Transactions

Moves

Auto racing

DALE EARNHARDT INC. (NASCAR): Reached five-year deal with Dale Earnhardt Jr. to continue as driver.

HAAS CNC RACING (NASCAR): Named Ward Burton driver for No. 0 Pontiac.

Baseball

ATHLETICS: Designated P John Halama and C Mark Johnson for assignment. Claimed IF Marco Scutaro and OF Matt Watson off waivers from Mets.

RANGERS: Granted unconditional release to P Tony Mounce.

REDS: Activated P Luke Prokopec from 60-day DL; placed him on 40-man roster. Announced that P Mark Watson chose free agency.

TWINS: Agreed to two-year contract extension with manager Ron Gardenhire through 2005.

Basketball

KNICKS: Signed free-agent C Dikembe Mutombo, who was released this week by Nets. Waived G Ronald Blackshear.

MAGIC: Waived G Rick Apodaca and G Derrick Dial.

ESPN: Named George Karl and Dan Majerle game analysts.

College

PENN STATE: Announced that Maryvale senior Emily Pavesich, a member of Hunt Valley Golf Club, has committed orally to play golf.

VIRGINIA: Named G Tillman Johnson (St. Mary's) and A Justin Mullen (St. Mary's) among four lacrosse co-captains.

Football

BUCCANEERS: Signed CB Ronyell Whitaker to practice squad.

CHARGERS: Placed OL Bob Hallen on IR. Signed OL David Brandt.

COLTS: Signed LB Marq Cerqua to practice squad. Released DB Willie Miles from practice squad.

PACKERS: Re-signed DE Larry Smith. Released WR-KR Reggie Swinton.

RAMS: Placed S Shane Walton on IR. Released TE Dan Curley.

Hockey

WILD: Claimed D Alex Henry off waivers from Capitals.