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SPORTS BITS: LeBron signs contract; two college football deaths; Jackson, Washington join Fed Cup; Miami Heat Championship DVD available.
*NBA star LeBron James has finally agreed to the five-year $80 million contract extension offered by his team, the Cleveland Cavaliers. The all-star agreed to the deal Saturday, stating: "I am very excited and happy to be re-signing with the Cavaliers. Staying in Cleveland ... provides me with the unique opportunity to continue to play in front of my family, friends and fans. I look forward to working toward bringing a championship to our great fans and the city of Cleveland."
*Two college football players died in separate incidents last week. Georgia Southern wide receiver Teddy Craft died Thursday after suffering critical injuries in a motorcycle crash two days earlier, and New Mexico State linebacker Shana Leaupepe, who was set to be a starter this season, was killed in a drive-by shooting Saturday in Long Beach, Calif. Craft, 22, died at Memorial Health University Medical Center in Savannah after a collision with another motorcyclist threw him from his Suzuki GSX motorcycle just outside the Statesboro city limits. Craft, who led the Eagles in receiving yards and touchdowns last season, was a starter since 2003 and led West Los Angeles College with 56 tackles in 2004, helping his team to a conference championship.
*African American tennis players Jamea Jackson and Mashona Washington will play for the United States against Belgium in the Fed Cup semifinals. The absence of both Venus and Serena Williams, due to Grand Slam fatigue and injury respectively, have given Jackson (ranked No. 58_ and Washington (No. 120) the opportunity to participate. Last weekend, Jackson scored a personal best at Wimbledon by advancing to the fourth round of a Grand Slam for the first time in her career. She was also the last American left in the tournament during its fourth round of play. She and Washington will join Fed Cup teammates Vania King and Jill Craybas for the best-of-five series against Belgium July 15-16 in Ostend, Belgium. They’ll face Wimbledon finalist Justine Henin-Hardenne, semifinalist Kim Clijsters, Kirsten Flipkens and Caroline Maes on an indoor hard court.
*Warner Home Video and the NBA have teamed up to release the official collector's edition DVD, “Miami Heat: 2005-2006 NBA Champions,” available for $24.98 beginning July 18. The package includes more than three hours of the best moments from the regular season, the Playoffs and The Finals along with exclusive behind-the-scenes access and interviews of players, coaches and NBA experts. Fans can pre-order the championship DVD online at www.NBAStore.com or through the Miami Heat’s Web site at HEAT.com, for delivery.
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