O'DONNELL JOINS TITANS: The Tennessee Titans confirmed Friday they have agreed on a one-year contract for quarterback Neil O'Donnell, who was released by the Cincinnati Bengals in April after starting 11 games last season.
The Titans had been looking for a veteran to back up Steve McNair since Steve Matthews failed to live up to expectations. Dave Krieg, who backed up McNair the past two seasons, had remained an option, but at age 40 he was never the first choice.
WASHINGTON SHAKEUP: In the latest Washington Redskins shakeup under new owner Daniel Snyder, Charley Casserly was forced out as general manager today and named a "consultant to the owner."
Vinny Cerrato, formerly of the San Francisco 49ers, was given Casserly's job under the title of director of player personnel.
HARVEY RE-SIGNS: Four-time Pro Bowl linebacker Ken Harvey agreed to return to the Washington Redskins as a backup Friday, signing a one-year contract.
Exact terms of the deal were not announced, but recent negotiations hovered around the $500,000 mark.
RAVENS SIGN TOP PICK: The Baltimore Ravens and cornerback Chris McAlister agreed on Friday to a four-year contract, meaning the Ravens will have their No. 1 draft pick in uniform at the start of training camp for the first time in three seasons. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
The 6-foot, 199-pound McAlister was the 10th player picked in the 1999 NFL draft.
PERMANENT HOME FOR BRONCOS, VANDALS: University officials are discussing the possibility of making Boise the permanent location for the annual football game between Boise State University and the University of Idaho.
TITANS' ADAMS STEPS DOWN: Saying his oil business demands his attention in Texas, Bud Adams gave up the Tennessee Titans presidency Friday and hired a former Minnesota Vikings vice president as his replacement.
Jeff Diamond, the NFL's executive of the year in 1998, will be the first person other than Adams to be team president in the franchise's four decades. Diamond also will be chief operating officer.
Adams will remain the team's owner.
NINERS CLOSE IN ON PHILLIPS: Lawrence Phillips is about to get another shot at the NFL and barring a last-minute hitch, it appears he'll be playing for the San Francisco 49ers.
General manager Bill Walsh said Friday, after lengthy talks with Phillips' agent, Mitch Frankel, that the two sides neared a contract agreement.
Walsh said he planned to finalize the deal with Phillips by Monday, when the 49ers open training camp at the University of the Pacific in Stockton. He said he didn't foresee any stumbling blocks to signing Phillips unless another team jumps in and ups the ante.
ALVAREZ'S SON PLEADS INNOCENT: Wisconsin football coach Barry Alvarez's son had not guilty pleas entered on his behalf today to charges in the microwave death of a fraternity brother's pet bird.
Chad Alvarez is charged with felony theft and intentional mistreatment of an animal resulting in death.
Alvarez waived his right to a preliminary hearing on accusations he killed Iago the parrot by microwaving it at the Sigma Chi fraternity house.