Niners, running back Gore reach four-year extension (ESPN.com)

The San Francisco 49ers and running back have reached an agreement on a four-year contract extension that guarantees the running back nearly $14 million, according to ESPN.com’s Len Pasquarelli.  The deal keeps Gore in the “City by the Bay” till 2011.

The breakdown from Pasquarelli –

Base salaries are $450,000 (for 2007), $2.5 million (2008), $2.5 million (2009), $2.85 million (2010) and $2.9 million (2011). The contract includes a $4.165 million option bonus and roster bonuses of $1.75 million (2009), $1.85 million (2010) and $2 million (2011). Gore’s full base salary of $2.5 million in 2009 is guaranteed.

NFL notes — Eli calls out Shockey, Burress; another day, another player arrested (USA Today)

• NY Giants quarterback Eli Manning has some words for teammates Jeremy Shockey, Plaxico Burress
• NY Giants sign former Chiefs LB Mitchell
• Denver Broncos wide receiver Marshall arrested

Independent league team signs Almonte (MLB.com)

Former Little League World Series pitching hero (before he got busted for being a senior citizen) Danny Almonte has signed a contract with the Independent League’s Southern Illinois Miners.

NFL replay is here to stay (AP)

in a 30-2 vote, the NFL owners approved the return of the NFL replay system, including the addition of high-definition equipment at all locations.

Pacman Jones to meet with Goodell (AP/USA Today)

In an “event” we’d love to be involved in, Pacman Jones will meet with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell on April 3 to discuss spring formal wear his run-ins with the law.

Henry gets cited — again (Cincy Enquirer)

We’ll let the lede of the story explain it –

Henry, 23, of Florence, was given a ticket last Wednesday and had his 2005 Cadillac Escalade impounded after he was ticketed for driving on a suspended license, failure to use turn signals and a seat belt violation.

Mr. Henry — Roger Goodell on line three…

NHL extends partnership with NBC (AP)

The National Hockey League and NBC extended their contract on Tuesday through next season (2008-2009).

Pujols’ fitness regimen highlighted (stlcardinals.com)

St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Albert Pujols’ fitness regimen to be profiled in the upcoming issue of Muscle & Fitness magazine.

Congressional hearings on DirecTV, MLB deal underway (BizofBaseball.com)

The great baseball business website BizofBaseball.com has a collection of the opening statements from the Congressional hearings in Washington, D.C. related to Major League Baseball’s deal with satellite provider DirecTV.

Pearl says he’s not interested in Iowa job (The Tennessean)

Updating an earlier posting — Tennessee Volunteers coach Bruce Pearl isn’t interested in the Iowa hoops coaching vacancy.

Erik Johnson will wait to turn pro (Hockeybuzz)

According to HockeyBuzz columnist Andy Strickland,  defenseman Erik Johnson has decided to turn pro next season instead of this week.

There had been speculation that the first overall pick of the 2006 NHL Entry Draft would elect to go pro this week.

Law: Baseball needs a backbone regarding DUIs (ESPN.com)

ESPN baseball analyst Keith Law says MLB needs to take a tougher stance on its personnel getting DUIs.

News and notes while looking at that mystery meat sandwich at lunch…

Erin Andrews: Unplugged (Video will open) (Hoops Odyssey)  She doesn’t like her YouTube vids.

Van Gundy wants draft lottery for all (Houston Chronicle) You win it all, you get shot at top pick.

Phelps steals show as world records tumble (Reuters) Smashes “Thorpedo’s” 200M freestyle record.

Shaquille O’Neill celebrates 35th birthday (People.com) The party was at the place Anna Nicole died. Shame on him.

City unveils new Niners stadium plan (SFGate) As Niners fans, we hope this gets done.

Iowa gets permission to talk to Vols’ Pearl (AP) Leverage, leverage, leverage.

Tillman family rejects findings, wants congressional hearings (AP/USA Today)

The family of former NFL player and slain Army Ranger Pat Tillman rejected Defense Department findings in his “friendly-fire” death in Afghanistan in 2004 on Monday.  The family is calling for Congressional hearings in the case.

Schilling v. Shaughnessy, and the season hasn’t begun yet (TheBigLead)

It’s always a good time to see “Ralph Mouth” and the Globe’s Shaughnessy go at it in the funny papers.

Flyers sign goalie Biron to two-year deal (AP/Yahoo! Sports)

The Philadelphia Flyers have announced the signing of goaltender Martin Biron to a two-year deal, the Associated Press reports.

No contract details were released.