Eli Manning to become NFL’s top-paid player

Eli Manning has agreed to a new six-year, $97-million contract extension with the New York Giants that will make him the highest-paid player in the NFL, with an average salary of roughly $15.3 million.

A person close to the talks who asked not to be identified says Manning is guaranteed $35 million under the deal that will keep him with the Giants through the 2015 season. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal was not signed and had not been announced.

Manning declined to talk to the media at lunch.

This deal will give Manning an average salary that is roughly $200,000 higher than the one earned by All-Pro cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha of the Oakland Raiders, who agreed to a three-year, $45.3-million contract this year.

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Donte Stallworth, suspended indefinitely after killing a pedestrian while driving drunk, met in New York with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell about a possible reinstatement, according to media reports. . . . Goodell reassured retired players that their pensions and disability benefits would not be reduced in a labor dispute next year, rebutting statements made by the NFL Players Assn. . . . New Orleans Saints running back Reggie Bush injured his surgically repaired knee Wednesday morning but practiced with the team in the night session. . . . The Miami Dolphins became the latest team to crack down on the use of Twitter by players, reporters and even spectators. Other teams to have similar crackdowns include the Denver Broncos, New England Patriots, Buffalo Bills, Indianapolis Colts, New Orleans Saints and Detroit Lions. . . . As expected, the Arena Football League has shut down. The league sent a one-paragraph statement to its teams late Tuesday announcing it had suspended operations after 22 years.

PRO BASKETBALL

Roy, Trail Blazers extend contract

Two-time All-Star Brandon Roy and the Portland Trail Blazers have agreed to a five-year contract extension, his agent said.

Agent Bob Myers confirmed to the Associated Press that Roy has agreed in principle to a five-year contract at the NBA maximum salary. The fifth year is at Roy’s option.

Former Philadelphia 76ers coach Randy Ayers has returned to the team as an assistant under Eddie Jordan.

JURISPRUDENCE

Trial date set for Delaware betting

A federal judge denied a request by professional sports leagues and the NCAA to halt Delaware’s planned sports betting lottery until a legal challenge is resolved.

Chief District Judge Gregory Sleet set a Dec. 7 trial date on the plaintiffs’ claims that the sports betting plan violates a federal ban on sports gambling, as well as Delaware’s state constitution.

Former Ohio State football star Maurice Clarett has withdrawn a request for early release from prison so he could pursue an NFL career.

ETC.

Klitschko agrees to fight Arreola

Vitali Klitschko has agreed to defend his World Boxing Council heavyweight title against rising prospect Chris Arreola of Riverside at Staples Center on Sept. 26.

Arreola promoter Dan Goossen confirmed details of the much-rumored fight to the Associated Press.

Jozy Altidore says he has joined English Premier League club Hull subject to the granting of a work permit. The 19-year-old U.S. striker announced on Twitter that he will be introduced at a news conference today. . . . The site of the 33rd America’s Cup will be the Persian Gulf port Ras al-Khaimah, United Arab Emirates, after it was selected by two-time defending champion Alinghi of Switzerland. The event, which will feature American challenger BMW Oracle Racing, is scheduled to begin Feb. 8. . . . Joan Benoit Samuelson, 52, will run the New York City Marathon this fall to celebrate the 25th anniversary of her gold medal in the first women’s Olympic marathon in Los Angeles. . . . Olympic champion Usain Bolt and Tyson Gay will compete in the 100 meters in Brussels on Sept. 4 after going head-to-head at next week’s world championships in Berlin.