The New York Jets yesterday signed kicker Justin Ayat, who last played for the University of Hawai'i in 2004.

Ayat converted 191 of 209 extra-point attempts and 59 of 89 field-goal attempts during his career with the Warriors.

He kicked a 56-yard field goal against Tulsa in 2004, tying a school record held by Jason Elam.

The 5-foot-11, 205-pound kicker is a Kamehameha Schools alum.

FALCONS

VICK FACED SUSPENSION

Atlanta wanted to suspend Michael Vick. And considering the appalling allegations against their star quarterback, they may not want him back at all.

Under an edict from NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, Vick is barred from taking part in training camp while the league investigates a federal dogfighting indictment against one of its most prominent players.

The Falcons revealed yesterday they wanted to give Vick a four-game suspension — the maximum a team can impose — until Goodell asked them to hold off. He wants to take a further look at the charges issued last week and can dole out stiffer penalties under a new personal conduct policy.

"This sort of behavior is really horrific," Falcons owner Arthur Blank said in the team's first public comment since Vick was indicted. "This is certainly not the player or the person that I knew the last six years."

The Falcons said they considered all options — releasing Vick among them — and seemed to signal he will miss at least a fourth of the season even if Goodell doesn't impose his own sanctions.

Most tellingly, Blank said he would encourage Vick to give up any thoughts of playing while the case is pending — even if it means sitting out the entire season. Vick is scheduled to be arraigned in Richmond, Va., tomorrow, the same day the Falcons open training camp.

As for why he blocked an immediate suspension against Vick, Goodell said the league needed more time to investigate.

"We're looking at this from the long term," he said. "We understand how our fans are reacting to this. It is very emotional for all of us. But we have to remember that we are still at a state where these are charges. These are allegations."

ELSEWHERE

Colts: Tarik Glenn, a three-time Pro Bowl tackle, announced yesterday he will retire from the NFL because he no longer has the passion he once had for football. The 31-year-old Glenn, a first-round draft pick out of California in 1997, started 154 regular-season games during his 10-year career with Indianapolis.

Bears: Cornerback Charles Tillman agreed to a six-year contract with Chicago yesterday. Tillman, who has started 49 games in four seasons, could be with the Bears through the 2013 season. Financial terms of the deal were not released.

Saints: Wide receiver Robert Meachem, the 27th pick in the draft, agreed yesterday with New Orleans on a five-year contract. A person familiar with the deal told The Associated Press the total value of the contract exceeded $11 million with a signing bonus of more than $5.7 million.

Rams: St. Louis agreed to terms yesterday on a four-year contract with running back Brian Leonard, its second-round draft pick from Rutgers. Leonard amassed a school-record 5,961 all-purpose yards, and holds career records for receptions (207) and points (272).

Seahawks: Defensive tackle Brandon Mebane, a third-round pick from California, signed with Seattle.

Ravens: Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Troy Smith, a fifth-round pick from Ohio State, signed a three-year deal with Baltimore.

Jaguars: Defensive tackle Derek Landri, a fifth-round pick from Notre Dame, agreed to terms on a contract.

Titans: Tackle Mike Otto, a seventh-round pick from Purdue, agreed to a contract with Tennessee.