Buccaneers Lock Up McFarland Long-Term

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers took another step toward keeping the NFL’s stingiest defense together Tuesday by signing nose tackle Anthony McFarland to a five-year contract extension worth $34 million over the next six seasons.

McFarland, who teams with All-Pro Warren Sapp to form one of the most dominating defensive tackle tandems in the league, also received a $9.5-million signing bonus.

“Growing up, I thought the only way I’d see some of these numbers was through the lottery,” said McFarland, who had a year left on the contract he signed as a rookie entering the NFL as the 15th overall pick in the 1999 draft. “It’s a great opportunity to extend my career, and hopefully I’ll finish it here.”

The deal, which incorporates the $2.25 million McFarland was to earn this season, was a priority for General Manager Rich McKay, who can now turn his attention to trying to keep Sapp beyond 2003.

Sapp, a six-time Pro Bowl selection who’s on the verge of becoming Tampa Bay’s all-time sack leader, has one year remaining on the six-year, $36-million contract he signed in 1998.

“We understand the importance of Warren to our organization and our football team. And in no way shape or form should Anthony’s signing affect Warren Sapp,” McKay said.

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Chris McAlister was arrested and charged with driving under the influence early Monday morning in Virginia, a police spokesman said.

The Baltimore Ravens’ starting cornerback was pulled over for speeding and was charged at 2:36 a.m. Monday in Fairfax County, Va., according to Virginia state police.

McAlister, 26, was held at a Virginia detention center and missed Monday’s practice. After returning to the Ravens’ training camp later that day, he met with Coach Brian Billick and General Manager Ozzie Newsome and suited up for Tuesday’s final workout at McDaniel College in Westminster, Md.

McAlister recently signed a one-year contract worth $5.9 million as the Ravens’ franchise player.

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New York Giant Coach Jim Fassel grabbed a player by the face mask and then threw a helmet toward him during training camp at Albany, N.Y., in one of his angriest displays since taking over the team in 1997.

Second-year fullback Charles Stackhouse drew Fassel’s ire after throwing a punch at linebacker Dhani Jones during a red zone drill.

There were three scuffles within five minutes during a fight-filled afternoon practice at the University at Albany. Fassel called the team together after the last scuffle and threatened to kick the next pugilist off the team, no matter who it was.

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Tennessee Titan defensive end Jevon Kearse sprained his right ankle near the end of practice and was in a walking boot after being treated by trainers.

Coach Jeff Fisher said Kearse did not appear to be severely hurt. Kearse missed 12 games last season after breaking a bone in his left foot.

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Oft-injured Kansas City Chief offensive tackle Willie Jones, who sprained his neck and temporarily lost feeling in his body in an exhibition game this month, announced his retirement.

The 6-foot-6, 355-pound Jones was motionless on the field for nearly 10 minutes during the Hall of Fame game on Aug. 4 at Canton, Ohio, after a hit near the end of the second quarter against the Green Bay Packers. He sustained a similar injury last Nov. 7 in practice and sat out the rest of the season.

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Detroit wide receiver Az-Zahir Hakim will miss the remainder of the exhibition season after having arthroscopic surgery on his right knee.... The Chicago Bears traded nose tackle Ted Washington to the New England Patriots for a fourth-round pick in the 2004 NFL draft. Washington, 35, is a four-time Pro Bowl selection.... The Patriots signed free-agent offensive lineman Corbin Lacina, a 10-year NFL veteran who started every game for Minnesota last season.... San Francisco 49er starting cornerback Jason Webster will be out four to eight weeks after hurting his knee in practice.... Carolina Panther kick returner Michael Bates was acquitted of a drunken driving charge after a judge ruled there was insufficient evidence to prove the accusation.