NEW ORLEANS (AP) The Saints' first Super Bowl title was so big in New Orleans that Mardi Gras, a revered local institution dating back well more than a century, became popularly known as, "Lombardi Gras."

New Orleans' momentous victory over the Indianapolis Colts occurred in the middle of the city's parade season, so the Saints' celebratory ride through town with the Vince Lombardi Trophy was simply added to the lineup. In the following days, players, coaches, team officials and the trophy made appearances in traditional parades as well. (MORE)

ISTANBUL (AP) Chauncey Billups made the promise. Kevin Durant made sure it was kept.

And by beating Russia on Thursday, the Americans brought a little joy to one of the players who will never forget what happened against the Soviets exactly 38 years earlier. (MORE)

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) The Green Bay Packers signed cornerback Charles Woodson to a contract extension through the 2014 season on Thursday, a deal that will likely allow the 2009 AP Defensive Player of the Year to retire as a Packer.

The 33-year-old Woodson signed a five-year contract that is worth as much as $55 million, a person familiar with the deal told The Associated Press. (MORE)

DENVER (AP) Chris Nelson stole home in the eighth inning to send the Colorado Rockies to a 6-5 victory over the Cincinnati Reds on Thursday, completing a four-game series sweep and extending their winning streak to season-best seven games.

With one out and runners on the corners, Reds reliever Nick Masset (3-4) thought Colorado was going to try a double steal so he stepped off the rubber and whirled to second. Nelson broke for home on the play and scored easily, giving the Rockies a 6-5 lead. (MORE)

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) Ray Lewis is thrilled Darrelle Revis is back with the New York Jets.

This way, the Baltimore linebacker says, the Ravens won't have to hear any nonsense if they beat them Monday night. (MORE)

LAS VEGAS (AP) Police sought boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr. for questioning Thursday about a domestic battery report filed by an ex-girlfriend who recanted a similar claim in 2005, police and his lawyer said.

"She alleges he hit her. We're looking for him to get his side of the story," said Officer Barbara Morgan, a Las Vega police spokeswoman. "We're looking to talk to him as a potential suspect." (MORE)

LEMONT, Ill. (AP) Already having a great season, Matt Kuchar got off to his best start of the year at the BMW Championship.

In a mystery season for Tiger Woods, he had his worst round at Cog Hill in five years. (MORE)

IRVING, Texas (AP) The Dallas Cowboys have given Pro Bowl receiver Miles Austin his long-anticipated new contract.

Austin is getting a six-year contract extension. Financial terms were not immediately disclosed. (MORE)

TORONTO (AP) Police searched the offices of the Toronto Blue Jays and turned over documents in connection with the perjury case against seven-time Cy Young winner Roger Clemens.

Two officers executed the search in June and assisted the U.S. Justice Department by forwarding the two boxes they obtained, police spokesman Const. Tony Vella said Thursday. (MORE)