UPI NewsTrack Sports

Arizona signs WR Fitzgerald to $40 million deal

TEMPE, Ariz., March 11 (UPI) -- All-Pro wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald reported Tuesday he has reached a contract agreement on a four-year, $40 million contract extension with Arizona.

The deal reportedly will ease the salary cap crunch Fitzgerald's previous contract was causing for Arizona. Fitzgerald, 24, had hit performance accelerators in his previous contract that had him slated to be paid more than $30 million over the next two seasons.

There had been speculation that because of the financial obligations to Fitzgerald the Cardinals might consider trading him. According to a release on his Web site, the contract will pay the four-year veteran $30 million guaranteed over the next four seasons, including $15 million guaranteed in 2008.

It also gives the 6-foot-3, 226-pounder a no-trade clause.

Fitzgerald led the NFC in 2007 with 100 receptions and 1,409 receiving yards, and had 10 touchdowns. In four seasons he has 330 catches for 4,554 yards and 34 touchdowns.

Navaratilova regains Czech nationality

PRAGUE, Czech Republic, March 11 (UPI) -- Former tennis star Martina Navratilova, who defected to the United States during the Cold War, said she has regained Czech nationality.

Navratilova, a nine-time Wimbledon champion, said she made the decision after she became embarrassed by the administration of U.S. President George Bush, The Times of London reported Tuesday.

However, she did not renounce her citizenship in the United States, a move that could prevent her from living in the country in the future.

The tennis champ said she moved to the United States in 1975 because she was embarrassed by communist rule, but she has now feels that way about the U.S. government.

"The thing is that we elected Bush. That is worse! Against that, nobody chose a communist government in Czechoslovakia," she said.

Panthers' WR Jarrett arrested for DUI

CHARLOTTE, N.C., March 11 (UPI) -- Charlotte Panthers wide receiver Dwayne Jarrett was arrested Tuesday for alleged drunken driving and was released on $1,000 bond, Mint Hill, N.C., police said.

Jarrett, 21, a second-round pick by the Panthers in the 2007 NFL draft, played his college football at the University of Southern California.

He had lackluster rookie season, catching six passes for 73 yards and no touchdowns, The Charlotte (N.C.). Observer reported.

Jarrett was arrested after he was pulled over about 3 a.m. Tuesday and an officer allegedly smelled alcohol on his breath. He failed a roadside sobriety test and was charged with driving while impaired, police said in a release.

"Our players know these kinds of situations are unacceptable," said Charlie Dayton, a Panthers spokesman.

Rangers third baseman to have surgery

SURPRISE, Ariz., March 11 (UPI) -- Texas Rangers third baseman Travis Metcalf will have surgery in Dallas Wednesday to repair a torn hamstring.

The team's Web site reported Metcalf was hurt running the bases Friday against the Milwaukee Brewers.

It was reported the surgical procedure is expected to last just 20 minutes, but Metcalf will be sidelined for six to eight weeks.

Metcalf batted .255 with five home runs and 21 RBI in 57 games for the Rangers last season.