Sports briefs for July 26, 2004

Monday, July 26, 2004 | 9:13 a.m.

Top pick Jackson signs with Rams

The St. Louis Rams signed first-round draft pick Steven Jackson, a former star at Eldorado High School, to a five-year, $7 million contract on Sunday.

The deal includes a $4 million signing bonus for Jackson, the 24th overall pick and the first running back taken. He ran for 3,625 yards and 39 touchdowns in three seasons at Oregon State.

The Rams have tentatively scheduled a news conference for today for Jackson. He is envisioned as the successor to Marshall Faulk, who is entering his 12th NFL season. The 31-year-old Faulk is signed through 2008.

Rocky Arceneaux of St. Louis is the agent for both players. He said Jackson had made it a priority to sign before training camp, which begins Wednesday with two workouts in Macomb, Ill.

"We never anticipated any problems," Arceneaux said. "It was very important for Steven to be in camp on time, so we sort of pushed for that."

Davenport wins

Lindsay Davenport defeated top-seeded Serena Williams 6-1, 6-3 in a little more than an hour to win the JPMorgan Chase Open at Carson, Calif. It was her fourth career title in eight finals appearances of her hometown tournament.

Pole vault record

Russian pole vaulter Yelena Isinbayeva reclaimed the world record at the Norwich Union International meet in Birmingham, England. She cleared cleared 16 feet, one-half inch, breaking the previous mark set by Svetlana Feofanova on July 4.

Rangers' pick stays

Goaltender Al Montoya, who was selected at No. 6 by the New York Rangers in this year's NHL draft, decided will remain at Michigan for his junior season. He was the top goalie chosen in the draft.

Tyson calls for KO

Mike Tyson arrived in Louisville, Ky., pronounced himself in great shape and predicted victory -- "knockout," he said -- in his bout Saturday against Danny Williams.