CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Defensive end Greg Hardy has signed his franchise tag tender with the Carolina Panthers, a person familiar with the situation said Tuesday. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the signing has not been made official. Hardy, who said in January hed have no issue if the team used the franchise tag to keep him, will make $13.1 million for one season if he doesnt sign a long-term extension. The Panthers have until July 15 to sign Hardy to a long-term deal. After that date they cant discuss a contract extension until after the season is over. When the Panthers used the franchise tag on Hardy Friday, general manager Dave Gettleman said in a press release it was done so to buy more time to potentially work out a long-term extension with the former Mississippi star. "The franchise mechanism gives us time to secure the services of a very good player while we continue to look at the future of Greg with the Carolina Panthers," Gettleman said. "We have had great dialogue with both Greg and his agent. It was important to keep our defensive front together." The four-year NFL veteran had 15 sacks last season, tying a franchise record previously established by Kevin Greene in 1996, and was selected to his first Pro Bowl. Hardy has 26 sacks in his last two seasons. Hardy led the Panthers with 38 quarterback pressures last season and posted a career-high 67 tackles for the NFC South champions. The Panthers led the league in sacks last season with 60. Gettleman said Hardy was "a big reason we were able to lead the league in sacks last year and keeps our defensive line intact." Ron Jaworski Youth Jersey . -- With Tony Allen back, the Memphis Grizzlies were able to turn up their defence pressure and hold off the Los Angeles Clippers down the stretch. Seth Joyner Jersey . Ricciardos exclusion from the results tarnished what had been a day of celebration for local fans, who were jubilant that the Red Bull driver had apparently become the first Australian to finish on the podium at his home race. However just before midnight, stewards ruled that Ricciardos car had "exceeded consistently the maximum allowed fuel flow" and that the team refused an instruction from the races technical delegate Charlie Whiting to change the fuel-flow sensor before the race and a further request during the race to reduce the fuel flow. http://www.theeaglesshoponline.com/Youth-Jerome-Brown-Eagles-Jersey/ .com) - There may be a debate in Philadelphia about who should be the starting quarterback of the Eagles. Tommy McDonald Youth Jersey . -- The Chicago Bears agreed Tuesday to a one-year contract with defensive lineman Israel Idonije and are bringing him back for a second stint. Brian Dawkins Eagles Jersey . He left in the 4th inning of Saturdays game against the Tigers after experiencing tightness. Reyes and the team still hope that he will be ready for Opening Day in Tampa Bay in one week.DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- The LPGA Tour waived its age requirement Monday for Lydia Ko, clearing the way for the 16-year-old from New Zealand to join the tour in 2014. Ko wont be like most LPGA Tour rookies. She already is a two-time champion, having won the Womens Canadian Open at 15 last year to become the youngest winner in LPGA Tour history, and then successfully defending her title this summer in Canada. Born in South Korea and raised in New Zealand, she already is No. 5 in womens world ranking. Ko contended in the Evian Championship in France, and a short time letter asked the LPGA Tour to waive its requirement that players be 18 or older to join. "We are looking forward to having Lydia as a full-time member for the 2014 season," LPGA Tour commissioner Mike Whan said. "It is nnot often that the LPGA welcomes a rookie who is already a back-to-back champion.dddddddddddd" Ko plans to play the LPGA Titleholders in Naples, Fla., at the end of November. By granting her petition now, Whan said the teenager will be able to take part in rookie development sessions early next year before the season gets under way. "It has always been my dream goal to play on the LPGA, and play against the worlds best players," Ko said. "I know that becoming a member is not only performing well, but to deal with responsibilities very well. Womens golf is growing day by day and I would love to be able to inspire other girls to take up the game, and go for it. I believe this is only the start to my career and I have many new things to learn along the way." ' ' '