THE SIDELINES : 2 Paternity Suits Name Bruce

Falcons linebacker Aundray Bruce, the first player taken in the 1988 NFL draft, has been named in two paternity suits claiming that he is the father of children born five weeks apart last year.

The suits against Bruce, a former Auburn star who signed a $4.1-million five-year contract with the Falcons in 1988, were filed Thursday in Fulton County Superior Court.

According to the suits, Bruce is the father of Tamirah Davis, born last June 1 in Atlanta to Varian Denise Davis, and Aciona Aundraya Johnson, whose mother, Machille Johnson, gave birth July 5 in Jacksonville, Fla.

“The defendant has failed and refused to assist in the support of the child in any manner whatsoever,” said both suits, filed separately by attorney William K. Travis.

Bruce, whose telephone has been disconnected, could not be reached for comment.