Polamalu signs a big extension

Pittsburgh Steelers star safety Troy Polamalu signed a four-year contract extension Monday worth $30.19 million that makes him the highest-paid player in team history and one of the NFL’s top-paid defensive backs.

The deal guarantees that the Steelers will keep their most versatile defensive player through the 2011 season, when he will be 30, meaning Polamalu could negotiate another big-money contract before his career ends.

Polamalu said he didn’t want to leave as a free agent after this season and doesn’t expect to want to take off four years from now either.

“I didn’t want to be a player who is jumping from team to team,” Polamalu said. “I’ve always felt comfortable here. I think this organization, this tradition they have here, is very legendary and I always wanted to be part of this.”

Polamalu, an All-Pro safety in 2005, was due to make $1.08 million in salary and $1.72 million in guaranteed bonuses this season, for a total contract of $2.8 million and a salary-cap value of $1.63 million. His extension kicks in next season and will pay him a guaranteed $15.3 million during the 2008-2011 seasons in guaranteed money and roster bonuses, which are automatically paid as long as he is on the team.

The San Diego Chargers and KSPN 710 are expected to announce soon an affiliate deal calling for the L.A. station to broadcast at least 11 regular-season games. The station cannot carry a full schedule because of commitments to the Angels. The number of Chargers games the station carries will depend on whether the Angels make the postseason.

KMPC 1540 had been the Chargers’ L.A. affiliate, but that station has since been sold to Radio Korea.

-- Larry Stewart

Receiver Craig Davis agreed to a five-year deal, only the second time since 2001 that the Chargers’ top draft pick will be in training camp on time.... The New York Jets put veteran receiver Tim Dwight and linebacker Matt Chatham on the physically-unable-to-perform list.... Tight end Derek Schouman signed with the Buffalo Bills.... Cleveland center LeCharles Bentley was cleared by his surgeon to return to the playing field, another major step in his comeback from a career-threatening knee injury.

PRO BASKETBALL

Nets sign Coach Frank to multiyear extension

Lawrence Frank signed a multiyear contract extension with the New Jersey Nets, who have advanced to the playoffs each of the four seasons he has coached the team.

New Jersey finished 41-41 last season but lost in the second round to the Cleveland Cavaliers, the eventual Eastern Conference champions.

Frank is the NBA’s youngest coach at age 36.

The Detroit Pistons signed forward Antonio McDyess to a two-year contract extension, keeping the team’s top reserve off the free-agent market next summer.... Free-agent guard Morris Peterson signed with New Orleans, joining the Hornets after playing his first seven years with Toronto.... Travis Diener, a little-used point guard with Orlando the last two seasons, signed with the Indiana Pacers.... The Milwaukee Bucks signed free-agent forward Desmond Mason to a two-year deal.

TENNIS

Querrey ends slump with first-round victory

Sam Querrey beat Julien Benneteau, 7-6 (6), 6-1, in the first round of the Indianapolis Tennis Championships. Querrey hadn’t won an ATP tour match in seven weeks.

Evgeny Korolev eliminated Justin Gimelstob, 6-2, 6-4; Juan Martin Del Potro beat Amer Delic, 7-5, 7-6 (5); and Frank Dancevic defeated Benjamin Becker, 6-4, 6-3.

JURISPRUDENCE

Falcons cornerback faces misdemeanor charge

Atlanta Falcons cornerback Jimmy Williams is facing a misdemeanor marijuana possession charge in Richmond, Va.

State police charged the Hampton, Va., native on June 2, according to Goochland County General District Court records. An initial court appearance scheduled for July 16 was postponed until Dec. 3.

USC safety Josh Pinkard, arrested in May on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol, is scheduled to be arraigned today.

MISCELLANY

White has lead at U.S. Junior Amateur

James White had a five-under 66 to take a three-shot lead after the first day of stroke play in the U.S. Junior Amateur Championship at Augusta, Mo.

The tournament is considered the premier amateur event for players under 18. Past winners include Tiger Woods, David Duval and Johnny Miller.

Nebraska Athletic Director Steve Pederson, praised by some and derided by others for quickly remolding Cornhuskers football after coming to town five years ago, has agreed to a five-year contract extension.

The Pacific 10 Conference agreed to send teams to the Poinsettia Bowl in San Diego and the Hawaii Bowl in Honolulu.

After the 2008 season, the sixth-place team will play against a Western Athletic Conference school in the Hawaii Bowl and the seventh-place team will face a Mountain West Conference opponent in the Poinsettia Bowl.