Alabama Gives Shula an Extension

Alabama coach Mike Shula received a one-year contract extension Tuesday but didn't get a raise to his $900,000 salary.

Shula, 40, has led Alabama to 4-9 and 6-6 records, including a berth in the Music City Bowl, in his first two seasons after taking over a program reeling from NCAA sanctions and the offseason firing of Mike Price.

The board of trustees' compensation committee voted unanimously in a brief teleconference to approve the extension keeping Shula under contract through the 2010 season, but didn't change any other part of his contract.

Shula's contract includes a base salary of $150,000 and a $750,000 talent fee.
The New England Patriots signed free agent kick returner Chad Morton on Tuesday. Morton injured his right knee last year and appeared in just six games for the Washington Redskins. He was released earlier in the month.

The Patriots also announced the signing of free agent guard Bryan Anderson and two 2005 draft picks, linebacker Ryan Claridge and quarterback Matt Cassel.

Honolulu businessman Manuel Sanchez, charged with defrauding the NFL of more than $500,000, has been placed on five years probation. Sanchez also was fined $25,000 and ordered to perform 250 hours of community service. The NFL sued the former chief executive officer with Tickets Plus in 2003, alleging it was owed $474,000 in Pro Bowl tickets sold by the company and a $100,000 event sponsorship fee for the 2003 game. Sanchez has paid the NFL $557,000 since he was charged. Two Tennessee football players who entered a contract to buy furniture to replace items destroyed in an apartment fire violated NCAA rules, documents show. Defensive tackle Jesse Mahelona and offensive lineman Arron Sears have been declared ineligible for competition until they pay $95.84 each for the value of having the furniture for one month and speak to the team about breaking NCAA rules. They will not be able to address the team until August practice begins, but their status does not prevent them from participating in voluntary workouts this summer.