NFL -- Ram Faces Trafficking Probe; Home Said To Be Cocaine Hub

SANTA ANA, Calif. - Los Angeles Ram football player Darryl Henley's Brea home allegedly was the hub for a cocaine-trafficking network operating since April and making at least three cross-country deliveries, court records say.

The drug ring was shut down when a 20-year-old cheerleader recruited to ferry the cocaine was nabbed at the Atlanta airport in July.

Search-warrant affidavits obtained by The Orange County Register allege that Henley and the Ram cheerleader, Tracy Donaho, were involved in a more elaborate network than previously reported.

One of the affidavits contains Donaho's account of how she hauled the drugs across the country from Henley's home.

The Register reported Monday that Henley, 26, was under investigation for his alleged role in the drug ring, which has been linked to an execution-style slaying and death threats against the player.

Drug Enforcement Administration spokesman Ralph Lochridge confirmed the probe.

"He's under investigation for trafficking in drugs," he said.

HARRIS IS LATEST FALLEN EAGLE

PHILADELPHIA - Just what the Philadelphia Eagles didn't need - more bad news.

The Eagles found out yesterday that defensive end Tim Harris will be sidelined from six to eight weeks after undergoing surgery on his right elbow.

This latest setback comes less than a week after the Eagles lost quarterback Randall Cunningham for up to 12 weeks with a broken leg and wide receiver Fred Barnett for the rest of the season with a torn knee ligament.

Three weeks ago, Philadelphia lost starting right guard Eric Floyd for the season with a knee injury.

GANNON MAY NOT PLAY

ASHBURN, Va. - The Washington Redskins' quarterback situation became a bit more complicated.

Coach Richie Petitbon announced that backup quarterback Rich Gannon didn't take any snaps yesterday because of a sore foot he suffered in the 17-10 loss to the Miami Dolphins Monday night.

Washington, which apparently thought the injury would heal more quickly, decided to list Gannon as probable for tomorrow's game against the New York Giants.

BETTIS TO START FOR RAMS

ANAHEIM, Calif. - Rookie Jerome Bettis, who gained 102 yards in relief of Cleveland Gary last week, was named the Los Angeles Rams' starting tailback.

Bettis leads the team with 260 yards in 63 carries, an average gain of 4.1 yards. Gary, who has been bothered by a sore thigh, has averaged 2.2 yards, with 99 yards on 46 carries.

Compiled from Orange County Register, Wilmington (Del.) News Journal, Baltimore Sun and Los Angeles Times.