The Washington Redskins reached agreement Monday with free-agent veteran Jeff George as their backup quarterback, paying him $18.25 million over four years, according to his agent.
The Redskins and George, 32, who was not re-signed by the Minnesota Vikings after a 9-3 record as a starter last season, were to make the formal announcement at a news conference Tuesday.
Leigh Steinberg, George’s attorney and agent, said the agreement was concluded after talks Monday evening with Redskins owner Daniel Snyder, who made it clear that George will be a backup to Brad Johnson.
– The New York Jets have given wide receiver Keyshawn Johnson’s agent, Jerome Stanley, permission to talk with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers regarding a new contract, The Star-Ledger of Newark reported Monday night. Johnson, who has two years left on his original contract, is paid far less than the top NFL receivers and wants to renegotiate, but the Jets have refused. If the Bucs can reach an agreement with Johnson, it is believed they would send the 13th and 27th picks in Saturday’s draft and one of two receivers, Bert Emanuel or Reidel Anthony, to the Jets.
Horse racing: Trainer Huge Robertson said that he and owner-breeder James Cody have decided to retire Polar Expedition, the 9-year-old gelding who was voted Illinois-bred Horse of the Year in 1993, ’94 and ’96. Polar Expedition started 49 times, went to the winner’s circle 25 times and earned $1,491,071.
Soccer: A women’s professional league plans to begin play next spring. The Women’s United Soccer Association said Monday it has approved teams for eight cities: Atlanta, Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Orlando-Tampa, San Diego, San Francisco and Washington. Chicago was among cities listed as alternates if any of the above drop out.