'84 Chronology-Wise Men

Event Date: May 24th, 1984

Event Description: Howard Ponders Offer

Source: Ocala Star Banner

'84 Chronology-Sticky Situation

Event Date: May 24th, 1984

Event Description: Creditors Pursue Blitz

Source: United Press International

Angry creditors who are owed a total of $1.8 million by the ownerless Chicago Blitz have threatened to block Eddie Einhorn's attempt to purchase a U.S. Football League franchise.

“If the (USFL) commissioner or the owners do not acknowledge by Friday and arrange for payment of 100 cents on the dollar, we will take whatever action we deem necessary,” said Robert Chatz, spokesman for the 40 creditors.

The Blitz creditors met Tuesday to discuss ways to seek the $1.8 million owed them. The creditors demanded payment of the unpaid bills by Friday.

“The general consensus is that if Einhorn takes over the team, that's not to the advantage of any of the creditors,” said John Joyce, a vice president of the advertising firm of Bentley, Barnes and Lynn, the Blitz' largest creditor.

If the Friday deadline is not met, Chatz said the group would consider 

suing the USFL, which took over operations of the Blitz when former owner Dr. James Hoffman of Milwaukee bailed out of the franchise last winter.

Einhorn, a co-owner of the Chicago White Sox, was expected to continue his bid to acquire a USFL franchise, but no new developments occurred.

“What's difficult to understand is how Eddie Einhorn can get involved in something like this,” said Same Conforti, a controller for Bentley, Barnes and Lynn who was selected to act as chairman of a committee set up by the creditors to explore ways to get their money back.

The creditors, representing a variety of businesses, including radio and television stations, newspapers and advertising agencies, have sought and received permission to inspect the club's financial records before Friday.

New York attorney William McSherry Jr. said the league does not know where the money is going to come from to operate the Blitz for the remainder of the season.

“We're trying to get somebody to put up a pot of money but the situation has changed dramatically,” he said. “At the present time, it does not appear that a buyer will be found who will assume the liability of the past.”

Story-(UPI)

'84 Chronology-Returning to the Crib

Event Date: May 24th, 1984

Event Description: Cribbs Ends Holdout

Source: Ocala-Star Banner

'84 Chronology-NFL Supplemental Draft Set

Event Date: May 24th, 1984

Event Description: NFL Meetings

Source: Lakeland Ledger

'84 Chronology-Fire Sale

Event Date: May 22nd, 1984

Event Description:  Federals to Flee?

Source: UPI (Modified)

Sherwood (Woody) Weiser, a prominent South Florida real estate developer, said last night he expected to complete his purchase of the Washington Federals.

Weiser and Berl Bernhard, the Federals' majority owner, were ironing out final details of the ownership transfer yesterday in New York. The change is expected to be approved by Commissioner Chet Simmons as well as the USFL owners at their July meetings.

"We are down to a final few details," said Weiser, who would buy out all the Federals' general and limited partners. "I fully expect everything will be finalized before the July meetings, so the sale can be presented to the owners. I have no idea how the vote will turn out, but obviously I hope it will be approved."

Weiser earlier had signed a non binding agreement to buy the team. He and Bernhard have been negotiating terms of the sale for the few weeks. The sale price reportedly is between $5 million and $6 million.

Although USFL sources are convinced Weiser will move the Federals, he reiterated yesterday that no decision about the future location of the financially troubled team has been made.

League owners will be asked to approve the sale on an option basis, giving Weiser the choice of keeping the franchise in the Washington-Baltimore area or moving it to Miami or possibly Orlando. It is expected they will ask that he decide within two months after the end of this season.

"What people say and what I will do are two different things," he said. "It's no secret that I've cleared the way to move the team to Florida if I want to. But I will not make a decision until after I have received all necessary information.

Bernhard will continue to be associated with the Federals, at least through the rest of this season.

It is expected some league owners will object to a move to Miami, in part because they want to keep a team in Washington, in part because they feel it might be impossible to place an expansion team here and in part because they are convinced they can find expansion owners for a Miami team that would play in the Orange Bowl.

The league and the Orange Bowl, which is owned by the City of Miami, already have a signed agreement to accommodate a USFL franchise.

Story-(UPI-Modified)

'84 Chronology-Week #13 Roundup

Event Date: May 22nd, 1984

Event Description: Week #13 Roundup

Source: PFW

Kevin Nelson rushed for 110 yards and Mel Gray scored a pair of touchdowns Monday night to lead the Los Angeles Express to a 31-17 win over the Jacksonville Bulls at the Gator Bowl on Monday night.

Steve Young connected on 17 of 28 pass attempts for 190 yards with one touchdown and one interception. Anthony Allen and Jo Jo Townsell led the receiving corps with 69 and 61 receiving yards, with Townsell scoring on a nine-yard slant at the end of the first-half.

Jacksonville pivot Robbie Mahfouz finished with 165 passing yards with one touchdown while in relief of starter Matt Robinson. Rookie Ben Bennett also saw action in the second-half after Mahfouz left the game due to injury. Bennett finished with 58 passing yards on 6 of 12 attempts with two interceptions and three sacks.

In other Week 13 action; 

On Saturday, the Birmingham Stallions improved to (9-4) after defeating Arizona 34-20, meanwhile in a matchup of two struggling franchises the Chicago Blitz improved to (5-8) after their 33-27 win over Washington.

On Sunday, the Pittsburgh Maulers won a field goal contest against New Orleans by a score of 15-3, the Panthers won at home over New Jersey 31-16, the Showboats downed Oakland 18-3, the Bandits crushed Denver 42-3 and Philadelphia improved to (12-1) after winning a 34-24 contest against Houston.

more to come......

'84 Chronology-Flight of Fancy

Event Date: May 18th, 1984

Event Description:  Carmichael Cut

Source: United Press International

Harold Carmichael says he plans to continue playing and was "not ruling out" a move to the U.S. Football League after he was waived by the Philadelphia Eagles.

The Eagles announced Friday they were waiving Carmichael, a 13-year veteran of the club and the team's leading all-time receiver.

"I feel that I can make a winning contribution to a football team, and I have decided to continue to play professional football," he said.

The 6-foot-8 Carmichael said he would like to stay in the NFL but would consider offers from the USFL.

"We're not ruling out the USFL, but I'd like to play in the NFL. I have a mission. I need 60 or so catches to break some records and that's something to shoot for," Carmichael said.

Philadelphia coach Marion Campbell praised Carmichael's performance, particularly during the team's playoff years, but said the 34-year-old veteran no longer fit into the team's plans.

"Harold has been one of the finest receivers in NFL history in his 13 years with the Eagles," Campbell said. "However, we are heading in a new direction with our new receivers."

"I don't have any bad feelings. I'm disappointed in a way but life goes on. I remember when I came in that they had to cut somebody to make room for me," Carmichael said.

"Most of all, I would like to thank the fans of Philadelphia, who are the greatest and most knowledgeable in the world, and who have supported me and the Eagles through good times and bad," he said.

The Eagles had sought a trade for Carmichael, Campbell said, but no other NFL team was interested.

Story-(UPI)

'84 Chronology-Birds of Prey

Event Date: May 18th, 1984

Event Description:  Starr Heads West

Source: United Press International

The Arizona Firebirds, a group seeking to bring an NFL franchise to Arizona, announced Friday the hiring of former Green Bay Packers Coach Bart Starr.

Starr, who played 17 years with the Packers and was dismissed last month after nine years as head coach, will assume the position of head coach and director of football operations with the Firebirds.

In making the introduction, Firebirds President Robert Whitlow said Starr “has joined the organization and will actively participate in the club's endeavor to bring an NFL expansion team to Arizona.”

“I was delighted to be approached by these people,” Starr said. “It's an exciting opportunity.”

Starr said he had spoken with NFL Commissioner Pete Rozelle after being contacted by Firebirds management and was given assurances as to the credibility of the group.

“Pete wished me well and confirmed to me that I was joining a quality group,' he said. 'We know, of course, that there are no guarantees.”

The Firebirds are also headed by former American Football League Commissioner Joe Foss. Whitlow was the founder and general manager of the now-defunct Phoenix Roadrunners of the World Hockey Association.

The group has leased 500 acres of land on the Gila Indian Reservation and Whitlow said they are prepared to break ground for a 72,000-seat stadium 48 hours after a franchise is awarded.

Story-(UPI)

'84 Chronology-Week #13 Preview

Event Date: May 18th, 1984

Event Description: Week #13 Preview

Source: Pro Football Weekly

Week #13 USFL Preview

Saturday, May 19th

 (4-8) Washington Federals at  (4-8) Chicago Blitz

Latest Line: (Blitz -5)   

Television Coverage: Local Television

Radio: ESPN: Duane Dow & Jim Grabowski

  (7-5) Arizona Outlaws at (8-4) Birmingham Stallions

Latest Line: (Stallions -7)

Television: ESPN Regional: Tom Kelly & Don Heinrich

Radio: ESPN Radio: Jim Fyffe & Dick James

Sunday, May 20th 

     (6-6) Pittsburgh Maulers at (5-7) New Orleans Breakers

Latest Line: (Breakers -2)

Television Coverage:: ABC Regional: Tim Brandt & Lee Grosscup

Radio: ESPN: Sam Nover & Jack Ham

          (7-5) New Jersey Generals at (6-6) Michigan Panthers

Latest Line: (Panthers -1)

Television Coverage: ABC National: Keith Jackson & Lynn Swann

Radio: ESPN: Charley Steiner & Bob Casciola

(11-1) Philadelphia Stars at (7-5) Houston Gamblers

Latest Line: (Stars -3)

ABC Regional: Bill Flemming & Ron Mix

Radio: ESPN: John Greer & Ed Biles

(5-7) Denver Gold at (7-5) Tampa Bay Bandits

Latest Line: (Bandits -7)

Television Coverage: Local Television

Radio: ESPN Radio: Mike Nolan & Ben Martin

 (3-9) Oakland Invaders at (8-4) Memphis Showboats

Latest Line: (Showboats -8)

Television Coverage: Local Television

Radio: ESPN Radio: Bob Murphy & Bob Lee

Monday, May 21st

(5-7) Los Angeles Express at  (3-9) Jacksonville Bulls

Latest Line: (Express -2)

Television Coverage: ESPN National: Jim Simpson & Paul McGuire

Radio: ABC Radio: Bob Buck & Dick Butkus

'84 Chronology-Coming to Terms

Event Date: May 17th, 1984

Event Description: Falcons Sign Pick

Source: Ocala Star Banner

'84 Chronology-Seal of Approval

Event Date: May 17th, 1984

Event Description: Blitz Sale Stalls

Source: Ocala Star Banner

'84 Chronology-May Owners Meeting

Event Date: May 15-17th, 1984

Internal Memo: United States Football League Owners Meeting

Re: Expansion, Mergers and Relocation

The owners considered the following; 

1. A proposal to grant an expansion franchise to league founder David Dixon. 

2. A proposal to sell a Florida expansion franchise to either Miami or Orlando.

3. A proposal to sell a Oklahoma expansion franchise to J. Walter Duncan.

4. A proposal to sell a San Antonio franchise to Red McCombs.

5. A proposal to sell a San Antonio franchise to Clinton Manges.

6. A proposal to sell the rights to the Washington Federals franchise to real estate developer Woody Weiser.

7. A proposal from New Jersey Generals owner Donald J. Trump to move to the fall for the 1985 season.

8. A proposal from a group of prospective owners led by Eddie Einhorn to take control of the Chicago Blitz franchise and then move them into involuntary bankruptcy.

9. A proposal from the Einhorn group to be granted a new franchise for the city of Chicago which would begin play in 1986.

 10. A recommendation from the Executive Committee for the league  to take control of the Chicago franchise for one year.

11. A recommendation from the Relocation Committee to consider a potential transfer of the Washington Federals franchise for next season.

12. A recommendation from the league finance committee calling for a strict adherence to the so-called Dixon Salary Cap* for the 1985 season and beyond. 

The owners agreed to the following;

A. The owners rejected the proposal from Donald J. Trump to move to the fall in 1985 citing a limited time frame to make the move.

B. The owners agreed to hire the McKinsey & Company & Yankelovich, Skelly & White Inc. to complete a study the demographics of switching to a fall schedule. The final report is to be presented to the Long-Range Planning Committee in August.

C. The owners approved an expansion franchise for league founder David Dixon, at a date to be determined, but rejected his bid for the Chicago franchise. 

D. The owners agreed to table all expansion franchise charters until after the submission of the McKinsey Report.

E. The owners agreed to freeze the Chicago and Washington franchises until the completion of a league audit.

F. The owners agreed to a proposal from Philadelphia Stars owner Myles Tanenbaum calling for a sixteen team league in 1985.

G. The owners agreed to table the Dixon Salary Cap until the completion of the McKinsey Report.

H. The owners tabled a $22.5 million Emergency Fund until the finance committee could perform a final audit of the Washington, Chicago and Los Angeles franchises.

 I. The owners agreed to meet again in July during the week of the USFL championship game..

*The Dixon Salary Cap calls for a salary cap of a maximum of $3M for the 1985 season.  (Teams may exceed the cap only to pay players under personal services contracts between players and owners.)

more to come......

'84 Chronology-Week #12 Roundup

Event Date: May 15th, 1984

Event Description: Bandits Steal Win

Source: UPI

John Reaves threw for 362 yards and four touchdowns Monday night to lead the Tampa Bay Bandits to a 33-27 win over the Arizona Outlaws in the U.S. Football League.

Reaves connected on touchdown passes of 13 yards to Marvin Harvey, 10 yards to Gary Anderson and a pair of touchdown passes to Willie Gillespie. Greg Boone paced the Bandits’ ground attack with 149 yards on just a dozen carries and Gary Anderson added another 71 yards on 22 attempts.

Arizona's Doug Williams, who was making his first appearance in a regular season game at Tampa Stadium since leaving the NFL's Tampa Bay Buccaneers, threw touchdown passes of 19 and 23 yards to Al Williams, and 15 yards to tight end Paul Ricker.

Williams completed 15-of-39 attempts for 187 yards with no interceptions and one sack.

In other Monday night games, the Gold crushed Jacksonville at home by a score of 30-7 and Birmingham trounced Oakland 28-10.

In other Week #12 action; 

On Saturday, the New Jersey Generals improved to (7-5) after downing Chicago 34-21, the Showboats improved to (8-4) after their 17-3 win over Los Angeles, and Houston pounded Washington 27-9.

On Sunday, the Stars coasted to a 42-20 win against New Orleans, and the Panthers edged Pittsburgh 33-26.

Story-(UPI Modified)

'84 Chronology-Nielsen Ratings

Event Date: May 14th, 1984

Event Description: Nielsen Retires

Source: Ocala Star Banner