Panthers’ Gamble signs deal

Chris Gamble could have been one of the most coveted free-agent cornerbacks in the NFL this off-season. But Gamble didn’t want the uncertainty, and the Carolina Panthers rewarded him Friday with a lucrative deal that will keep him in Charlotte through the 2014 season.

Gamble, 25, signed a six-year contract extension that agent Carl Poston said makes him one of the top five paid cornerbacks in the league. That would make it worth more than $50 million.

“I wanted to be in Carolina. I didn’t want to be with any other team,” Gamble said.

Dolphins linebacker Joey Porter has been fined $7,500 for verbally abusing an opponent after a play was over during Miami’s 48-28 loss to New England. . . . Oakland Raiders defensive lineman Gerard Warren also was fined $5,000 for roughing the passer against Denver.

New York Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress will sit out Sunday’s game against Washington after aggravating a sore right hamstring. Domenik Hixon will start in Burress’ place. . . . MRI tests on injured Dallas linebacker DeMarcus Ware and running back Marion Barber revealed no significant damage a day after both were injured in the Cowboys’ Thanksgiving Day victory over Seattle. . . . Middle linebacker London Fletcher and defensive linemen Andre Carter and Kedric Golston -- all with foot injuries -- did not practice Friday and will be game-time decisions for the Washington Redskins on Sunday against the New York Giants.

OLYMPICS

Five sports don’t meet code

Gymnastics, wrestling and volleyball were among five Olympic sports cited by the World Anti-Doping Agency for failing to implement consistent out-of-competition testing programs.

Handball and modern pentathlon were also described as falling short in complying with the code, which was approved in 2003 and sets out drug-testing rules across all sports and countries. The findings were submitted in a report to the WADA executive committee and foundation board in Montreal.

Ski racer Lindsey Vonn, 24, after suffering a bone bruise on her left knee in a training crash at Colorado last week, will be able to race at Aspen this weekend.

“The MRI turned out OK, so I just needed to be on crutches a few days,” said Vonn, last year’s World Cup champion and a U.S. Olympian.

-- Philip Hersh

ETC.

Hockey agent acquitted

Former NHL agent David Frost was acquitted of sexual exploitation while coaching in a junior league in Canada. Women who dated Quinte Hawks players as teens testified against Frost, accusing him of engaging in sexual acts with the young couples. The former players appeared as defense witnesses and denied the accusations.

Villa Park High and the Orange Unified School District have suspended boys basketball Coach Kevin Reynolds for two games for allegations first brought to light in a Times investigation earlier this year, Southern Section spokesman Thom Simmons confirmed. The section had urged the school and district to levy a more substantial punishment against the walk-on coach, however, and a spokesman for the organization said it would “leave our options open.” The suspension has to do with three players who either played or attempted to play as transfers.

-- Lance Pugmire