Bush says he'd fit well with Falcons, Petrino

ATLANTA HAS 11TH PICK IN THIRD ROUND

Louisville running back Michael Bush is one of the most intriguing names in the NFL Draft. He's battling back from a fractured right leg. To drum up some interest, his representatives sent all 32 NFL teams DVDs of his latest workouts and a letter from orthopedist James Andrews of Birmingham, Ala.

"It's been a month since my surgery, and I've been jogging 100 yards," Bush said. "I'm jump roping. I'm bench squatting. So it feels pretty good."

Bush was considered a possible top-10 pick before the injury during last season's Kentucky game. He could last until the third round in the draft.

"If he had continued to play he would have put himself in position in the run for the Heisman," said Atlanta Falcons head coach Bobby Petrino, who coached Bush at Louisville.

The Falcons have the 11th pick in the third round and three picks in the fourth round.

Bush said he'd like to reunite with his college coach. They have been in contact.

"I wouldn't mind," Bush said. "It would be a smooth transition from college to pros because of the offensive system. I wouldn't have to spend as much time in the playbook as I would if I went somewhere else."

Vick-owned house raided

Police conducting a drug investigation raided a house owned by Falcons quarterback Michael Vick and found dozens of dogs, some injured and emaciated. Police also found items associated with dog fighting.

State Police Sgt. D.S. Carr said Vick's relative, Davon Boddie, 26, lives in the house. Vick owns the property but doesn't live there and wasn't present when a search warrant was executed in a drug investigation Wednesday night, Carr said. More than 60 dogs were found in three buildings. Some appeared malnourished, scarred and injured, officials said.

Chiefs deny L.J. trade rumor

Kansas City quickly dispelled rumors that they are shopping Pro Bowl running back Larry Johnson before this weekend's NFL Draft. Team spokesman Bob Moore said yesterday the Chiefs have not offered Johnson to anybody and that no team has been given permission to speak with him.

"Anybody who is reporting it's true is simply not telling the truth," Moore said.

Johnson, 27, has made it clear he wants a deal worth more than the eight-year, $60 million contract MVP LaDainian Tomlinson signed two years ago. The Kansas City Star, citing no sources, reported yesterday that the team had offered Johnson up for trade. Johnson's agent, Alvin Keels, said yesterday he preferred not to comment.

Around the league

Chargers: Michael Turner, the backup to LaDainian Tomlinson, can now leave San Diego only if he's traded. Turner signed the $2.35 million, one-year tender he got from the team after becoming a restricted free agent.

• A woman who was with Chargers linebacker Steve Foley the night he was shot by an off-duty police officer was found guilty yesterday of felony assault with a deadly weapon. Lisa Maree Gaut was convicted of trying to run down officer Aaron Mansker with Foley's car.

Saints: Charles Grant agreed to a seven-year contract extension yesterday worth up to $63 million, ending a dispute over the Saints putting the franchise tag on the starting defensive end.