BRONCOS' CARTER FACES 1-YEAR DRUG BAN

Denver Broncos cornerback Dale Carter will be suspended for one year
for violating the NFL's substance-abuse policy if he loses an appeal,
the Denver Post reported Sunday.

The newspaper, citing unidentified league sources, said Carter
violated the policy twice in the last three months and had two
previous violations during his career. The appeal is expected to be
heard in 10 days, the Post said.

Agent Mitch Frankel, who represents Carter, denied his client failed
any drug tests during the three-month period.

"He is not up for suspension at this point for failing any drug test,"
Frankel said.

If Carter, who signed with the Broncos as a free agent last season, is
suspended, he might lose his job as well as the $3.5 million he is
scheduled to make in 2000.

NFL spokesman Greg Aiello would not comment about the report. An NFL
official told the Post the team was notified of Carter's suspension in
late February.

Frankel said the Broncos never told him Carter was having problems. He
said Carter had a difficult time adjusting to life with the Broncos,
especially with their disappointing season.

One source close to Carter told the newspaper the Broncos flew his
psychologist from Kansas City to Denver about two times a month last
season. Another Broncos defensive back told the Post that Carter was a
regular on the party circuit, showed up tired for practice and slept
through most meetings.

Before signing with the Broncos, Carter starred for seven seasons with
the Kansas City Chiefs.