Packers’ McCarthy gets a new contract

The Green Bay Packers signed Coach Mike McCarthy to a five-year contract Tuesday that runs through the 2012 season.

“We have accomplished some of our goals over the past two seasons, but there remains much left to be done,” McCarthy said in a statement. “I am excited by the opportunity to meet those challenges and someday return another Lombardi Trophy home to Green Bay.”

McCarthy, who had a year left on his original three-year deal, reportedly agreed in principle last month to the new contract, which is worth about $4 million a season.

McCarthy, who signed the deal without using an agent, said the paperwork on his new contract was completed Monday.

McCarthy, the franchise’s 14th head coach, tied a Packers record with 13 regular-season victories on the way to an NFC North Division championship and bye in the first round of the playoffs despite having the NFL’s youngest team.

The 44-year-old McCarthy, a Pittsburgh native, has won 18 of his last 22 games after getting off to a 4-8 start in his first season as head coach in 2006.

McCarthy said he likes the way the organization is set up and didn’t seek additional power regarding player personnel moves.

The New York Giants took the Super Bowl trophy on a parade in lower Manhattan, celebrating their upset over New England.

With organizers supplying a half-ton of confetti to rain down on the parade route, the Giants’ players and coaches rode flatbed trailers and open-roof buses that inched up Broadway behind bands and bagpipers.

The procession, still known as a ticker-tape parade for the streamers that used to be thrown from office windows in celebration, was the 203rd since 1886 and the first since the New York Yankees won the 2000 World Series.

New England Patriots defensive back Willie Andrews pleaded not guilty to drug possession, hours after authorities said they found him with a half-pound of marijuana in Lowell, Mass.

Andrews was charged with possession of marijuana with intent to distribute and driving an unregistered motor vehicle, a black Crown Victoria. Prosecutors said he had $6,800 in cash and three bags of marijuana.

Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo arrived in the Washington area to interview for the Redskins’ coaching vacancy.

Spagnuolo, Ron Meeks and Jim Fassel are the leading contenders to replace Joe Gibbs, who resigned Jan. 8.

Baltimore Ravens Coach John Harbaugh added two assistants, naming former USC offensive coordinator Hue Jackson as quarterbacks coach and former Michigan offensive line coach Andy Moeller as assistant offensive line coach. Jackson was the Atlanta Falcons’ offensive coordinator last season.

BASEBALL

Sanchez, Pirates reach an agreement

Second baseman Freddy Sanchez and the Pittsburgh Pirates agreed on an $11-million, two-year contract that includes an option for 2010 that could make the deal worth about $19 million.

The contract allows the 2006 National League batting champion to avoid an arbitration hearing.

Sanchez, who batted .344 and .304 the last two seasons for the Pirates, sought $4.9 million and the team offered $4.1 million.

All-Star outfielder Alex Rios will be with the Toronto Blue Jays for another year after signing a $4.8-million one-year contract, the club said. The 26-year-old recorded career highs last season with 24 home runs and 85 runs batted in.

Outfielder Scott Podsednik, catalyst of the Chicago White Sox’s World Series championship run in 2005, agreed to a minor league contract with the Colorado Rockies.

Japanese left-hander Katsuhiko Maekawa agreed to terms with the Washington Nationals on a minor league contract and will be invited to spring training.

Relief pitcher Brian Bruney and the Yankees agreed to a $725,000, one-year contract.

BASKETBALL

Player dies after collapsing at practice

An Ohio University Chillicothe basketball player died after collapsing during practice.

Jonathan Davis, 20, a sophomore from Hampton, Va., fell to the court Monday evening and was taken to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead, school spokesman Jack Jeffery said.

MISCELLANY

Bondarenko upsets Petrova in Paris

Defending champion Nadia Petrova was upset by Kateryna Bondarenko, 7-6 (4), 3-6, 6-4, in the first round of the Open Gaz de France in Paris.

Amelie Mauresmo, a two-time winner, cruised past qualifier Julie Ditty, 6-1, 6-2.

Notre Dame suspended football and lacrosse player Will Yeatman indefinitely for an undisclosed violation of team policy. The 6-foot-6 tight end from San Diego started three of 12 football games and had six catches for 37 yards.