THE SIDELINES : Major Harris Signs With CFL

VANCOUVER, Canada —  The B.C. Lions finally got their man with the arrival of a long-awaited document.

The mail brought a signed CFL contract from Major Harris, the controversial quarterback from the University of West Virginia.

“The Major signed his contract--I’ve seen it,” B.C. General Manager Joe Kapp said Wednesday. “We’re excited about the prospects of him joining our team, coming to camp, competing for a job. We think he’s the type of talent that . . . can help our football team.”

Harris elected to leave the American college ranks before his senior season. He was selected in the 12th round of the NFL draft last month by the Raiders. Harris attended a mini camp with the Raiders earlier this month before electing to put his future in the hands of the British Columbia team.

Harris, 22, agreed verbally to terms last week after a visit from Lions head Coach Lary Kuharich, but the signed contract took more than a week to reach the anxious B.C. front office.