49ers Sign Running Back

After months of on-again, off-again interest, both sides confirmed that the San Francisco 49ers had reached a contract agreement with free-agent running back Johnny Johnson.

A former Pro Bowler with Arizona, the 27-year-old Johnson sat out the 1995 season after being released by the Cardinals. The 49ers say he is in excellent shape and expect him to compete with incumbent Derek Loville for the starting halfback job.

NFL players asked the Supreme Court to allow athletes to file antitrust lawsuits against leagues that impose salaries after reaching a bargaining impasse with players’ unions.

Otherwise, players would be forced to choose between keeping union representation and suing over imposed salaries, said the players’ lawyer, Kenneth Starr, taking a break from his duties as Whitewater independent counsel.

The court’s ruling in the case, expected by July, also could affect the future of contract negotiations for professional basketball and hockey.

In Annapolis, Md., the state Board of Public Works approved financing for Baltimore’s $200 million football stadium.

Receiver Don Beebe, who went to four Super Bowls with the Buffalo Bills, said he has agreed to play for the Green Bay Packers this fall.