Janikowski Appears Close to Signing

Kicker Sebastian Janikowski, the first-round draft pick who has had recent run-ins with the law, appears close to signing a contract with the Oakland Raiders.

Jacksonville-based agent Paul Healy would not release terms of the deal nor would he confirm the pending signing Wednesday. He did say Janikowski would be present at a news conference today at his office, however.

A spokesman for the Raiders said they have “nothing to announce yet.”

Last month, Janikowski was charged with possession of the designer drug GHB, also known as the “date-rape” drug. Earlier in June, the native of Poland was found innocent of trying to bribe a Tallahassee, Fla., policeman to release his jailed roommate from custody.

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Former Chicago Bear public relations director Bryan Harlan acknowledged violating the NFL’s policy on gambling, said NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue.

The Bears did not mention gambling Friday after Harlan’s resignation.

Meanwhile, Tagliabue said that Ray Lewis has suffered enough in explaining why he did not suspend the Baltimore Raven linebacker who pleaded guilty to obstructing justice in a murder case. He did not rule out a fine.

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Philadelphia Eagle Coach Andy Reid confirmed that he has inquired into Reggie White’s status. White, 38, last played for the Eagles in 1992. Seattle Seahawk Coach Mike Holmgren said he has also talked with the retired defensive end. . . . . . . Pro Bowl right tackle Erik Williams, who missed the first day of practice at the Dallas Cowboys’ training camp, is considering retirement, the Dallas Morning News reported. . . . Raider cornerback Charles Woodson was placed on probation for one year for driving while impaired after a charity golf event on May 24. . . . Veteran kick return specialist Desmond Howard signed a deal to stay with the Detroit Lions. . . . Kansas City Chief free agent Eric Hicks, who started all 16 games last season at defensive end, signed a four-year contract with the team. . . . Tight end Bubba Franks signed a five-year $6.45-million contract with the Green Bay Packers, putting the first-round pick in training camp one day after it began. Franks’ deal includes a $4.67-million signing bonus. . . . The Cleveland Browns signed second-round draft pick Dennis Northcutt to a seven-year contract, ending the wide receiver’s one-week holdout, the team said. . . . The Tennessee Titans signed linebacker Keith Bulluck and defensive end Byron Frisch, first- and third-round picks, to three-year contracts, the team said. . . . The Chicago Bears signed third-round draft pick Dez White to a three-year, $1.31-million contract.