Raiders Hurting on Both Lines

Just when it appeared the Oakland Raiders plugged holes on their offensive and defensive lines, key injuries helped create new ones.

The Raiders found out they will be without defensive end Aundray Bruce for up to four weeks because of a severe right ankle sprain, while offensive tackle Lincoln Kennedy will be lost for two weeks because of a torn left bicep.

Both injuries occurred during Oakland’s team scrimmage Monday night at Napa, Calif.

To complicate matters, offensive tackle Willie Williams, who signed as a free agent with the Raiders last week, announced his retirement.

“That leaves us a little short at tackle,” Coach Mike White.

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The New York Jets signed former Pro Bowl receiver Webster Slaughter to a one-year contract but remain at an impasse with first-round pick Keyshawn Johnson.

Slaughter’s deal was believed to be worth slightly more than the NFL minimum of $275,000.

“Webster gives us a receiver who has played in big games, has sure hands and is a go-to guy,” Coach Rich Kotite said.

The signing came a day after Johnson blasted the Jets for their contract stalemate during a conference call arranged by his agent.

Johnson called the Jets’ six-year, $15 million offer unfair and said: “You took me No. 1, pay me No. 1.”

Kotite said Slaughter’s signing had nothing to do with Johnson’s status: “As far as we’re concerned, one has absolutely nothing to do with the other. We have been interested in Webster Slaughter for quite a long time this off-season.”

“Every day he’s not here, it hurts him,’ Jet quarterback Neil O’Donnell said. “He’s a rookie with a lot to learn. I want him in, though. He’s a talented individual.”

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Former Pittsburgh Steelers offensive lineman Carlton Haselrig has been ordered to stand trial on drunken driving and related charges.

Haselrig, 30, was jailed and charged July 6 with driving under the influence of alcohol, driving with a suspended license and disorderly conduct.

Those charges led Allegheny County authorities to find that Haselrig had violated terms of his probation for driving drunk in December 1994.

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Maryland state officials broke asphalt in a Camden Yards parking lot, beginning construction of a $200 million home for the Baltimore Ravens. By August 1998, Art Modell expects to move his team into the 68,400-seat stadium.

“If someone had told me nine months ago that I’d be standing here with a new coach, a new uniform and a new name . . . I’d say you were crazy,” Modell said.

Modell slipped at one point, introducing an executive as being with the Cleveland Browns.