Everett Visit Highlights Progress on Paralysis

Kevin Everett and Marc Buoniconti each suffered a severe spinal cord injury while making a tackle. The difference between them yesterday was the result of more than 20 years of research.

Buoniconti has used a wheelchair since being paralyzed while playing football for The Citadel in 1985.

Everett walked through the lobby of the Miami Project to Cure Paralysis just about seven months after he crumpled face-down on the turf following a tackle in which his helmet struck another player's helmet and shoulder pad.

"To be able to see the work of the Miami Project pay off by being part of Kevin's recovery, it means the world to us," said Buoniconti's father, Nick, a Hall of Fame linebacker. "To see how far the research has come, it goes to show you how close we are to actually finding a cure.". . .

The Oakland Raiders signed defensive end Kalimba Edwards to a two-year contract as they try to improve their pass rush for next season. Edwards was cut earlier this month by the Detroit Lions.

¿ COURTS: Three more defendants who were indicted in a wide-ranging, Albany, N.Y.-based investigation into the illegal distribution of steroids pleaded guilty to drug and conspiracy charges.

Among the three, Glen Stephanos pleaded guilty to felony criminal sale of a controlled substance. He faces five years' probation and has agreed to pay $350,000 and testify against others charged in the case.

Prosecutors say Stephanos, a co-owner of Palm Beach Rejuvenation in Jupiter, Fla., helped issue prescriptions for steroids through Signature Pharmacy.

¿ OLYMPICS: The U.S. Olympic Committee is close to completing a multimillion-dollar agreement that would keep its headquarters in Colorado Springs.

The USOC has been in the city for nearly three decades and was considering various proposals to leave because of aging, cramped facilities. The City Council plans a special meeting Monday to formalize the agreement.