07/18/06

The doctor who pleaded guilty to conspiring to illegally prescribe steroids to several Carolina Panthers was sentenced Monday to one year and one day in prison.

Dr. James Shortt pleaded guilty in March to one federal count of conspiracy to distribute anabolic steroids and human growth hormone. Prosecutors have said current and former members of the Carolina Panthers were some of Shortt's patients.

As part of the plea deal, prosecutors dropped 42 other counts against Shortt.

Chief U.S. District Judge Joe Anderson ordered Shortt to pay the minimum fine, $500, and a $100 special assessment. He also will serve two years on supervised release.

Titans agree to terms with Lowry, five other draft picks: Tennessee agreed to terms with six of their 10 draft picks, including safety Calvin Lowry, defensive tackle Jesse Mahelona and defensive back Cortland Finnegan.

Linebacker Stephen Tulloch, linebacker Spencer Toone and running back Quinton Ganther also agreed to deals.

Lowry, a fourth-round pick, made 26 starts in 39 games with Penn State, where he had 163 tackles and nine interceptions. He also returned punts.

Vikings agree to terms with pair of draft picks: Minnesota agreed to terms with two of their six draft picks, defensive end Ray Edwards and defensive back Greg Blue.

Saints sign Lay: New Orleans and its sixth-round draft pick, cornerback Josh Lay, agreed to terms on a three-year contract.