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Panthers give QB Delhomme $38-million, 5-year extension

wire services
Published June 18, 2004

CHARLOTTE, N.C. - Jake Delhomme was rewarded Thursday for helping guide the Panthers to the Super Bowl, getting a five-year contract extension worth $38-million.

Delhomme will get $12-million up front, including a signing bonus and option bonuses. Delhomme had one year remaining on his two-year contract.

"It's kind of a dream come true," Delhomme said.

LITTLE INDICTED: Rams defensive end Leonard Little was indicted on charges of persistent drunken driving, nearly two months after police in a St. Louis suburb arrested him. Little pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter in an alcohol-related wreck that killed a St. Louis woman in 1998. The latest indictment mirrors charges in a criminal complaint filed April 26. He was indicted on charges of speeding, and as a persistent offender with felony driving while intoxicated. His lawyer said Little would plead innocent.

CARDINALS: Emmitt Smith was named starting running back.

PATRIOTS: They signed linebacker Tedy Bruschi to a contract extension through 2007. The deal includes a total base salary of $4.6-million over the next four years, according to the NFLPA.

ARENA FOOTBALL: The Storm re-signed quarterback Shane Stafford to a two-year deal.

- Times staff writer Frank Pastor contributed to this story.

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