THE SIDELINES : Sanders Reports to Falcons

Cornerback Deion Sanders finally showed up at the Atlanta Falcons’ training camp today, two weeks after he left the New York Yankees when a $2-million baseball deal fell through.

Falcons spokesman Charlie Taylor said Sanders reported to trainer Jerry Rhea early this morning, and then went to an Atlanta doctor’s office for his physical. He was expected to participate in the NFL team’s practice this afternoon.

Sanders is out $37,000 in fines--$1,500 per day for missing 18 days of training camp, plus a $10,000 fine for missing the team’s mini-camp July 9-19.

The second-year player from Florida State spent most of his summer playing baseball with the Yankees, who were reported to be considering a $2-million contract extension that would have made him a full-time baseball player through 1991. The deal fell through, however, and Sanders left the Yankees on July 29.

Sanders, who is under a four-year, $4.4-million contract with the Falcons, missed the team’s NFL preseason opener Saturday night, a 31-27 victory over the Washington Redskins. But he is expected to play in this Saturday’s game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium.