Football

THe New England Patriots announced the signing of seven players, including unrestricted free agent kicker Matt Bahr and former UCLA nose guard Bruce Walker. . . .Safety Keneth Gant, who won two Super Bowl rings with the Dallas Cowboys, signed a three-year contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Auto Racing

Ricky Rudd was the best of the Ford drivers, who have complained about the advantages of the new Chevrolet Monte Carlos. He qualified fourth with a speed of 169.567.

Among those who failed to qualify for the top 20 was seven-time Winston Cup champion Dale Earnhardt, who leads in the points race. . . .

Names in the News

Kim Chandler has resigned as women’s basketball coach at Cal State Northridge.