Henley admits trying to hire hitman

Former Rams defensive back Darryl Henley pleaded guilty Wednesday to federal charges that he tried to hire a hitman to kill the judge in his drug-trafficking trial and his former girlfriend, a key witness in the case.

Henley, 30, admitted soliciting the murder of U.S. District Judge Gary Taylor and Tracy Donaho, a one-time Rams cheerleader. He faces up to 41 years and three months in prison for the drug and solicitation cases combined. Sentencing is Jan. 13.

In Taylor's court in March 1995, Henley and four others were convicted of drug trafficking. Donaho said she transported cocaine across the country for Henley.

The government alleged that Henley paid a Metropolitan Detention Center guard $3,000 a month for use of a cellular phone and that in May he asked a federal undercover agent to murder Taylor and Donaho. Henley allegedly agreed to pay $100,000 for each murder. The government also charged that Henley was trying to sell cocaine in Detroit to raise the money for the murders.

When U.S. District Judge James Ideman asked Wednesday whether the allegations were true, Henley replied: "Yes they are, your honor."

Henley's 27-year-old brother, Eric, pleaded guilty to conspiring to possess narcotics with the intent to distribute. He is free on bail.

GIANTS: Former Florida State quarterback Danny Kanell moved up to second string, replacing Stan White as Dave Brown's backup. Coach Dan Reeves said he hopes to see what the fourth-round draft pick can do working with the first team instead of the scout team, but Reeves added that the move was not made to put pressure on Brown in the wake of a 150-yard performance by the offense in a 19-10 loss to Philadelphia.

Defensive end Michael Strahan, the team leader in sacks last season, opted against free agency and signed a four-year contract. Financial terms were not disclosed, but Strahan had sought $12-million and been offered $10-million.

COLTS: Linebacker Trev Alberts practiced for the first time since surgery Aug. 5 to repair a torn rotator cuff and said he hopes to play against New England Sunday. "There wasn't anything I couldn't do. I'm a little rusty. I'll put some ice on it, but there's no pain," said Alberts, originally expected to be out 4-6 months.

RAVENS: Former All Pro tight end Eric Green, who signed with Baltimore as a free agent Sept. 24 along with former Steelers teammate Bam Morris, had his first full workout and is on schedule to play against Denver Sunday. Outside linebacker Mike Caldwell, out since Sept. 19 because of articular cartilage damage, went through about one-third of the drills Wednesday.

DOLPHINS: Quarterback Dan Marino practiced for the first time since breaking his right ankle Sept. 23 against Indianapolis but has yet to test it at full speed.

"There's pain every time," Marino said. "It felt all right. It doesn't feel great. I'm making progress. It's going to be a day-to-day thing."

CHARGERS: The California Supreme Court declined a request by three Libertarians and refused to review a lower court's approval of financing for a 10,000-seat stadium expansion and a new practice site. The challenge held up expansion for nine months.