ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Wednesday, September 25, 1996 TAG: 9609250085
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B-4 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: From Associated Press reports
Hoping to add some badly needed punch to a lackluster offense, the NFL's Baltimore Ravens signed tight end Eric Green and running back Bam Morris.
Morris, released by Pittsburgh after pleading guilty to a marijuana possession charge on June26, has to wait out a league-imposed suspension and will be eligible to begin practicing with the team Oct.7 and play in the Oct. 13 game at Indianapolis.
Green, a Liberty University alumnus who most recently played for Miami, was signed despite swelling in his left knee, the result of a recurring injury that is expected to keep him out of action for a minimum of several days.
To make room under the salary cap, the Ravens released running back Leroy Hoard, who began the preseason No.1 on the depth chart but quickly fell out of favor with coach Ted Marchibroda.
Morris, expected to take over as the team's No.1 running back, gained nearly 1,400 yards in two seasons with the Steelers, scoring 16 touchdowns. Although terms of his contract were not disclosed, he reportedly signed an incentive-laden two-year deal with a base salary of slightly more than the league minimum of $196,000 a year.
Green's most productive season came with Pittsburgh in 1993, when he had 63 receptions for 942 yards and was selected for the Pro Bowl. Last season in Miami, he caught 43 passes for 499 yards and three touchdowns, but was severely slowed by a cartilage injury in his left knee. His contract also is near the league minimum.
* Deion's divorce is off.
At the request of both parties, a judge today dismissed the divorce petition filed by Carolyn Sanders, wife of Dallas Cowboys wide receiver-cornerback Deion Sanders.
BOXING Tyson gives up WBC belt
Mike Tyson has relinquished his World Boxing Council heavyweight championship rather than face No.1 contender Lennox Lewis, promoters Dino Duva and Panos Eliades said.
Duva and Eliades said a purse bid for a championship fight between Lewis and No.2 contender Oliver McCall will be held Thursday. Eliades and Duva, who runs Main Events, co-promote Lewis.
LENGTH: Short : 48 lines KEYWORDS: FOOTBALLby CNB