'84 Chronology-Rozier Seeks Release

Event Date: August 23rd, 1984

Event Description: Rozier Disappointed

Source: Pittsburgh Press

Mike Rozier is fed up with the USFL and wants to be released from his $3.1 million contract with the Pittsburgh Maulers, his agent told the Pittsburgh Press today.

"The only thing I can say is that Mike was disappointed with his season," said agent Art Wilkinson. 

“But I don't think it's fair to Mike to reveal anything about his innermost reason (for wanting to leave).”

He told the Press, Rozier was not disappointed with the Maulers, but with the entire league.

“It's not the city that he's disappointed with, it's himself,” Wilkinson said. “It's more his original decision. He has taken a lot of heat from here to Nebraska with people saying that it's a good thing he did not make it in the big leagues."

Rozier, winner of the Heisman Trophy, signed a three-year contract Jan. 4th shortly after the Cornhuskers lost to Miami in the Orange Bowl and began having doubts almost immediately.

“After Jan. 5, he started thinking “Why did I do this,'' Wilkinson said.

Maulers president Paul Martha said, “We talked to Wilkinson and he said Mike would like to get out of his contract. I can understand that. He's a little disenchanted.”

The Houston Oilers of the NFL and two other teams, one in the Canadian Football League, are interested in Rozier, Wilkinson said.

Houston General Manager Ladd Herzeg said he wants to sign Rozier, but Wilkinson is asking for $5.5 million to $6 million for five years. Herzeg says he is offering between $2.8 million and $3.1 million for four years.

Wilkinson said he will meet with Herzeg Friday or Saturday to negotiate a contract, but he said he will talk to other teams.

“He'll be doing the best job he can in this country or not,” Wilkinson said. “I'd like to have it done by Sunday night.”

Rozier is in Nebraska to attend classes and coach Nebraska running backs. Even if he was allowed to go to the NFL, a recurring ankle problem would make it mid-season before he could receive significant playing time.

Story-(Pittsburgh Press)