'84 Chronology-Expressly Interested

Event Date: October 9th, 1984

Event Description: Roulier Eyes Express

Source: United Press International

Houston Gamblers co-owner Jay Roulier wants to sell his interest in the club and purchase the Los Angeles Express of the United States Football League.

Roulier has asked the USFL permission to sell his $4 million equity in the Gamblers or transfer it to to the Express, league and Express officials said Monday.

“I won't go into details, but I think there is good sentiment in the league for me to take over the L.A. franchise," Roulier said. “But I don't know if you could put a timetable on it.”

All mergers and club acquisitions must be completed by Oct. 19-21 when league owners convene at Amelia Island, Fla.

But Roulier said he will not move to buy the Express until he finds a new partner for the Gamblers.

“I won't sell out until Jerry (Argovitz) has a partner," he said. “I think Jerry has someone in mind.” Argovitz, Alvin Lubetkin and Roulier each owns a third of the Gamblers.

If the USFL allowed Roulier to use his equity in the Gamblers toward purchasing the Express, he actually would pay nothing for the franchise. “The cost of running L.A. is substantially more than running Houston," he said. "The entry fee means nothing.”

The Express incurred $17 million in losses in 1984, and has been up for sale nearly four months. The league took over operation of the franchise from J. William Oldenburg in July.

Story-(UPI)