Former Hawk Terry Taylor Banned For Life By NFL

PONTIAC, Mich. - Terry Taylor, the former Seattle Seahawk who twice before tested positive for substance abuse, yesterday became the seventh player banned for life by the NFL.

Taylor is a seven-year veteran cornerback who was traded to the Detroit Lions by the Seahawks last season for running back James Jones. The NFL action was announced yesterday after Taylor tested positive to an illegal substance for the third time.

Taylor, 29, can petition for reinstatement after one year, but has no assurance he will be allowed to return to the Lions or any other NFL team.

Coach Wayne Fontes of the Lions called the incident ``unfortunate.''

``He's been clean. He's been a model citizen here in Detroit,'' Fontes said. ``He hadn't missed a meeting. It goes to show you what can happen.''

Chuck Schmidt, the Lions' executive vice president, said: ``In the event he needs any counseling, treatment or rehabilitation, the team will certainly step up and help out his family in that regard.''

Taylor, a starter, could not be reached for comment. It is believed he will return to his off-season home in Seattle.

Others banned by the league under its drug policy were Tony Collins of New England, Stanley Wilson of Cincinnati, Charles White of the Los Angeles Rams, Dexter Manley of Washington, Earl Farrell of Phoenix and Frank Warren f New Orleans.

Taylor tested positive twice during his five seasons in Seattle. He was suspended Aug. 31 through Sept. 16, 1988.

Taylor apparently tested positive again sometime in August. He had a hearing with NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue Aug. 28, and was granted a re-test.

Taylor's contract called for him to be paid about $500,000 this season, which means he will forfeit about $406,250.