BRIEFLY RAVENS SIGN STEWART TO BACK UP BOLLER.

Byline: - Daily News Staff and Wire Services

Quarterback Kordell Stewart agreed to a one-year contract Wednesday with the Baltimore Ravens. Stewart will receive the league minimum $760,000 to replace the injured Anthony Wright as the backup to Kyle Boller (Hart High of Newhall).

--Kurt Warner's agent, Mark Bartelstein, confirmed to The New York Times that the New York Giants were the most serious bidder for the quarterback's services and that progress on a contract was being made quickly.

--Coliseum officials have hired a stadium financing consultant, Bill Rhoda of Dallas-based Convention, Sports and Leisure, to work with them on financial aspects of their negotiations with the NFL on a potential term sheet.

- Billy Witz

--The Denver Broncos waived defensive tackle Daryl Gardener.

GOLF: California held on to its one-stroke lead, shooting a 9-over-par 289 in the second round of the NCAA men's championships in Hot Springs, Va.

Only Pepperdine finished below par in the second round at the par-70, 6,679-yard Cascades Golf Course. The Waves shot a 4-under 276, moving into a tie for fourth place with Washington. In the individual competition, Pepperdine's Michael Putnam fired the best round of the day, a 65. He is 1-under for the tournament, three shots behind three co-leaders.

--Craig Stadler (USC) pleaded guilty to operating a vehicle while impaired after he was arrested for drunken driving, and withdrew from the Farmers Charity Classic in Ada Township, Mich.

BASKETBALL: Stanford forward Josh Childress has decided to forgo his senior season and remain in the NBA Draft, the San Jose Mercury News reported.

MOTOR SPORTS: Orange County prosecutors won't appeal a court ruling that dismissed murder charges against a promoter in the killings of racer Mickey Thompson and his wife. The decision means racing promoter Michael Goodwin could be released from jail by the end of the month, a deputy district attorney said.

SOCCER: Real Madrid plans to tour Japan from July 27 to Aug. 1, which means it cannot play in Major League Soccer's All-Star Game if the league sticks to its July 31 date.

--Host Brazil beat Argentina 3-1 to take over first place in South American qualifying for the 2006 World Cup.