Chiefs Sign Johnson to Seven-Year Contract

The Kansas City Chiefs signed running back Larry Johnson to a seven-year deal Thursday, making him the second first-round draft pick to agree to terms.

The deal is worth $8.8 million and includes a signing bonus of a little more than $3 million, a football source told Associated Press, speaking on the condition of anonymity.

The 6-foot-1, 220-pound back from Penn State was the 27th overall selection in the draft. Former USC quarterback Carson Palmer, taken No. 1 overall by Cincinnati, is the only other first-round selection to sign.

Johnson led the nation last year with 2,655 all-purpose yards. He said he stayed out of negotiations between the club and his agent, Marvin Demoff.

“For me to come in and say I want more dollars, money I haven’t earned, I think I’d be showing a lot of disrespect not only for the players now, but the players of the past,” Johnson said. “I’m truly grateful Kansas City gave me the opportunity to sign early.”

*

The Indianapolis Colts restructured Edgerrin James’ contract, saving the team about $1.6 million against this year’s salary cap. The restructured deal reduces James’ salary from $1.275 million to $530,000 but gives him a $2.48-million signing bonus.

*

Offensive tackle Tony Boselli gave up on his comeback from shoulder injuries and announced his retirement.... Tackle Courtney Van Buren, the San Diego Chargers’ third-round draft pick, signed a three-year contract.... The Detroit Lions signed rookie receiver David Kircus to a three-year contract.... The NFL has denied Carolina Panther defensive back Rashard Anderson’s bid for reinstatement to the league, which suspended him for violating its substance abuse policy.

*

Pro Basketball

The father of Sacramento King player Keon Clark was charged with first-degree murder in the shooting death of an acquaintance at Danville, Ill.

Free-agent point guard Erick Strickland signed a multiyear deal with the Milwaukee Bucks. The Bucks signed two other free agents Thursday: forward Brian Skinner and 7-foot-1 center Daniel Santiago.

Carmelo Anthony, the third pick in the draft, signed with the Denver Nuggets. He was eligible for a three-year deal worth about $8.67 million.... The Cleveland Cavaliers signed free-agent point guard Kevin Ollie, giving them a veteran to take pressure off rookie LeBron James.... Golden State free agent Gilbert Arenas will be arraigned Aug. 5 on charges of possessing a concealed weapon and driving without a license, stemming from a June traffic stop at San Francisco.... The Toronto Raptors signed free-agent center Mengke Bateer to a two-year contract.... Richard Hamilton agreed to a new deal with the Detroit Pistons.

*

Miscellany

The Washington men’s basketball program was docked one scholarship and put on probation for two years by the NCAA because of recruiting violations by assistant coach Cameron Dollar.

Ohio State offensive tackle Ivan Douglas will sit out this season after doctors discovered a blood clot near his chest.... Arkansas fullback Brandon Kennedy has been arrested for misdemeanor battery stemming from a traffic dispute at Fayetteville, Ark.

Second-seeded Guillermo Coria beat David Ferrer, 6-1, 6-1, to advance to the quarterfinals of the Mercedes Cup at Stuttgart, Germany. Defending champion Mikhail Youzhny also advanced with a 7-6 (1), 6-4 victory over fifth-seeded Jiri Novak.... Third-seeded Juan Ignacio Chela of Argentina was upset by Ruben Ramirez Hidalgo, 6-1, 6-1, in the second round of the Dutch Open at Amersfoort, Netherlands.

Hall of Fame basketball coach Don Haskins was charged with driving while intoxicated at El Paso.

Former Arcadia High baseball coach Mike Parisi had his arraignment on drug charges continued until Thursday. Parisi, 30, has been charged with possessing a controlled substance, being under the influence of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Gonzaga, Stanford, St. Joseph’s and California will play in the 2003 Pete Newell Challenge men’s basketball doubleheader Dec. 20 at Oakland.