The Blotter

Retired
Because of a degenerative arthritic condition in his left knee, Terrell Davis, 29, the Broncos' All-Pro running back. The 196th selection in the 1995 draft, Davis rushed for 6,413 yards in his first four seasons, the second most in NFL history, scoring 56 TDs and leading Denver to Super Bowl wins in '98 and '99. The next season Davis tore the ACL in his right knee and was never the same, playing just 13 games since then.

Suspended
From the NHL for six months, for violating the league's substance-abuse policy for the third time, Predators defenseman Jere Karalahti. In a Jan. 21 SI story Karalahti, who in 1996 was arrested on heroin charges in Finland, said, "I can't say I'd never go back to the drugs."

Banned
From international play for one year by the Romanian Soccer Federation, second division team Tractorul, for posing as Romania's national team in two matches against Egypt. The club, which split the games, was also fined $1,500.

Died

Of unspecified causes, John Roseboro, 69, the Dodgers catcher who was clubbed over the head with a bat by Giants pitcher Juan Marichal in a 1965 clash. In 14 seasons Roseboro hit .249, won two Gold Gloves and was on four All-Star teams. Recently he had suffered from prostate cancer, heart trouble and a series of strokes.

?Of cardiopulmonary complications, Kyle Rote, 73, a Pro Bowl receiver with the Giants in the '50s and the first president of the NFL Players Association. Rote, who went first in the 1951 NFL draft after starring at SMU, played 11 years with New York, made 300 catches for 4,797 yards and was so well-liked that 14 of his teammates named sons after him.

?Of heart failure, Sunday Silence, 16, winner of the 1989 Kentucky Derby and Preakness. Best known for his Triple Crown rivalry with Easy Goer, whom he narrowly beat twice before finishing second to him in the Belmont, Sunday Silence retired in '90 with nine wins in 14 starts. At the time of his death he was the top sire in Japan, where he stood at stud on the island of Hokkaido.