THE SIDELINES : Third Athlete Cleared in Rape

Jurors who convicted two former Oklahoma football players of first-degree rape late Thursday found a third player innocent today after an additional 1 1/2 hours of deliberation.

Nigel Clay of Fontana, Calif., and Bernard Hall of Detroit were convicted in the Jan. 21 rape of a 20-year-old woman at the athletic dorm. The jury returned shortly after 10:30 a.m. today with the innocent verdict for Glen Bell of Muskogee.

Jurors recommended 10-year sentences and $10,000 fines for Hall and Clay.