Dolls Cause Bomb Scare at Redskins’ Training Camp

Confusion gave way to paranoia Tuesday at the Washington Redskins’ training camp in Ashburn, Va., and a package addressed to team owner Dan Snyder and accompanied by a rambling letter was opened by the bomb squad.

Just before it was blasted open by a water cannon in some nearby woods, an employee heard tinkling music from the package. Inside were four dolls, none of which seemed to have anything to do with the NFL.

“There was music coming from it, and it’s sort of unusual to have a package that is singing to you,” Lt. Eric Noble of the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office said. “The toys were electronic in nature. They had an on-off switch. Apparently, during transit one of the ‘on’ switches was activated.”

Noble said the letter and package came from a local man who had written another letter to Snyder in recent weeks.

He added that the man who sent the package might be interviewed, but not charged because no crime has been committed.

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Jamal Anderson, who suffered a torn knee ligament in the second game of the 1999 season and underwent surgery in October, will return to his familiar starting spot in the Atlanta Falcons’ backfield Friday night against the Cincinnati Bengals.

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Defensive end Robert Porcher, AWOL from the Detroit Lions’ afternoon practice Monday, was back Tuesday with a four-year, $25 million contract with a $10 million signing bonus.

Porcher, who led the NFL in sack yardage last season, turned down a five-year, $35-million offer in February that included a $12-million bonus.

Additionally, quarterback Charlie Batch, who broke a bone in his right knee in early June, underwent a successful medical examination, Coach Bobby Ross said.

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Denver Bronco wide receiver Rod Smith was in New York Tuesday to attend a disciplinary hearing that will determine whether he is fined or suspended for a dispute with his common-law wife. . . . New York Giant tight end Pete Mitchell had surgery on his left knee and there is a chance he might be ready to play by the second week of the season. . . . Cornerback Mark Roman became the final second-round pick to sign when he agreed to a four-year contract with the Bengals. . . . Denver holdout Trevor Pryce could face fines totaling $554,000 for missing training camp if the Broncos decide to go after a portion of his $1.1-million signing bonus. . . . Kicker Jeff Jaeger’s comeback attempt with Chicago is on hold after he strained a muscle near his left rib cage while warming up. . . . The Tennessee Titans insist quarterback Steve McNair’s sore shoulder will be fine with rest. McNair may not throw in practice until later this week.