Sanders Close to Commitment With Braves

Two-sport star Deion Sanders and the Atlanta Braves apparently have agreed on a multi-year contract that would keep Sanders with the Braves until the end of each season.

Brave General Manager John Schuerholz said Thursday that Sanders and the Braves had reached an “understanding” on a contract. Earlier this year, Sanders rejected an $11-million, three-year offer, seeking about $1 million more over three years plus an option for 1996.

Sanders, who was put on the disqualified list after failing to return to the Braves on April 29, a day after his father’s funeral, is due to return before tonight’s game at New York against the Mets.

Sanders, who has not been paid while on the disqualified list, had his contract renewed by the Braves in March for $1 million, but is not required to stay with the team past July 31 because of his commitment with the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons, for whom he plays cornerback.

Sanders was not available for comment.