Lomax, Cardinal Qb, To Retire

PORTLAND - Neil Lomax, the Phoenix Cardinal quarterback who sat out the 1989 season because of a degenerative hip condition, was expected to announce his retirement from the National Football League today.

Portland's Oregonian newspaper said Lomax, a two-time Pro Bowl choice, was to make the announcement at a news conference in Phoenix.

Lomax, 30, missed last season because of an arthritic left hip but had been undergoing therapy with the hope he could make a comeback in 1990.

The hip condition improved, but not enough to allow him to return, said Lomax, a native of Lake Oswego, Ore.

``I'm done playing and I want to get on with my life,'' Lomax said.

The eight-year veteran signed a four-year, $6 million contract in 1988 that called for salaries of $1.4 million in 1990 and $1.5 million in 1991. The contract was guaranteed in case of a career-ending injury, and Lomax will receive the full $2.9 million for his final two seasons, said his agent, Leigh Steinberg.

Lomax will require a hip replacement and the Cardinals are obligated to pay for care of the hip for the rest of Lomax's life, Steinberg said by telephone from Berkeley, Calif.

McCants to turn pro

-- TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - Keith McCants, Alabama's All-America linebacker, said he has decided to pass up his senior season with the Crimson Tide to enter the NFL draft.

``I'm not leaving because I want to; I'm leaving because I have to do this,'' he said. ``Some players look at the money, and the money is nice; but I'm looking out for my family. My family is my No. 1 priority right now.''

The 6-foot-5, 255-pound linebacker is expected to be among the top picks in the draft in April. It has been reported that he will be the first player chosen, by the Atlanta Falcons.

Notes

-- The Phoenix Cardinals, still looking to hire a head coach, interviewed Bill Belichick, defensive coordinator of the New York Giants, yesterday. General Manager Larry Wilson said he has a list of seven serious candidates in mind - Fritz Shurmur, defensive coordinator, Los Angeles Rams; Mike Holmgren, offensive coordinator, San Francisco 49ers; Joe Bugel, assistant head coach-offense, Washington Redskins; Bruce Coslet, offensive coordinator, Cincinnati Bengals; Jim Sweeney, head coach, Fresno State; Hank Kuhlmann, interim head coach of the Cardinals, and Belichick.

-- Linebacker John Anderson, who spent his 12-year career with Green Bay, announced his retirment, saying his best days were behind him.