AROUND THE NFL : Carson Will Draw Check--and Warning

Fired Cleveland Browns’ Coach Bud Carson will continue getting paid under the remaining two years of his contract but will be warned to avoid future criticism of the team, a published report said today.

The Cleveland Plain Dealer, quoting unnamed sources, said Carson’s weekly paycheck would be hand-delivered to his suburban Moreland Hills home by Friday with an attached warning cautioning him against criticizing the team.

The note will include a warning that Carson’s pay could be cut off if he criticizes the team in violation of a contract clause, the paper said.

Last week Carson made comments critical of the Browns’ organization but said after the comments were published that they had been made to reporters off the record.

Carson was fired Nov. 5 while in the second year of a three-year contract that pays him $350,000 this season and $400,000 in 1991.

Cleveland punter Bryan Wagner, shell-shocked ever since four of his punts were blocked during a three-game span in September and October, got some personal attention from Coach Jim Shofner today.

Shofner wasn’t sure his advice would do any good, but something had to be done.

“That’s all he needs is one more coach,” Shofner said. “But you never know. Sometimes you might see a little something.”

Wagner has the worst net punting average in the NFL, 30.4 yards.

Shofner knows there is a problem, but he isn’t giving up on Wagner just yet. Wagner will remain Cleveland’s punter at least for Sunday’s game against the Rams.

“They (punters) don’t grow on trees,” Shofner said.

The San Diego Chargers have re-signed running back Tim Spencer to replace Joe Mickles, who was placed on injured reserve with a torn thigh muscle and will miss the rest of the season, club officials said.

Spencer was waived by the club during training camp and had been working in real estate before rejoining the Chargers.

Mickles, who was placed on injured reserve Tuesday, was hurt during Sunday night’s 13-10 loss to Seattle. He was signed by the Chargers last week after running back Rod Bernstine went on injured reserve because of a hamstring pull.