AROUND THE NFL : Colorado Doctor Subject of Probe

The doctor accused of writing fraudulent prescriptions for a diet drug investigators say was used by Denver Bronco linebacker Bill Romanowski will be investigated by the Colorado Board of Medical Examiners.

Dr. Randall Snook of Littleton is accused of writing eight fraudulent prescriptions in the past year for the stimulant phentermine in the names of Romanowski’s wife, Julie, and a friend, Lorretta Johnson.

Douglas County sheriff’s investigators have recommended felony criminal charges, including fraud and conspiracy, be filed against all four.

Snook also is under scrutiny by the state Board of Examiners.

“We’ve already initiated our investigation,” Susan Miller, the medical board’s administrator, said Friday.

Snook faces possible charges of fraud, unlawful dispensing of a controlled substance, conspiracy and unlawful acts.

The Romanowskis and Johnson face possible charges of fraud, deceit and conspiracy. Romanowski could also face a charge of unlawful use of a controlled substance.

Romanowski apologized after Friday night’s exhibition against San Francisco.

“I can’t talk about any of that right now,” Romanowski said, “but I apologize to my teammates, the organization and all the fans that support me.

“Hopefully, this won’t affect me. Hopefully, somehow and some way I can get through this, that I can be ready to play next week.”

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In the exhibition season’s final game, Doug Flutie threw a 16-yard touchdown pass to tight end Jay Riemerssma as the Buffalo Bills defeated the Pittsbirgh Steelers, 16-14, at Orchard Park, N.Y.

Steve Christie added three field goals for the Bills (3-1), who defeated the Steelers, (1-3) for the first time ever in the preseason.

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Tackle Richmond Webb conceded defeat in his contract dispute with the Miami Dolphins and reported for practice after accepting a one-year, $3.45-million tender, an offer the team made in February.

The seven-time Pro Bowl tackle had wanted a long-term contract worth up to $6 million a year, but he had limited leverage because the Dolphins designated him their franchise player last winter.

Coach Jimmy Johnson declined to predict whether Webb would start the season-opener Sept. 13 at Denver.

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New York Jet receiver Wayne Chrebet underwent successful surgery on his left foot as doctors placed a screw in the foot to speed up the healing. Chrebet was injured without being touched on a first-quarter pass play in Friday night’s 38-17 exhibition victory over Minnesota. He is expected to be sidelined for six weeks after not missing a game for his first four NFL seasons.

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Cancer survivor LeShon Johnson, who did not play in 1998, and rookie Sean Bennett probably will share the load at halfback for the New York Giants with Gary Brown expected to be sidelined three to four weeks because of a sprained left knee suffered in a game Friday.

Coach Jim Fassel said there was no cartilage damage and surgery will not be necessary.

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St. Louis offensive line coach Jim Hanifan was arrested early Saturday in a St. Louis suburb for driving while intoxicated. After administering a field sobriety test, the arresting officer took Hanifan into custody, said St. Charles Cpl. Ron Bextermueller. Hanifan later took a blood-alcohol test, the results of which have not been released by police. The legal limit in Missouri is 0.10.

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With the deadline for teams to trim their rosters to 53 players today, many teams have begun releasing players. Among those cut Saturday were Tony Berti, a one-time starter for San Diego released by Denver and kicker Jeff Hall, who helped Tennessee to its national championship a year ago, who was let go by Washington.