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■ BASKETBALL

Williams inks new deal

Deron Williams will head to the Beijing Olympics with a new deal with his National Basketball Association team, the Utah Jazz, in his pocket. On Friday, the Jazz said the star point guard had inked a multi-year contract extension. Terms of the deal were not disclosed, but according to the Salt Lake Tribune, Williams agreed to a three-year contract with an option for a fourth season. While the precise value of the contract will not be known until the NBA sets its salary cap next July, the Tribune reported that Williams will make nearly US$50 million in the first three years of the contract and as much as US$70 million if he exercises the option year. The 24-year-old would not be eligible for free agency until 2012 at the earliest.



■ BASEBALL

Matsui’s return uncertain

New York Yankees slugger Hideki Matsui, nursing a knee injury, admitted after meeting with doctors on Friday that he wasn’t sure if he would be able to return this season. Matsui has been on the disabled list with a left knee injury since June 23. “As of right now, I’ve been putting aside whether I can or cannot come back this season,” Matsui said through an interpreter during Friday’s game against the Oakland Athletics. “My desire is I want to come back this year.” However, Matsui said, if he needs surgery on the knee, a return may not be possible. “I think the topic [surgery] is out there,” Matsui said. “The swelling kept coming back. So, right now, I was told by doctors, ‘Avoid activities and stay quiet.’”



■ ICE HOCKEY

Therrien’s contract renewed

The Pittsburgh Penguins inked coach Michel Therrien to a new contract on Friday that will keep him with the National Hockey League club through the 2010-2011 season. Financial terms were not disclosed, but the Penguins did say that Therrien would receive a pay rise next season. “I’m excited to have a new three-year contract with the Penguins and am looking forward to continued success here in Pittsburgh,” said Therrien, who had one year left on his previous contract. “It is a great hockey city with an outstanding fan base.”
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