TAYLOR TURNS HIMSELF IN ON DRUG RAP

TEANECK, N.J., Dec. 18 (UPI) _ The troubles continue for former New York
Giants linebacker Lawrence Taylor.

On Thursday night, Taylor turned himself in to police to face charges of
possession of narcotics and narcotics paraphernalia after an investigation
by the Teaneck Police Department bureau of narcotics.

After turning himself in, Taylor posted $2,500 bond and was released on his
own recognizance. The case now will be referred to the Bergen County
prosecutor.

In September, police officers carried out a search warrant on a hotel room
rented in Taylor's name. Crack cocaine and narcotics paraphernalia were
found and seized. Taylor was not present when the search took place.

This is the latest in a series of legal troubles for Taylor, who is a
virtual lock to be elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame next month.
There is no specific conduct clause for Hall of Fame election.

Taylor was arrested on Oct. 19 for purchasing crack cocaine from an
undercover police officer in St. Petersburg, Fla. Taylor claimed he had
been set up, but later entered a New Jersey drug rehabilitation clinic.

In May of 1996, Taylor was arrested in Myrtle Beach, S.C., on charges he
tried to buy crack cocaine. He was arrested in the summer of 1997 for
failing to pay child support payments on time and pleaded guilty to filing
a false 1990 federal income-tax return.

In 1988, Taylor was suspended four games for violating the NFL's substance
abuse policy and entered a rehabilitation clinic.

Taylor is credited with revolutionizing the position of outside linebacker
in the 1980's and early 1990's. He was named to 10 Pro Bowls and led the
Giants to two Super Bowl titles. Taylor retired in 1993.

Checked-by: Mike Gogulski