Newsmakers

Declined An Alabama grand jury declined Friday to indict former Oakland Raiders quarterback JaMarcus Russell on a felony drug possession charge related to a drink containing codeine syrup found at his home. Defense attorney Donald Briskman said the Mobile (Ala.) County grand jury decided there was not sufficient evidence to keep the case from being dismissed.

Suspended Orlando Magic guard Jason Williams was suspended for one game without pay for grabbing referee Tony Brothers’ arm following an ejection from Thursday’s win over the Washington Wizards. Williams is eligible to return Tuesday at New York. In addition to paying fines for both of the technical fouls, missing the game will cost Williams about $16,000 in salary.

Signed The Houston Rockets bolstered their front court after agreeing to a one-year deal with center Erick Dampier. Financial terms were not released. The 6-foot-11 Dampier, who will enter his 15th season, played the last six years with Dallas.

• The Calgary Flames have signed defenseman Mark Giordano to a five-year contract extension. He is in his fourth season with the Flames, and his salary this year is $1.075 million. Giordano would have become an unrestricted free agent next summer.

Admitted Runner’s World reported that American runner and Olympian Eddy Hellebuyck admitted to doping during his career. Hellebuyck was banned for two years in 2004 after he tested positive for EPO in an out-of-competition drug test. In a story on the magazine’s website, Hellebuyck said he began using the blood-booster EPO in 2001 at the age of 40. While doping, he finished 10th overall and was the top American finisher at the 2003 Boston Marathon. He also won the 2003 Twin Cities Marathon.

Repaired Phillies third baseman Placido Polanco has had successful surgery in Philadelphia to repair his injured left elbow. General manager Ruben Amaro Jr. says Polanco is expected to be ready for spring training after a doctor removed spurs from the elbow and repaired a tendon.

Re-signed The Minnesota Twins exercised Jason Kubel’s $5.25 million club option for 2011 and declined the $5 million club option for infielder Nick Punto. Punto will get a $500,000 buyout of his contract and will become a free agent.

• The Indiana Pacers picked up the fourth-year option on the contract of swingman Brandon Rush despite his recent suspension for violating the league’s substance abuse policy. Rush will make $2.9 million next season.