaking with reporters. A team spokesman said he would hold a news conference at 11 a.m. today. Chiefs president and general manager Carl Peterson said a fine of $14,280 per day for missing 25 days of training would be paid, meaning the holdout cost Johnson about $357,000.

EAGLES RELEASE 4-TIME PRO BOWLER TROTTER

Jeremiah Trotter, one of the fiery leaders of the Philadelphia Eagles defense for much of the last decade, was released Tuesday in a surprise move that may lead to his retirement.

Trotter, a four-time Pro Bowl selection at middle linebacker in two stints with the team, learned of the decision in a meeting with Eagles coach Andy Reid on Monday night that both men described as emotional.

“It’s a tough pill to swallow, but everyone gets to this point in their career at some point or another, and now is my time,” the 30-year-old Trotter said at a news conference. “I’m just thankful that I spent this many years in Philadelphia. I truly believe that if you were to cut me, I’d bleed green.”

With his hard hits and emotional play, including the ax-swing he would pantomime after big plays, Trotter was a crowd favorite in Philadelphia.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL HURRICANES OUT OF ORANGE BOWL IN 2008

The Orange Bowl hosted a dozen games that decided college football’s national championship, five Super Bowls and a speech by John F. Kennedy.

Miami football called it home for seven decades — but after this year, no more.

The Hurricanes will play at Dolphin Stadium starting in 2008, leaving the historic but decaying Orange Bowl in what university president Donna Shalala called “a painful and sad decision.” University trustees voted to make the move Tuesday, despite the offer of $206 million by city officials to renovate one of Miami’s bestknown landmarks.

BASKETBALL

FORMER TIMBERWOLVES FORWARD DIES CRASH

Former Minnesota Timberwolves forward Eddie Griffin died last week when his sport utility vehicle collided with a freight train in a fiery crash, the Harris County medical examiner’s office said Tuesday.

Investigators used dental records to identify Griffin, 25, who began his tumultuous pro career with the Houston Rockets in 2001. He was waived by the Timberwolves in March.

The five-year veteran, who was the No. 7 pick in the 2001 NBA draft, had battled alcohol problems since coming out of Seton Hall. Griffin was suspended by the league for five games in January for violating its anti-drug program.

Houston police said in a report that the driver of the SUV ignored a railroad warning and went through a barrier before striking the moving train about 1:30 a.m. Friday.

BASEBALL

BONDS’S 756TH HOME RUN BALL IS GOING TO AUCTION

No. 756 is going to auction.

Barry Bonds’ record-breaking home run ball will be sold online, and fortunate fan Matt Murphy figures to be a half-million dollars richer.

The 21-year-old New York man said Tuesday he had no choice but to sell the ball — several people told him he would be taxed on the valuable souvenir if he holds onto it.

“It wasn’t hard. It was simple math. I’m upset by the decision I had to make,” Murphy said. “I wanted to keep it. I’m young. I don’t have the bank account. … It would have cost me a lot more to keep it.”

PHILLIES LOST HAMELS, BUT UTLEY SET TO RETURN

Cole Hamels has a strained elbow and will miss at least one start, possibly more, offsetting the good news for the Philadelphia Phillies that All-Star second baseman Chase Utley will soon return from the disabled list.

Hamels (14–5, 3.50 ERA) will have an MRI exam and skip his scheduled start today against Los Angeles after complaining of persistent soreness in his left elbow.

The Phillies’ ace could miss up to three weeks depending on the results, team doctor Michael Ciccotti said last night.