Suit Seeks Ouster of Raiders’ Davis

Al Davis, the court-happy impresario of the Oakland Raiders, has met a lawsuit he doesn’t like.

The family of team co-founder E.W. McGah, who hired Davis decades ago, is claiming in Alameda County court that he has plundered the franchise for perks that include a private jet and interior decorating at his Palm Springs vacation home.

For these alleged transgressions, Davis should be replaced as the team’s general partner, according to the lawsuit.

Team officials on Tuesday downplayed the case in an e-mailed response to questions.

“This is a frivolous lawsuit without merit that was filed by disgruntled representatives of an estate,” team general counsel Jeff Birren said.

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Buffalo running back Willis McGahee will start practicing this week, nearly 10 months after undergoing reconstructive surgery on his left knee.

McGahee is set to practice for the first time today, opening the possibility for the first-round pick to begin playing within three weeks. McGahee was cleared after the Bills’ training staff and team doctor John Marzo examined him, spokesman Scott Berchtold said.

Marzo’s OK came after McGahee worked out in front of Coach Gregg Williams.

Last week, the former Miami star passed a physical given by Hurricane team doctor John Uribe, who performed the surgery to repair the three ligaments McGahee tore in the Fiesta Bowl in January.

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The NFL fined Tampa Bay defensive lineman Warren Sapp $50,000 for mistreating officials and threatened him with a suspension if his behavior doesn’t improve.

NFL director of game operations Peter Hadhazy issued the fine after reviewing Sapp’s conduct in three games. Hadhazy said any further misconduct will result in a suspension of at least one game.

Before last Sunday’s game against Washington, Sapp bumped into an official as he entered the field.

In two earlier games this year, the NFL said Sapp used excessively abusive language to officials.

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The Washington Redskins placed tight end Robert Royal on injured reserve because of a broken hip and signed tight end Zeron Flemister.... The Miami Dolphins signed long snapper Jeff Grau to replace Sean McDermott, who was released.... Free safety Jon McGraw of the New York Jets will be out two to four weeks with a partially dislocated right shoulder.... Green Bay Packer defensive end Joe Johnson is out for the season because of a tear in his right quadriceps tendon.