REDS release Deion Sanders

<br>HOUSTON (AP) _ The Cincinnati Reds placed Deion Sanders on unconditional release waivers, at least temporarily ending an attempt to revive his baseball career. <br><br>Sanders had been designated for

Saturday, June 23rd 2001, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

HOUSTON (AP) _ The Cincinnati Reds placed Deion Sanders on unconditional release waivers, at least temporarily ending an attempt to revive his baseball career.

Sanders had been designated for assignment by the Reds last Friday when the team activated Ken Griffey Jr. off the disabled list. The two-sport star, who is still on the roster of the NFL's Washington Redskins, was hitting .173 in 32 games for the Reds.

He went 3-for-3 with a home run his first game May 1 against Los Angeles. But he had just 10 hits and one run batted in from that point before being designated for assignment.

Sanders, who played for the Reds from 1994-95 and in 1997, was called up after Griffey went on the disabled list with a torn hamstring.

Because Sanders was released Friday by the Reds before July 29, the cornerback is contractually obligated to show up for the Redskins' training camp or risk losing part of his dlrs 8 million signing bonus.

Redskins coach Marty Schottenheimer said earlier this month that he is inclined to wait until the eve of training camp to decide what to do with Sanders, who hopes Washington releases him.

By waiting so late, the Redskins would make it difficult for Sanders to sign with another NFL team because of salary cap considerations.