NFL

Sanders says he tested positive; Ravens say no

WESTMINSTER, Md. - Deion Sanders spoke at length Tuesday about his second year with the Ravens when the questions suddenly turned to the hottest topic in sports: steroids.

Someone asked Sanders if he believed Baltimore Orioles first baseman Rafael Palmeiro might have accidentally taken steroids.

Sanders then revealed a secret he had kept for nearly a year.

The veteran cornerback said that shortly before he decided to end his three-year retirement Aug. 31, he received medical treatment for an ankle he hurt while playing basketball. When he took his Ravens' physical, steroids were detected in his system.

"The next thing I know they're testing me weekly. I'm like, what's going on? I had never had a prior," he recalled. "They told me I flunked the steroid test."

However, the Ravens said late Tuesday that Sanders never failed a drug test but was given weekly screenings because he skipped a random drug test shortly before he retired from the Redskins in 2000.

Eagles defensive end Jerome McDougle was discharged from a Miami hospital and police said three teenagers were arrested in connection with his shooting.

McDougle, 27, was shot Thursday after three armed robbers approached him while he was sitting in his silver Mercedes coupe in southwest Miami.

Arrested were Birmmengham Guirand, 19, Lance Grant, 17, and Leonard Jenkins, 15. All were charged with robbery and attempted felony murder, police said. Another suspect, Charles Edward James, 17, was still at large, police said. All were from Miami.

Also, receiver Terrell Owens participated in the first practice of training camp hours after he and his agent met with club officials and neither side budged in a contract dispute.

CHIEFS: Despite lingering back problems, 10-time Pro Bowl guard Will Shields said he has no plans to retire. Coach Dick Vermeil said it was unclear when Shields would practice.

Also, tight end Jason Dunn experienced back spasms during practice and was taken off the field on a cart and wide receiver Freddie Mitchell will not have arthroscopic surgery on his knee as previously thought.

DOLPHINS: Alonzo Ephraim signed a day after fellow center Wade Smith broke his right forearm. Also, offensive lineman Jason Thomas had arthroscopic surgery on his right knee.

JAGUARS: After Matt Jones missed the opening of camp by holding out, the former Arkansas quarterback signed a five-year, $8.45-million contract. The deal could be worth up to $11.15-million with incentives and he will make $6.3-million his first year. The 21st overall pick is switching to receiver.

REDSKINS: Carlos Rogers, the No. 9 overall pick in the draft, agreed to a five-year, $17.45-million deal and No. 25 selection Jason Campbell reported after signing a five-year, $7.5-million deal.

[Last modified August 3, 2005, 00:37:06]