THE SIDELINES : Finalist Quits Race for NFL Post

J. Patrick Barrett, New York state Republican chairman, today withdrew his name from consideration for the NFL commissioner’s job.

Barrett was one of four finalists interviewed by club owners at their meeting in Grapevine, Tex., this week in their search for a successor to Pete Rozelle, who is retiring.

“I withdraw with regret,” Barrett said in a statement. “Yet my withdrawal is necessary because I have family and business commitments that cannot be postponed any longer.”

Barrett was considered a long shot. Other finalists are Jim Finks, president and general manager of the New Orleans Saints; Paul Tagliabue, an NFL counsel, and Willie Davis, a Hall of Fame defensive end for Green Bay.