Bronco Tight End Arrested

DENVER - Broncos tight end Clarence Kay, already on the carpet before the NFL as a potential three-time loser for substance abuse, was arrested yesterday following an incident at his ex-girlfriend's house, authorities said.

His arrest initially cast doubts whether he would fly with the team to Tokyo today for Saturday's exhibition game against Seattle.

But a late-night Denver County Court hearing released him on $550 bond, with his next court appearance set for Aug. 10.

A Bronco team spokesman said if there was no legal hold on Kay, he would join the team for the flight to Tokyo.

Kay is the team's starting tight end.

Police spokesman John Schnittgrund said Kay was arrested for disturbance, trespass and destruction of private property in breaking a window.

Kay faces a possible lifetime suspension from the NFL because of his recent conviction for driving while impaired. Kay previously had twice tested positive for cocaine use.

Camp notes

-- DETROIT - Defensive end Curtis Green, 33, announced his retirement after playing all nine seasons of his NFL career with the Lions.

-- MINNESOTA - Anthony Carter reached agreement in principle with the Vikings on a contract that would make him one of the highest-paid receivers in the NFL.

-- PHOENIX - Tight end Robert Awalt signed a a two-year contract, and kick returner Vai Sikahema, defensive end Freddie Joe Nunn and cornerback Cedric Mack also agreed to terms.

-- WASHINGTON - Free safety Todd Bowles showed up to sign his contract, but running back Gerald Riggs, linebacker Ravin Caldwell and defensive linemen Darryl Grant and Markus Koch were the no-shows for the opening of the full training camp.

-- NEW YORK GIANTS - Two-time Pro Bowl tight end Mark Bavaro underwent surgery on his troublesome left knee and will miss at least a week of training camp. Bavaro could be sidelined for 10 days by the surgery.

-- SAN FRANCISCO - Quarterback Joe Montana, still weak from a bout with the flu, missed his second straight day of practice.

-- INDIANAPOLIS - After missing three days for personal reasons, veteran center Ray Donaldson reported to camp.

-- LOS ANGELES RAMS - Tackle Jackie Slater, a 14-year veteran, remained absent from camp even though he's under contract through the end of the season. Slater, 36, wants to renegotiate the final year of his contract, reportedly worth $550,000 base salary.

-- TAMPA BAY - The Bucs waived fullback William Howard, who started 21 games in two years but fell into disfavor when he reported to training camp overweight.

-- NEW ENGLAND - Defensive end Garin Veris, who missed all of last season with a left knee injury, will be sidelined 6-8 weeks after undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his right knee.