FOXBORO, Mass. (AP) – The New England Patriots have signed linebacker Tedy Bruschi to a contract extension through 2007.

Bruschi, who acts as his own agent, was scheduled to become a free agent after the 2004 season. The new deal includes a total base salary of $4.6 million over the next four years, according to the web site of the NFL Players Association.

Bruschi, 31, was the team’s third-round draft choice in 1996. He was second on the team with 137 tackles last season, with two sacks, three interceptions, three forced fumbles and a fumble recovery.

West makes himself eligible for NBA draft

PHILADELPHIA (AP) – Saint Joseph’s guard Delonte West decided Thursday to skip his senior season and keep himself eligible for next week’s NBA draft.

It was a surprising move by West, who has not been projected as a first-round pick. Only first-round picks are guaranteed contracts in the NBA.

The move could also be a devastating blow for tiny Saint Joseph’s, which also lost senior guard Jameer Nelson. With West, the Hawks probably still would have one of the teams to beat in the Atlantic 10. Without him, Saint Joe’s could be in for a rebuilding season.

Panther’s QB gets contract extenstion

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) – Jake Delhomme was rewarded Thursday for helping guide the Carolina 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.

Astros trade Hidalgo to Mets

HOUSTON (AP) – The Astros traded right fielder Richard Hidalgo to the New York Mets on Thursday for right-handers David Weathers and Jeremy Griffiths.

Weathers and Griffiths can pitch in middle relief for Houston, which is in desperate need of help there. The Mets also get cash consideration from the Astros as part of the deal.

Little indicted on felony charge

ST. LOUIS (AP) – 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 against him April 26.

Little was indicted Wednesday on charges of speeding, and as a persistent offender with felony driving while intoxicated.

Lightning pick up option on Khabibulin

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) – The Tampa Bay Lightning picked up the $6.5 million option to bring back goaltender Nikolai Khabibulin, who helped them win their first Stanley Cup title.

Khabibulin tied for the league lead with five shutouts and posted a 1.71 goals-against average in the 2004 playoffs.