Six-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Cortez Kennedy, who was eligible to become an unrestricted free agent after the season, has signed a three-year contract extension to remain with the Seattle Seahawks.
Financial terms were not disclosed, but ESPN reported that Kennedy will receive $17 million, including a $6 million signing bonus, to stay with the team through 2001.
The 6-foot-3-inch, 308-pound Kennedy has recorded 48 1/2 career sacks, including a career-high 14 in 1992 when he was named NFL Defensive Player of the Year.
– Veteran linebacker Tony Bennett has signed a one-year contract with the Indianapolis Colts. Terms were not announced.
Colleges: The funeral for Illinois senior free safety Steve Willis, who died July 1 from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, is Thursday at noon at Mt. Bethel Missionary Baptist Church in St. Louis. Willis, a native of St. Louis, started eight games at safety last season, making 39 tackles. Coach Ron Turner and the Illinois football squad will depart by bus for the funeral Thursday morning.
Basketball: Cynthia Cooper scored 17 of her 23 points in the first half as the Houston Comets (11-1) handed the New York Liberty its worst WNBA loss, 79-54 in New York.
– Jennifer Gillom’s three-pointer as time expired gave the Phoenix Mercury a 78-76 victory over the Detroit Shock in Auburn Hills, Mich.
