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LANSING, Mich. - The Michigan attorney general issued an arrest warrant Thursday for former NFL receiver Andre Rison for failing to pay nearly $95,000 in child support.
Attorney General Mike Cox also has asked the FBI to issue a fugitive flight warrant because he suspects Rison is living in Georgia but isn't certain, Cox spokesman Stu Sandler said.
Rison owes child support to a 17-year-old son who lives in Southfield, Sandler said. Rison has paid child support every year but hasn't paid enough, he said.
Charles Tucker, Rison's agent, thinks a mistake was made because Rison reached an agreement to pay off the overdue child support. "Some time ago - a month - he went to court, and they worked out how he would catch up," Tucker said. "He's been following that agreement. . . . There's nothing that he's done wrong."
The Genesee County Friend of the Court referred Rison's case to the attorney general's office in February. After an investigation, Cox filed two felony charges against Rison this month for failing to pay child support and for being a habitual offender. Rison could face up to six years in prison if convicted of both counts.
The Flint native played football at Michigan State before joining the Indianapolis Colts in 1989.
This isn't the first time Rison has been in trouble for failing to pay child support. In January 2003, Rison was arraigned after turning himself in on a felony warrant of failure to pay child support. At that time, authorities said he owed more than $68,000.
49ERS: The team agreed to a one-year contract with receiver Curtis Conway, adding experience after the offseason losses of Terrell Owens and Tai Streets. Conway is projected as a starter alongside Brandon Lloyd. Rashaun Woods, the 49ers' first-round draft pick, is listed as a backup.
GIANTS: The team signed safety Brent Alexander, an 11-year veteran the Steelers waived two months ago. Alexander started all 64 games for the Steelers during the past four seasons and had a team-high four interceptions last year. He was cut to make room for 2003 first-round draft pick Troy Polamalu to become a starter next season.
REDSKINS: Defensive tackle Jermaine Haley has pleaded no contest to reckless driving in connection with an arrest in Miami Beach last May. Haley, who left the Dolphins last year to sign with the Redskins, was sentenced to a year of probation and ordered to donate $3,000 to charity after his drunken driving charge was reduced, the state attorney's office said. Haley also has to comply with the NFL's substance-abuse treatment program and disclose his NFL file and treatment documents to the state attorney's office for review.
PANTHERS: Third-round draft pick Travelle Wharton signed. No terms were announced. Carolina plans to use the offensive tackle as a backup to starters Jordan Gross and Adam Meadows.
Also, former Panther Anthony Bright has sued the team and standout receiver Steve Smith, claiming his career was ruined by a film-room fight in 2002. Bright seeks actual and punitive damages in excess of $10,000.
A Panthers spokesman declined to comment to the Associated Press.
Bright had surgery on his face after Smith hit him during a film session in November 2002. The suit alleges Smith attacked Bright, who was on the practice squad, after Bright asked for a play to be shown again. Bright was unable to return to the team in 2002, and the Panthers didn't bring him back last season. He has made failed attempts to join other NFL teams.
Bright recently signed with Orlando of the Arena League and has played in two games.
Criminal assault charges against Smith were dismissed May 4 after he entered a deferred-prosecution program.