Charlotte, N.C. ? Lawyers for former NFL receiver Rae Carruth appealed his murder conspiracy conviction Monday, saying a judge should not have allowed jurors to hear statements by Carruth’s girlfriend Cherica Adams following her November 1999 shooting.

The documents filed Monday with the N.C. Court of Appeals in Raleigh said that Superior Court Judge Charles Lamm erred in admitting notes written by Adams from her hospital bed, “as these constituted inadmissible and unreliable hearsay that was unfairly prejudicial to” the former Carolina Panthers star.

The notes, scribbled by Adams about seven hours after she was shot on Nov. 16, 1999, were a key issue during Carruth’s trial in Mecklenburg County Superior Court.

Carruth, a second-team All-American wide receiver at Colorado and the Panthers’ first-round draft pick in 1997, was convicted in January 2001 of conspiracy to commit murder, shooting into an occupied vehicle and using a gun to try to kill the baby Adams was carrying.

Carruth is serving a sentence of at least 18 years, 11 months at Nash Correctional Institution near Rocky Mount.

Summerall to continue broadcasting for Fox

Little Rock, Ark. Pat Summerall, whose 21-year broadcasting partnership with John Madden ended at last year’s Super Bowl, will return to Fox Sports this fall to do play-by-play on games primarily involving the Dallas Cowboys.

Summerall, who spoke at a charity golf tournament in Little Rock on Monday, said he and Fox reached a deal for him to do regional games for the network. He said he wanted to continue broadcasting after Fox didn’t renew his contract last winter.

Summerall, 72, has a home in Texas.

Panthers, Peppers agree

Charlotte, N.C. The Carolina Panthers agreed to terms Monday with defensive end Julius Peppers, the second overall pick in this year’s NFL draft. Terms were not immediately available.

Saints’ “Beer Man” returns

New Orleans The New Orleans Saints signed linebacker James Allen, and tight end John Gilmore to three-year contracts on Monday. The Saints also signed free agent wide receiver Michael Lewis to a one-year contract. Lewis is a former beer truck driver who never played college ball. He started his football career with semi-pro and Arena League teams before joining the Saints last season. Sometimes referred to by fans as “Beer Man”, Lewis played in eight games in 2001.

New England inks three

Foxboro, Mass. The New England Patriots have signed three draft choices, including first-round pick Daniel Graham who is expected to contend for the starting tight end position. Graham, quarterback Rohan Davey and wide receiver David Givens agreed to terms.

Titans agree with two picks

Nashville, Tenn. The Titans have agreed to terms with second-round draft pick Tank Williams and third-round selection Rocky Calmus.

Dolphins sign DE Williams

Davie, Fla. The Dolphins signed defensive end Jay Williams to a three-year contract extension Monday through 2005. Terms were not disclosed.

Bucs sign 5th-round pick

Tampa, Fla. Fifth-round draft pick Jermaine Phillips agreed to terms Monday on a three-year contract with Tampa Bay.

Cardinals agree with Fisher

Tempe, Ariz. The Arizona Cardinals agreed to terms Monday with second round draft pick Levar Fisher on a four-year contract.

Browns secure two rookies

Cleveland The Cleveland Browns signed second-round draft pick Andre Davis and third-round pick Melvin Fowler on Monday. Davis and Fowler, both 23, are expected on the practice field Tuesday at the Browns training camp. Davis signed a four-year deal. Fowler, an offensive lineman who played for Maryland, agreed to a three-year deal.