Rice Says Brown Won’t Be a Raider

Receiver Tim Brown told some of his Oakland teammates, including Jerry Rice, that he won’t be playing for the Raiders this season.

“What he said to the guys is that he’s not going to be around anymore,” Rice said after practice Tuesday in Napa, Calif. “I don’t know what was said, but he’s not going to be here anymore. This basically is going to wake everybody up that this is a business.”

Brown met with Raider owner Al Davis on Tuesday and has another meeting scheduled to discuss his future with the team.

Brown, the longest-tenured Raider, appeared resigned to probably continuing his 17-year career in another city.

“You know, if you asked me that a week ago, I would’ve said no,” Brown said Tuesday of ending his Raider career and joining a new team. “But certainly, even standing out here, that’s not something I want to think about. I don’t know what could happen to change what is going on, and certainly you don’t want to see anybody get injured or anything of that nature to change your situation.”

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Ben Roethlisberger, the 11th pick in the draft, signed a six-year contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers that could be worth as much as $40 million.

The NFL also said that running back Jerome Bettis is not violating gambling rules. The Steeler veteran submitted documents about a limited partnership in a $500-million development project that could include a horse track, hotel, townhouses, stores and slot machines.

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The NFL has provided three competing Los Angeles-area sites -- the Coliseum, Carson and the Rose Bowl -- with specific deadlines in keeping with the league’s desire to decide on a location by next spring:

* All environmental impact reports have to commence by Aug. 18. The Coliseum’s is already completed.

* By Oct. 15, the groups have to have term sheets completed, including cost estimates and construction design. The term sheet is a basic parameter of a deal.

* By March 15, the groups must have completed their lease documents in time for the annual owners’ meeting.

* And by May 15, all EIRs should be approved, so that owners can make a final decision on the site.

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Tennessee linebacker Peter Sirmon, a two-year starter, probably will sit out the season because of torn ligaments in his left knee.... San Diego quarterback Doug Flutie’s left knee has no structural damage, and the quarterback expects to practice today.... Minnesota center Matt Birk will have a follow-up examination on a pelvic injury that has kept him out of practices the last two days.

DeAngelo Hall, Atlanta’s first-round draft choice, reported to camp after agreeing to a $25-million, five-year contract.... Tarik Glenn, Indianapolis’ starter at left offensive tackle the last six seasons, was kept out of practice because he was failed to make a predetermined weight. Glenn is listed at 6 feet 5, 332 pounds.... Offensive tackle Mike Williams failed to show up for practice and will be fined by Buffalo. Williams had been excused Monday for personal reasons.... First-round pick Jonathan Vilma injured his left calf during the New York Jets’ morning practice and sat out the afternoon session.

Prosecutors have decided not to file charges against Miami tight end Randy McMichael, arrested and accused of hitting his wife in late June.