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Johnson signs extension with Hendrick

(AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

HOMESTEAD, Fla. (AP) Jimmie Johnson, on the verge of a NASCAR record fourth consecutive championship, signed a contract extension Friday to drive for Hendrick Motorsports through the 2015 season.

The announcement comes just two days before Johnson is likely to wrap up the Sprint Cup championship at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Johnson goes into Sunday's finale with a 108-point lead over Hendrick teammate Mark Martin and needs only to finish 25th or better to win the title.

"Jimmie is charting new territory in our sport, and that's due to a combination of natural talent and unsurpassed work ethic," team owner Rick Hendrick said. "How he's committed himself is just incredible, and it shows in everything that he does - not just on the racetrack.

Ireland replay appeal rejected
LONDON (AP) There will be no rematch. Ireland's hopes for a replay of its World Cup qualifier against France ended Friday after both FIFA and the French Football Federation rejected requests for another game. (MORE)

Knicks decide not to pursue Iverson

GREENBURGH, N.Y. (AP) The New York Knicks won't sign Allen Iverson, believing any short-term gain would hinder their plans to build for the future.

Team president Donnie Walsh said Friday the team won't make any additions at this time despite its 2-9 record. He added the decision to pass on the former MVP had nothing to do with Iverson's ability to play or his character in the locker room. (MORE)

QB Orton misses third straight practice

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) Kyle Orton missed a third consecutive practice Friday because of a sprained left ankle and has only an outside chance of playing Sunday when the Denver Broncos and San Diego Chargers meet with first place in the AFC West on the line.

Broncos backup Chris Simms again took first-team practice repetitions, as he has all week in the absence of Orton, who was injured during last week's 27-17 loss at Washington. (MORE)

Steelers S Polamalu out vs. Chiefs
PITTSBURGH (AP) Steelers safety Troy Polamalu did not practice all week because of a left knee injury and will not play Sunday in Kansas City. He may miss the Nov. 29 game at Baltimore as well. Polamalu sat out the Steelers' second through fifth games with a ligament tear, only to injure the same knee during an 18-12 loss to Cincinnati on Sunday. (MORE)

Turner, No. 15 Ohio St. beat No. 13 Cal
NEW YORK (AP) Evan Turner had 26 points and 14 rebounds, his fourth double-double in as many games, and No. 15 Ohio State beat No. 13 California 76-70 on Friday night in the third-place game of the 2K Sports Classic. The Buckeyes (3-1) went through an opposite experience from their 77-73 loss to No. 6 North Carolina in the semifinals of the tournament that benefits Coaches vs. Cancer. (MORE)

Strasburg hurts knee, won't need surgery
WASHINGTON (AP) The Nationals say No. 1 draft pick Stephen Strasburg has a dislocation in his left knee joint and should be fine for spring training. Strasburg was examined Friday by Dr. Lewis Yocum in Los Angeles. The Nationals say Strasburg will not require surgery, and that treatment will include rest and physical therapy. (MORE)

Browns' Cribbs expects to play Sunday

Death of Brees' mother ruled suicide
GRANBY, Colo. (AP) The death of the mother of New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees has been ruled a suicide. Mina Brees, an attorney from Austin, Texas, died Aug. 7 while visiting Colorado. Grand County coroner Brenda Bock concluded this week that the 59-year-old Brees died of a prescription drug overdose and ruled the death a suicide. (MORE)

ATP will not reopen Agassi doping case
LONDON (AP) The ATP Tour will not reopen a doping case against Andre Agassi even though he admitted to lying about using crystal meth in 1997. Agassi revealed in his recent autobiography that he failed a 1997 drug test, a result he says was thrown out after he lied by claiming he "unwittingly" took crystal meth. (MORE)

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