The San Francisco Examiner from San Francisco, California • 83

SAN FRANCISCO EXAMINER Fmiiy.July 19, 19 F-7 f. no Ailing back shelves new runner Johnson when veterans arrive Saturday night compared to searching for a home in this area. "It's tough because most people want to rent and there's nothing available," said quarterback Billy Joe Hobert 'The amount of money they're getting up here as opposed to L.A. is about the same. But they want first and last month's rent up front, which if you want a place for $2,500 a month could mean $10,000 up front It's causing a lot of guys to dig into their bank accounts.

"I don't think they realized it was as tough as they probably thought It's going to be interesting to see how many guys dont have places to stay when camp breaks. Maybe they'll be shacking up with me, staying in my garage." Hobert bought a home bo he's resting easy about housing. McGlockton, linebacker Pat Swilling, and running back Harvey Williams are in the same position. They represent the proactive Raiders. "I was telling a lot of the guys, 'Why do you wait until the last Williams said.

"I've been up here about two months already." Williams joked that his camp roommate Derrick Fenner fell into the category of procrastinator. Williams wondered if he wouldn't be helping Fenner move sometime in Jeff Hostetler unleashes a pass at the APANDY KUNO Raiders' training camp in Napa. mm RAIDERS Veterans, including cornerback McDaniel, set the tone early NAPA Oakland Raiders corner-back Terry McDaniel snared the first pass quarterback Jeff Hostetler sailed in his direction. It was a play that signified a critical ingredient of training camp: leadership by example. "When your Pro Bowl players step up and make plays right off the bat guys like McDaniel and Tim Brown you know your veterans are trying to make a statement about this team," said Raiders coach Mike White.

Thursday featured the first practices for the entire team. It also was a chance to gauge the attitudes of the Raiders' leaders. Most echoed the same goals White has preached since camp opened on July 12: concentration, competition, and physical toughness. Hostetler talked specifically about vanquishing the disunity that infected Players are glad their commuting days are over ByJeffriChadiha OF THE EXAMMER STAFF NAPA The Oakland Raiders did enough traveling last season to know that this year will be more enjoyable with less of it The Raiders likely had the longest commute of anybody in the Bay Area last season. They spent their weekdays practicing in Southern California, then flew north to play in the Coliseum on weekends.

That situation got old quickly with the players. They had a home-field disadvantage, and just knowing those days have ended already result in satisfying nods. "It's night and day," said Raiders quarterback Jeff Hostetler. "We have a home. Before we were kind of nomads traveling in and out Really, we weren't even familiar with our own home field.

There were times that other teams practiced on it the day before a game and they had a better idea of what it was going to be like than we did." One might suspect the Raiders didn't mind leaving town after last season's six-loss, season-ending slide. The truth is they would've enjoyed staying in town whether things were going well or not The frequent flying sometimes led to frequent fatigue. It's an excuse the Raiders admittedly dont want to use, but one that can't be overlooked when evaluating the team's problems last season. After all, the idea of 16 road games isn't much of a pick-me-up. "Personally, for myself, it got very tiresome last year," said defensive tackle Chester McGlock-ton.

"I hate traveling as it is. But when you travel every week, every week becomes an away game. You're playing for the team and to win, but every week you're traveling. It feels like there's nothing there for you, nothing stable." Last season, the Raiders belonged to Oakland on weekends only. They didn't have Bay Area neighbors and couldn't enjoy the local communities they're finding homes in now.

Make that trying to find homes in. As players fight for spots on the depth chart, they're also competing in a much tougher arena as well: the Bay Area housing market. Training camp is Romper Room NFL Iran suspect indicted Ex-cop faces charge of paying for murder contract ASSOCIATED PRESS DALLAS Former Dallas police officer Johnnie Hernandez was indicted Thursday in connection with an alleged plot to kill Cowboys star Michael Irvin. Grand jurors indicted Hernandez, 28, on one count of criminal solicitation of capital murder and one count of bribery, a charge unrelated to the alleged Irvin scheme. Prosecutors say Hernandez, who was released from jail on bond Tuesday, made a $2,960 down payment to an undercover drug enforcement agent on a contract to kill Irvin.

The bribery charge came to light during the investigation into the alleged plot A police affidavit said Hernandez sold classified criminal records of an unidentified person to an undercover officer for $300. Hernandez is set to stand trial Aug. 5. If convicted, he faces up to 99 years in prison. Irvin has been subpoenaed to testify.

Hernandez reportedly wanted Irvin killed because his girlfriend, topless dancer Rachelle Marie Smith, said the Cowboys star threatened her. Both Hernandez ByMarkSoltau OF THE EXAMMER STAFF ROCKLIN, Placer County One of coach George SeHert't biggest concerns is the health of his running backs, and that concern intensified Thursday when Johnny Johnson missed the afternoon practice with a sore lower back. The former San Jose State star, counted on to be a starter, also sat out the majority of minicamp last May with back problems. Johnson participated in the 90-minute non-contact morning workout and said he felt fine afterward, but apparently his back acted up. He spent the afternoon in his dorm room.

Trainer lindty McLean called the injury an "inflamed facet joint" saying it was a "bone-to-bone connection between vertebrae." Johnson, who has no history of back trouble, sat out practice Friday morning. Stokes impressive The most impressive player Thursday was second-year split end JJ. Stokes. He caught every pass thrown his way, including several bombs, and took one away from CB James Williams. Asked why he reported early, Stokes said, "I just want to have a great year.

I don't have a Super Bowl ring. That's incentive enough." All in the family Asked if WR Jerry Rice might miss Saturday's 6 p.m. reporting deadline for any reason other than to be with his wife, Jackie, who is recovering from a complicated childbirth, Seifert said no. According to Examiner sources, Rice wants to renegotiate his contract which has two years remaining, and is seeking a five-year deal worth $25 million. "You always want to do something for Jerry," said Seifert "What I'm hearing Jerry say is it has to do with his family.

That's what I believe to be the case." It's get-acquainted time Quarterback Steve Young admitted player bonding needs to take place WALSH from F-l Offensive wizard returns to Rocklin to the coaching staff during the offseason. "So I can feel free and easy." His return was anything but. When offensive coordinator Marc Trestman learned about it, he immediately confronted president Carmen Policy and offered to resign, interpreting the move as an indictment against his coaching. "I didn't say, 'Here's my resignation, Trestman said Thursday. "I just said, 'What would you like me to do? Do you want me to It was a very friendly conversation." Policy assured Trestman that Walsh was no threat to his job.

He and owner Edward DeBartolo Jr. simply wanted to tap Walsh's offensive mind and experience. "When we first talked to him (Trestman) about the move, he accepted it begrudgingly and on blind faith," said Policy. "He took us at our word when we told him this is going to be good for you and we're doing it to help you and the team." Trestman admitted he was intimidated at first, but not anymore. He and Walsh have spent hours talking football and have become good friends.

So much so, Trestman wants Walsh to sit in the press box during games. "I feel very good about it," Trestman said. "It's a great opportunity to spend time with him. He's arguably the best offensive coach who's ever coached the game. Having stepped away from the game for a few years, his insights are probably even more valuable because he's been able to put it all in perspective." Walsh doesn't mind sitting in the press box but had other plans.

"Originally, Bill was going to sit with Eddie and myself," Policy said. "We had it all worked out We'd sit there, have a glass of champagne and Bill could say, 'Ge-ez, I don't know why he called that play, Now, there will be no bubbly until after the game. "Ill be a resource for Marc, but I'm certainly not going to be whispering or yelling in his ear, putting Al Davis notes in front of him or something," said Walsh. "I wont wear a headset It will be him using There could be up to nine new starters for the regular-season opener against New Orleans. "We know we've got to ingratiate and indoctrinate five or six big guys that are going to come in and make a big difference for us," Young said.

"Hopefully well get them indoctrinated quickly and there won't be as many questions by Sept 1." It's coach Rathman now Former 49er fullback Tom Rathman is working as a coaching intern this summer. Rathman is the offensive coordinator for Menlo College, whose new coach is ex-Santa Clara and Dallas Cowboys tight end Doug Cosbte. "It's going to be fun," said Rathman, who will install the 49ers offense at Menlo, which went 0-9 last season. "They put a lot of emphasis on turning the program around. Eventually, -I'd like to get up to this level." This and that As expected, six of seven rookie draft picks practiced Thursday.

The lone exception was DE Israel Neanyi of USC, who hasn't signed. Vice president Dwlght Clark said the two sides are close and have agreed on length of contract. "It's moving along very well," Clark said. Clark heard from Eugene Parker, the agent for free agent RB Vaughn Dunbar, but wasnt -sure if a tryout would be arranged. Dunbar was the third-leading rusher for the Jacksonville Jaguars last year with 361 yards.

Free agent CB Anthony Prior was signed Friday to a one-year contract for $196,000. The fourth-year player from Washington State was recently waived by Cincinnati Fourth-round pick Daryl Price, a DE from Colorado, signed a three-year contract worth $694,000. Hell make $133,000 this season. TE Adrian Cooper, recovering from arthroscopic surgery on his left knee, spent the afternoon practice sitting on a stool catching over-the-head passes. When Ifeanyi signs, he will room with rookie WR I hearty! Uwaezuoke of Cal On Friday the 49ers waived first-year free agent kicker Jon Baker from Arizona State The first contact workout is Saturday at 8:45 a.m.

me when he needs me." Which is just what head coach George Seifert envisioned. Contrary to rumors, he was totally supportive of Walsh's return. According to Policy, if Seifert bad balked, the move wouldn't have been made. "It's been great," Seifert said. "I expect it to be a positive thing.

It's Marc's baby, but he has somebody else to refer to. What can be bad about that?" During minicamp last May, Seifert barged into Policy's office and asked him to put a phone call on hold. Since such behavior was out of character for Seifert, Policy obliged. Seifert led him to a second-story window overlooking the practice Held and pointed at Walsh, who was tutoring a free agent "Isn't that great?" Seifert said. Then he left the room.

It's not like Trestman flopped last year, his first as the team's coordinator. The 49ers scored an NFL-high 457 points and were second in total yardage, averaging 380.4 per game. "I'm very proud of what this team accomplished, but we didn't accomplish the one thing we're supposed to do here," said Trestman, referring to a Super Bowl win. "I'm not satisfied with the end result" Emotionally, Walsh wasn't sure what to expect when he came to Rocklin. His teams trained here for eight summers and there are many memories, but he's anything but nostalgic.

"I thought Fd have some feelings driving in but I really didnt," he said. "It's been seven years. In the meantime, I was with NBC, Stanford and the NFL But I thoroughly enjoy the players, especially right now when they're all working together to try and make the team. There's such a commitment on their part" In the past, Walsh controlled everything from play-calling to curfews. Now, he hopes to slip in a few golf games and is sleeping soundly at night "I could have done it four years ago, but I probably wouldn't have chosen to do it" Walsh said of his return.

"Four years ago it might have been in the management area. There was some serious talk about that on two or three occasions. But now everything is in place and my role is this, which is just right" the season just to get him out of Williams' home. It's a funny possibility. It's also one that makes the Raiders smile for another reason.

It means they won't have to adjust their tray tables and seats to the upright position on their way home from a home game anymore. Oakland's team chemistry during the second half of 1995. "I want to jump right on it" Hostetler said. "It's something we can't have. We can be an excellent football team if we control some of the things that happen off the field.

Because a lot of those things cany on to the field and can affect you. We need to be a group that enjoys playing with each other and looks after each other, and that's what I think well be." INJURIES: CB Larry Brown and OT Pat Harlow sustained minor injuries Thursday. Brown left Thursday's afternoon practice after his left hamstring tightened up. Harlow's sore back prevented him from practicing at all in the second session. Both players were expected to return to practice on Friday.

SORE THROAT: Brown wasn't pick were not announced, but a team source, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Abdul-Jabbar signed a three-year contract worth $920,000. Cornerback Dorian Brew, taken by the Dolphins just before Abdul-Jabbar in the third round, received a three-year contract worth $930,000. Levy reinstated by league TEMPE, Ariz. The Arizona Cardinals added wide receiver Chuck Levy to its team roster, nearly a year after the NFL suspended him for substance abuse. The move places Levy on the team's training-camp roster in Flagstaff.

The 24-year-old had returned to the Cardinals' facility here last week in anticipation of the reinstatement. He was suspended Aug. 25, 1995, costing him $300,000 in his second year with the league. The drug he was using was marijuana. "Any time you can lay your feet firmly on the ground, it makes a difference," said Swilling.

'Knowing we're here in Oakland and my family's down the street, we can concentrate more on football and not the drudgery of moving around. We're glad that situation is over." talking Thursday. Although he's practicing, he also has laryngitis. SLIMFAST EDDIE: Veteran FS Eddie Anderson is playing at his lowest weight in five years. He's slimmed down from 218 pounds to 210, a move prompted by hamstring problems last year.

"It's really frustrating when you can't play and you know you're capable of playing better," said Anderson, who was told to cut down to his current weight "You have to look at something, and it was the weight I feel quicker and great and ready to compete. I dont care who they bring in here." WHERE'S THAT TURN7: Veteran CB Albert Lewis lost his sense of direction on the way to training camp Wednesday night, heading toward Sacramento instead of the wine country. "I kept looking for (Highway 29) off of (Interstate) 80," Lewis said. "And I never found it" WAIVED: Oakland waived OT Russell Freeman. Freeman, a five-year veteran, played in 15 games last season, starting one.

White said Freeman's nagging injuries held him back in camp and led to his release. Hrudey is hooked by Sharks EXAMMER NEWS SERVICES SAN JOSE Free-agent goal-tender Kelly Hrudey has agreed to contract terms with the San Jose Sharks, the team announced Thursday. Hrudey, 35, played the last eight seasons with the Los Angeles Kings, compiling a 145-135-55 record in 360 games. In 1995-96, he finished with a 7-15-10 record, 3.26 goals-against average and .907 save percentage that placed him 12th among NHL goaltenders. The Edmonton native has played 601 career games over 13 seasons, posting a 252-225-81 regular-season record with a 3.47 goals-against average.

He has posted 16 career shutouts. In 84 postseason appearances, Hrudey has compiled a 36-36 record and a 3.29 goals-against Hrudey entered the NHL in 1983 with the New York Islanders after being selected in the second round, 39th overall, in the 1980 entry draft He was traded to Los Angeles by the Islanders in exchange for Mark Fitzpatrick, Wayne McBean and future considerations on Feb. 22, 1989. With the Islanders, Hrudey played in the memorable quadruple-overtime playoff game against the Washington Capitals in 1987, which the Islanders won, 3-2. In 1988, he finished third in the voting for the Vezina Trophy as the league's top goaltender.

The Sharks did not disclose terms of the deal with Hrudey. APJM GRAHAM Eagles' Derrick Witherspoon gets tangled up in pass-catching simulator. and Smith were subpoenaed as witnesses in Irvin's cocaine-possession trial. During a hearing two weeks ago, Dallas police SgtJohn Coughlin testified about audio and video tapes recorded June 26. In the tapes, Hernandez is said to discuss the scheme and to pay the undercover agent About four hours later, Coughlin said, Hernandez "paged the agent and told him he had thought about it and asked if he could call it off." The police officer said Hernandez was at times "wishy washy" about the plot but was never coerced by investigators.

Abdul-Jabbar finally signs DAVEE, Fla. Karim Abdul-Jabbar signed with the Miami Dolphins after coach Jimmy Johnson said further delays might result in the UCLA running back finding himself buried on the depth chart Terms with the third-round.