Event Date: November 3rd, 1983
Event Description: Sipe Rumors
Source: United Press International
The New Jersey Generals of the United States Football League seem to be making inroads into Cleveland's sports teams.
Cleveland Indians officials say that Generals owner Donald F. Trump has expressed an interest in buying the American League baseball team, but denied rumors that a deal has been made.
And the Generals have reportedly made a firm money offer to Cleveland Browns quarterback Brian Sipe, who began negotiating a new contract with the Browns Wednesday.
Trump, a real estate developer, said in a statement from his Brooklyn, N.Y., office that he was interested in buying the Indians, and said he would keep the team in Cleveland.
Indians President Gabe Paul reportedly favors Trump as a potential buyer for the team, but said that others were still interested.
“As I've said before, this is not a fire sale,” said Patrick O'Neill, spokesman for the O'Neill foundation which owns 55 percent of the Indians. “We're going to do this right.”
Meanwhile, the Generals have made "a bonafideand strong money offer” for quarterback Sipe, said Ed Keating, the player's agent. The contract is reported to be for more than two years, and completely guaranteed.
“I got the impression it is (principal owner Art Modell's) opinion we already have reached agreement with the USFL,” Keating said. “I told him it's not true, but that we could settle with them very soon.”
“Frankly,” he said, “I am somewhat befuddled by the lack of aggressiveness on the part of the Browns. If they lose Brian to the other league, they will get nothing in compensation.”
Sipe sat out last Sunday's win against the Houston Oilers because of a 'tired arm,' and will be sidelined again Sunday when the Browns face Tampa Bay.
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