DATE: Friday, August 1, 1997                TAG: 9708010896

SECTION: SPORTS                  PAGE: C2   EDITION: FINAL 

SOURCE: FROM STAFF, WIRE REPORTS 

                                            LENGTH:   43 lines

SMITH REPORTEDLY WILL END HIS HOLDOUT BEACH RESIDENT'S ARREST MIGHT HAVE HASTENED DECISION, BILLS OFFICIALS SAY.

All-Pro Bruce Smith will end his holdout and report to the Buffalo Bills training camp today or Saturday, the Buffalo News is reporting in today's editions.

Smith apparently was convinced by Leigh Steinberg, his Newport Beach, Calif., agent, to report to training camp even though he has not agreed to a contract extension, according to Bills' officials who asked not to be identified.

Bills' officials told the Buffalo newspaper they think Smith's decision was hastened by his arrest early Sunday morning in Virginia Beach. Smith was charged with driving under the influence and refusing to take a blood alcohol test after police found him asleep at the wheel of his car.

Smith, the 1996 NFL Defensive Player of the Year, has been offered a five-year, $22 million extension. He has a year left on his current contract that will pay him about $2.2 million.

Smith appears likely to play out this season, then attempt to sign with another team as a free agent. He alluded to such a possibility last week in an interview with Sports Illustrated.

``If they make me play without negotiating a fair contract, my sole purpose on the football field this year will be to stay healthy,'' Smith said. ``No more playing with a torn rotator cuff or a knee that needs surgery, like I've done in the past. I'll just make sure I don't get hurt.''

Smith is angry because he says the Bills have made no effort to reimburse him for a $1.65 million pay cut he took two years ago that allowed them to sign two free agents and remain under the NFL salary cap.

Norfolk attorney Pete Decker, whom Smith has retained to defend him on the Virginia Beach charges, said Thursday night he doesn't know if and when Smith is reporting to camp. Smith could not be reached for comment. MEMO: Staff writer Harry Minium contributed to this story. ILLUSTRATION: Photo

Bruce Smith, arrested early Sunday morning on DUI charges, will

report to camp today or Saturday, team officials said. KEYWORDS: DRUNKEN DRIVING ARREST

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