'84 Chronology-Final Votes

Event Date: August 27th, 1984

Internal Memo: United States Football League Owners Meeting

Re: Final Votes

The owners considered the following; 

1. A proposal from New Jersey Generals owner Donald J. Trump to move to the fall for the 1985 season.
2. A proposal from Commissioner Simmons to form the Committee on Consolidation, Expansion and Relocation.
1. The Committee will submit recommendations for the Chicago, Los Angeles and Washington franchises within 30 days of the close of the August meetings.
2. The Committee, along with current ownership, will continue to try and negotiate the sale or relocation of those franchises considered to be in distress.
3. A proposal from Marvin Warner regarding the pursuit of an anti-trust lawsuit against the National Football League. (Approved)
4. A proposal to accept the following from the McKinsey report:
1. Sixteen game schedule in 1985.
2. Move the season ahead to early February.
3. Continue TV negotiations with ABC and ESPN regarding improved regional coverage on Sundays and more prime time games (Thursday, Saturday and Sunday nights).
4. Initiate a more comprehensive advertising and marketing campaigns.
5. Implement a blackout rule starting in 1985.
6. Soft Salary Cap of  $3.2 million per team starting in 1985.
7. Continue talks with all three television networks regarding future coverage to be led by Commissioner Simmons and Eddie Einhorn.

The owners agreed to the following;

1. A proposal from Donald Trump to move to the fall for the 1985 season. (Failed to pass by a 2/3 vote).
2. A proposal to form the Consolidation, Expansion and Relocation Committee was approved. (Approved).
3. A proposal to continue to investigate anti-trust litigation against the National Football League. (Approved).
4. The owners also voted on the following recommendations from the McKinsey Report:
1. Move to a sixteen game schedule in 1985. (Approved).
2. Starting in 1985, move the season ahead to early February. (Approved).
3. A modified prime time schedule which would include Thursday and Sunday night contests. (Sent to the Television Committee for final approval).
4. Implement a comprehensive advertising and marketing campaign under the direction of Commissioner Simmons and the Television Committee. (Approved).
5. Implement a stronger blackout rule for 1985. (Tabled due to current television contract terms with ABC, to be reconsidered for the 1986 season).
6. Implementation of a “soft” salary cap for the 1985 season. (Approved with New Jersey and Arizona abstaining).
7. Continue talks with all three television networks regarding future coverage for both a spring and potential future fall schedule. (Approved).
5. The owners agreed to undertake the “League Building” strategy as outlined in the McKinsey Report. (Approved with New Jersey abstaining).

(Washington, Chicago and Los Angeles did not register formal votes)

more to come......

'84 Chronology-Simmons Speaks

Event Date: August 27th, 1984

Internal Memo: United States Football League Owners Meeting

Re: Commissioner Simmons Recommendations

1. Commissioner Simmons:
1. Stay the course in spring for 1985 and 1986.
2. Work to reduce team payrolls-Martha Salary Cap of $2.5 for 1986 and beyond.
3. More prime time games:
1. Continue Saturday and Monday night games on ESPN.
2. Schedule prime time games on Thursdays and Sunday nights with coverage via ESPN.
4. Administer the following recommendations from the McKinsey Report:
1. Move the season ahead to early February starting in 1985.
2. Move to a sixteen game season starting in 1985.
3. Schedule a sampling of Thursday night games and add a Sunday night game starting in 1985.
1. Begin talks with ESPN regarding television coverage of said games.
4. Add more regional coverage of Sunday afternoon games.
5. Institute a stronger blackout rule starting in 1985 to enhance stadium attendance. (Attendance was up 10% in 1984).
6. Implement a soft salary cap starting in 1985.
7. Continue talks with all three television networks regarding future coverage for both a spring and eventual fall schedule.
5. Form a Committee for Consolidation, Expansion and Relocation; members include Bassett, Martha, Taube and Taubman to examine the following:
1. Chicago status for 1985 must be determined as soon as possible. 
2. Los Angeles status for 1985 including:
1. Finances & Player Salaries.
2. Finding a new ownership group.
3. Washington status for 1985 must be determined as soon as possible. 
4. The possibility of granting “new” franchises to either Orlando, Baltimore and/or San Antonio.

'84 Chronology-Great Expectations

Event Date: August 26th, 1984

Event Description: Rozier Offer

Source: Ocala Star Banner

'84 Chronology-Warner Letter

Event Date: August 26th, 1984

Internal Memo: United States Football League Owners Meeting

Re: Marvin Warner-Birmingham Stallions

Letter from Marvin Warner regarding potential anti-trust litigation;

1. Warner Letter:
1. Already looking at pursuing NFL anti-trust violations regarding the Stallions franchise; could file an individual suit.
2. Areas of concern include all three major television networks having a contract with the National Football League.
3. Advises other teams to examine any violations regarding individual franchises.
2. Tanenbaum Response:
1. Meetings with Philadelphia based attorney Harold Cohen.
1. Have already met and willing to work on a contingency basis with regard to any potential lawsuits.
3. Robert Taubman Response:
1. All anti-trust referrals should be sent to the league legal office and they should file a report pending any potential violations.
1. Endorsed by Paul Martha.

August Owners Meeting Poll

Which of the following strategies should the USFL owners pursue?

Merger Strategy

Anti-Trust Litigation

Move to the Fall

Stay the Course

Expansion

Consolidation

Franchise Shifts

None of the above

Make a Quiz in Minutes | Quiz Maker

'84 Chronology-Straw Vote

Event Date: August 25th, 1984

Internal Memo: United States Football League Owners Meeting

Re: Straw Poll Vote

Commissioner Simmons called for an informal straw poll vote regarding a move to the fall, a potential merger strategy, stadium issues and future television concerns; 

The owners noted the following as recorded by Jim Byrne; 

1. The owners were called in the following order:
1. Arizona Outlaws-Tathams & Dietrich:
1. Lean toward a fall move; would support spring.
2. Favor a merger strategy.
2. Birmingham Stallions-Warner & Sklar:
1. Favor a new television deal with any network other than ABC.
2. Favor a merger strategy and a fall move.
3. Anti-trust concerns.
3. Chicago Blitz-Eddie Einhorn:
1. Abstains.
4. Denver Gold-Doug Spedding:
1. Concerns regarding direct competition with Broncos.
2. Fall television revenue is enticing.
3. Undecided with regard to schedule switch.
5. Houston Gamblers-Jerry Argovitz & Gene Burrough
1. Pro-fall move.
2. Stadium issues with baseball and Oilers.
6. Jacksonville Bulls-Fred Bullard:
1. Support any league decision.
2. Pro-merger strategy.
3. Undecided on schedule switch.
7. Los Angeles Express-No representative at meeting.
1. Abstains.
8. Memphis Showboats-Billy Dunavant and Steve Ehrhart:
1. Pro-merger strategy and pro-fall schedule.
2. Concerns if remain in spring.
9. New Jersey Generals-Donald J. Trump:
1. Pro-merger strategy and pro-fall schedule.
2. Could possibly sell team if remain in spring beyond 1985.
10. Michigan Panthers-Robert Taubman:
1. Too many hypotheticals with Einhorn plan.
2. Oppose schedule switch due to stadium concerns.
3. Oppose direct completion with NFL.
4. Could be forced to sell or move if move to spring.
11. New Orleans Breakers-Joseph Canizaro & David Dixon:
1. Endorse McKinsey Report, stay spring until at least 1987.
2. Gaining support in New Orleans.
3. Stadium issues in the fall.
4. Concerns regarding direct competition with NFL.
5. Pro salary cap.
12. Oakland Invaders -Tad Taube:
1. Pro-merger strategy and pro-fall schedule.
2. Concerns if remain in spring; could possibly sell.
3. Financial losses for 1983 and 1984.
13. Philadelphia Stars-Myles Tanenbaum and Carl Peterson:
1. Question regarding Einhorn plans for Chicago in 1985; will the team play, move to another city, go dark for 1985 or will the team be put up for sale?
2. Pro-spring.
3. Pro-Pro-salary cap.
14. Pittsburgh Maulers-Paul Martha:
1. Pro-spring.
2. Stadium issues in the fall could force the team to fold.
3. No direct competition with NFL.
4. Pursue for a new television deal with ESPN for 1985-1987.
5. Pro salary cap.
15. Tampa Bay Bandits-John F. Bassett:
1. Pro spring.
2. Lack of a true vote due to abstentions in Chicago, Los Angeles and Washington.
3. Give Einhorn a 90-day window to secure a new television deal, (Einhorn objects).
4. Concerns if remain in spring; could possibly sell. Financial losses for 1983 and 1984.
16. Washington Federals-No representative at meeting.
1. Seeking sale of team pending collapse of Miami sale.
2. Looking at possible moves to Orlando or Baltimore.
3. Could fold or possibly merge.

more to come.....

'84 Chronology-August League Meetings III

Event Date: August 25th, 1984

Internal Memo: United States Football League Owners Meeting

Re: Donald J. Trump and Eddie Einhorn

Response to the McKinsey Report from New Jersey Generals owner Donald J. Trump and Eddie Einhorn:

1. Einhorn Recommendations for 1985 and beyond;
1. A move to the fall will force at least one television network to accept a USFL television deal.
2. Play games on Sunday afternoons in the 4:00-7:00 time slots due to NFL network television limits.
3. The USFL will provide a fall alternative to the National Football League.
4. The revenue in the fall from the networks would be somewhere between $35 and $90 million which would equate to about $5 million per team.
5. There will be greater leverage with the television networks after 1986.
6. Secret talks with the networks are already underway.

more to come......

'84 Chronology-The McKinsey Report

Event Date: August 25th, 1984

Event Description: The McKinsey Report

Source: League Office (Jim Byrne)

Internal Memo: United States Football League Owners Meeting

The McKinsey Report as presented by Sharon Patrick presented the following facts from her three-month study and recommended the following; 

1. From the Yankelovich, Skelly & White public opinion survey:
1. A majority of football fans prefer having another football league as compared to only one.
2. A majority of football fans have a favorable view of the league.
3. A majority of football fans believe that football in the fall has reached a saturation point. 
4. A majority U.S.F.L. fans prefer a spring schedule.
5. *75% of U.S.F.L. season ticket holders prefer a spring season. 
1. *e.g. Pittsburgh-25% of season ticket holders there also were also season ticket holders for the Pittsburgh Steelers, with only 50% saying that they would renew if the Maulers moved to the fall.
6. Less than 50% of  the fanbase support a move to the fall.
7. A majority of U.S.F.L. fans are concerned about the long-term sustainability of the league.

2. The Report noted the following problems with regard to a move to the fall by the league:
1. Stadium Conflicts-U.S.F.L. teams would have to share stadium access with their National Football League counterparts which would problematic to say the least. Some teams, including Washington and Philadelphia would be forced to relocate to another facility.
2. Network Television Coverage-If the league were to switch seasons they would have to renew their current deal with ABC, or they would have to negotiate a new television deal with one of the other major networks.

3. The Report made the following recommendations: 
1. Play in the spring of 1985 and 1986.
2. Start the season in early February and end the season in mid-May.
3. Reduce the regular season to a sixteen game schedule.
4. Expand regional coverage to five or six games each Sunday.
5. Put together a stronger Sunday network schedule and add an ESPN Sunday night game.
6. Continue with Saturday night broadcasts on ESPN and add a series of Thursday night broadcasts.
7. Initiate a comprehensive national advertising and marketing campaign which is coordinated with the television networks and managed by the league office and with ownership.
8. Starting in 1985, institute an expense management and control  action-as appropriate for each team-using the models developed in our work as a point of departure.
9. Consider all options with regard to struggling franchises, including Washington, Chicago and Los Angeles.
10. Exploring the addition of a small number of franchises… after additional investigation of several key factors including; ownership potential, level of interest amongst local fans, market demographics and local competition from other sports.
11. In 1987, play the season of the year which offers the League the best possible opportunity for continued growth and development of its economic value to the ownership:
1. If the “League Building” efforts undertaken in 1985 and 1986 fully capitalize upon and attain the rating improvement potential indicated by the market research, the USFL will be in good position to explore seriously, with all three networks, both Spring and Fall alternatives.
2. The season of choice then becomes the one where potential network contract opportunities, and terms, best fulfill the ownership’s objectives at that time. If the League does its work effectively in 1985 and 1986-as it has done in its first two seasons-to capture its full potential, we believe either opportunity can offer solid prospects for the future as many in ownership have held.
3. Once the full ownership makes its decisions, strongly and publicly affirm collective and individual consensus concerning the League’s future to underscore its permanence to the public and to reduce conjecturing about its future in the media.

more to come........

'84 Chronology-August League Meetings II

Event Date: August 25th, 1984

Internal Memo: United States Football League Owners Meeting

Re: Letters from Tad Taube and John Bassett;

Oakland Invaders owner Tad Taube and Tampa Bay owner John F. Bassett; 

1. Taube recommendations for 1985 and beyond;
1. A merger or accommodation strategy with the National Football League should be the ultimate goal.
2. The two leagues are moving toward a “merger climate” due to the growing escalation of player salaries.
3. The key area of battle with the N.F.L. will be over future television revenue.
4. The league should abandon the spring and move to the fall.

2. John F. Bassett response to the Taube recommendations;
1. The recommendations from Tad Taube are thoughtful and intelligient.
2. The Taube plan represents one possible strategy.
3. Another possibility would be to divide the league and allow the owners who want to pursue a fall strategy to move forward, while those owners in favor of remaining in the spring should be allowed to do so.
4. The spring entity would be allowed to maintain the ABC and ESPN television contracts, while the fall owners could pursue a fall television contract under the direction of Mr. Taube, Mr. Trump and Mr. Einhorn.

more to come.......

'84 Chronology-August League Meetings I

Event Date: August 25th, 1984

Internal Memo: United States Football League Owners Meeting

Re: Opening Day Committee Reports;

Report from the Television Committee; 

The committee presented the following; 

1. Television challenges heading in 1985 and beyond;
1. A need for more regional coverage of Sunday games.
2. A need for more television revenue.
3. More local blackouts to help attendance.
4. Less Sunday afternoon games in Birmingham due to local blue laws which ban the sale of alcohol on Sundays.
5. Reduce television conflicts with NASCAR.
6. More prime time games on ESPN.
7. Many league sponsors and advertisers are concerned about the long-term sustainability of the league.

Report from the Finance Committee;

The committee presented the following; 

1. Estimated financial gains and losses for the 1984 season:
1. Los Angeles-$15.1 million dollar shortfall; $13.1m coming from salaries and bonus monies.
2. Pittsburgh-$10 million dollar shortfall.
3. Chicago and Washington-$6 million dollar shortfall.
4. Arizona, Houston, Memphis, Michigan and New Jersey approximately $5 million dollar shortfall.
5. Birmingham, Jacksonville, New Orleans and Oakland approximately $3 million dollar shortfall.
6. Denver and Philadelphia-$2 million dollar shortfall.
7. Tampa Bay-A profit of approximately $900k.

'84 Chronology-Heisman Hopeful?

Event Date: August 24th, 1984

Event Description: Oilers Continue Pursuit

Source: Ocala Star Banner