Emtman Sweepstakes Begins

Steve Emtman, the former No. 1 draft pick who’s suddenly atop the NFL’s most-wanted list, started a whirlwind tour of league teams Tuesday at the Carolina Panthers’ training camp in Spartanburg, S.C.

He arrived by 9:30 a.m., underwent an extensive physical, and met with coach Dom Capers, general manager Bill Polian and president Mike McCormack.

He was gone before 1 p.m., off to visit the Miami Dolphins. Before he left, he told McCormack he might visit as many as seven teams before making a decision early next week.

After Miami, Emtman’s next stop might be Arizona, sources said. He’ll also visit Seattle and the Raiders, with Denver, San Diego and San Francisco possible.

McCormack wouldn’t say whether Emtman passed the Panthers physicals, saying, “Let Miami do their own instead of reading about ours.”

Emtman, 6-4, 285 pounds, would play right defensive end in Carolina’s 3-4 defensive scheme. “He’s a force,” McCormack said. “He’s strong. You’ve got to take a look at him.”

Since the Indianapolis Colts selected Emtman with the first pick in the 1992 draft, he’s been injured every season. He’s suffered torn ligaments in both knees, a torn patella tendon and a herniated disk.

The Colts released Emtman, formerly of Cheney High School and the University of Washington, last weekend after he declined to accept a $1.3 million salary cut. His market value is believed to be $1 million per season.

Emtman, 25, is believed in excellent condition now and McCormack said he, Polian and Capers have privately compared his situation to that of San Diego defensive end Leslie O’Neal, who bounced back from injuries in his first three seasons to become a perennial Pro Bowler.

The Dolphins appear to be a front-runner to sign Emtman. Quarterback Dan Marino and Emtman share an agent. Also, Emtman’s doctor, Peter Indelicato, is the Dolphins’ team physician.

Eagles fail pot tests

Eagles running back Charlie Garner and offensive tackle Bernard Williams tested positive for marijuana during an unannounced, NFL-administered drug test this off-season, the Philadelphia Daily News has learned.

Garner, sources said, faces the possibility of a four-game or six-game suspension, due to a previous violation of the NFL’s substance-abuse policy. It is unknown whether Williams faces suspension as a result of the positive test.

Dolphins’ Eric Green hurt

Miami tight end Eric Green bruised his left shoulder during a passing drill and could miss between four and six weeks if an MRI exam shows a separation.

Vikings sign pair

Minnesota signed John Solomon and James Stewart.

Solomon, a linebacker from Sam Houston State, agreed to a three-year contract. Stewart, a running back from Miami who many believe was a steal in the fifth round, signed a two-year deal.

Steelers, Bruener close

After weeks of insignificant progress, Pittsburgh and tight end Mark Bruener edged closer to a deal after the team revised a four-year, $2.8 million offer that was below market compared to other first-rounders.

Bruener played at the University of Washington.

Hung jury in Fenner case

A hung jury was declared in Cincinnati in the trial of a former police officer accused of participating in a scheme to extort money from former Cincinnati Bengals running back Derrick Fenner.

Redskins retain Lohmiller

Chip Lohmiller, a former Pro Bowl kicker coming off the worst two seasons of his career, signed with the Washington Redskins after trying to reach a deal with several other clubs.

Lohmiller wanted a multiyear contract but had to settle for a one-year package worth $691,000, a raise of about 15 percent from last season. It was the same offer the Redskins made Feb. 1.

Rathman retires

Tom Rathman, star fullback on San Francisco’s Super Bowl champion teams in 1989 and 1990, has reportedly informed the NFL and the Raiders that he is retiring.

Rathman, 32, had 194 yards on 26 receptions and rushed for 118 yards last season with the Raiders.

Boselli could miss opener

Tony Boselli, the No. 2 pick in the NFL draft, could miss the Jacksonville Jaguars’ exhibition opener because of his sprained knee.

The 6-foot-7, 323-pound left tackle is likely to be sidelined for about 10 days, coach Tom Coughlin said.