James not likely to sign extension

LeBron James is going to make the Cleveland Cavaliers wait -- and sweat.

James indicated Friday that he was unlikely to accept a contract extension from the Cavaliers until after the 2009-10 season and presumably will become a free agent.

At an event in his hometown of Akron, Ohio, to unveil Nike Air Max LeBron VII, the latest sneaker in his signature line, James made his strongest comments yet about his future. The NBA’s reigning most valuable player said he signed a three-year contract in 2006 to give him more options once it expires.

“I signed a contract in 2006 with an option, and it would make no sense for me to sign that contract if I didn’t keep my options open,” he said. “I’ll let you fill in the blanks.”

The Cavaliers offered James a contract extension on July 18, the three-year anniversary of the signing of his current contract. The team could offer the extension -- at the highest salary allowed -- of up to three years. James can sign the extension offer any time before June 30, 2010.

The Atlanta Hawks re-signed forward Marvin Williams. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported the restricted free agent agreed to a five-year, $37.5-million deal . . . Ben Wallace is coming back to the Detroit Pistons, a person with knowledge of the deal said. Wallace will receive a $1.3-million, one-year deal. . . . The Boston Celtics have signed free-agent center/forward Shelden Williams to a contract.

MOTOR RACING

Johnson wins pole at Watkins Glen

Jimmie Johnson won the Sprint Cup pole at Watkins Glen (N.Y.) International.

Johnson turned a lap at 123.633 mph in 71.34 seconds to earn the first road course pole of his career in a qualifying effort. Johnson edged Kurt Busch, who turned a lap at 123.619 mph and 71.35 seconds. Denny Hamlin was third at 123.093 mph and 71.65 seconds for Sunday’s race at the Glen.

Former Indianapolis 500 winner Gil de Ferran says he will retire as driver of his American Le Mans Series team at the end of the season so he can focus on the business side of his de Ferran Motorsports program.

TENNIS

Roddick will play Isner in semifinals

Andy Roddick defeated big-hitting Ivo Karlovic, 7-6 (4), 7-6 (5), in the quarterfinals of the Legg Mason Tennis Classic at Washington.

Roddick will play unseeded John Isner, who scored a 6-3, 6-7 (10), 6-2 upset win over eighth-seeded Tomas Berdych.

Elsewhere, fourth-seeded Fernando Gonzalez defeated Tommy Haas, 7-5, 6-4. Gonzalez will play second-seeded defending champion Juan Martin del Potro, who advanced after Robin Soderling withdrew before their quarterfinal because of a right elbow injury.

Austrian player Tamira Paszek will not be suspended while officials investigate whether a medical treatment she received for a back injury violated doping regulations.

JURISPRUDENCE

Broncos’ Jordan sued over gambling debt

A Las Vegas Strip casino has sued Denver Broncos running back LaMont Jordan over $20,000 in gambling debts plus interest.

Lawyers for the Mirage hotel-casino filed the lawsuit in Clark County District Court and said Jordan applied for six gambling markers in June 2008.

Former New York Giants star Plaxico Burress will be arraigned this month on a weapons charge for shooting himself in the thigh at a New York City nightclub. He will appear in court Aug. 20.

ETC.

Florida is No. 1 in coaches’ poll

Defending national champion Florida tops the USA Today preseason football coaches’ poll, receiving 53 of 59 first-place votes.

Texas was second in the poll released Friday, followed by Oklahoma, USC, Alabama, Ohio State, Virginia Tech, Penn State, Louisiana State and Mississippi.

Texas had four first-place votes. Oklahoma and USC each had one.

The Associated Press preseason top 25 will be released Aug. 22.

The Denver Broncos have agreed to terms with top pick Knowshon Moreno, the first running back selected in the NFL draft at No. 12. He missed his eighth day of training camp Friday while his agent and the team were hashing out the final details of a five-year deal expected to carry $13 million in guarantees.

Jessica Hardy broke the world record in the 100-meter breaststroke by nearly half a second at Federal Way, Wash. The American was timed in 1 minute 4.45 seconds at the U.S. Open, lowering the old mark of 1:04.84 set by American Rebecca Soni at the world championships.

Two goals by Raul and another by Cristiano Ronaldo in the opening 26 minutes sent Real Madrid to a 5-1 victory over host Toronto FC in a friendly international soccer match.