'84 Chronology-Bob Boris

Event Date: February 8th, 1984

Event Description: USFL Awaits Decision

Source: United Press International

The USFL will wait for a judge's ruling before courting dropout running back back Marcus Dupree, league Commissioner Chet Simmons said Wednesday.

“Our clubs have been told and will be told again that they can't talk to underclassmen,” Simmons said.

“No club has been given permission to talk to Marcus DuPree -- or any other underclassman.”

The USFL is a defendant in a suit filed by college punter Bob Boris of Arizona, who is challenging the league's rule against signing underclassmen. A decision is expected shortly.

Simmons said he heard indications the federal judge hearing the Boris case had ruled against the USFL but “we want to see his written decision and read it. Then we'll have an idea of the next step.”

“There's another case involving a kid from Illinois that's in the deposition stage,' Simmons said. “He's challenging both the USFL and the NFL rule.”

Simmons said even if the courts rule the NFL and USFL can sign students still eligible for college play, 'we don't it to be open season (on underclassmen.)'

He said his league had turned down “50 to 100” contracts involving players who still had college eligibility remaining.

But Simmons told the Detroit Sports Broadcasters' Association players who wish to turn pro should be able to.

Players foregoing their senior years to sign pro contracts has not hurt college basketball, he said, noting only six players entered the NBA via that route this season.

Story-(UPI)