Bengal Faces Charge

Corey Sawyer of the Cincinnati Bengals has been charged with perjury, a thirddegree felony, for reportedly lying to a state attorney’s prosecutor concerning money he allegedly received from an agent while a student at Florida State.

Sawyer traveled to Tallahassee, Fla., on Tuesday and turned himself in at the Leon County Jail. Sawyer posted $5,000 bond and was released. If convicted, he could be sentenced to five years in prison.

The perjury charge against Sawyer could be reduced, investigators said Wednesday, if Sawyer agrees to testify truthfully and testify against his agent. Investigators said Sawyer lied to protect Joel Segal of New York, who also allegedly bought Sawyer a 1994 Nissan Pathfinder three days before the Orange Bowl in Miami, where FSU defeated Nebraska for the national championship.

On Aug. 3, 1994, Sawyer gave taped, sworn testimony to police and stateattorney investigators and a prosecutor at the Leon County Courthouse regarding an investigation into unregistered sports agents operating in Florida.

The Carolina Panthers signed former New Orleans Saints linebacker Darion Conner, an unrestricted free agent.

Free-agent cornerback Anthony Parker, who started 15 games for the Minnesota Vikings last season, signed a multi-year contract with the Rams. The Rams also announced the re-signing of unrestricted free-agent running back Johnny Bailey to a one-year contract.

The Atlanta Falcons signed running back Eric Metcalf and released defensive tackle Jumpy Geathers.

Linebacker Mike Croel signed with the New York Giants, who then cut Carlton Bailey. Tight end Aaron Pierce re-signed with the team.