Fire claims Billy Taylor from rival

The Chicago Fire, searching for a breakaway threat, has acquired former Michigan All-American Billy Taylor on waivers from rival Birmingham.

Taylor,5-11 and 195, played two years in the Canadian Football League after failing in tryouts with Atlanta and St. Louis and growing bitter about his treatment in the National Football League. Birmingham claimed him this year from the Memphis Southmen.

Taylor established the all-time rushing record at Michigan with 2,990 years in three years. A Fire spokesman said Taylor was expected to arrive last night and report for practice today at Maryville Academy in Des Plaines.