Event Date: January 25th, 1985
Event Description: Johnson Leaves Camp
Source: United Press International
Trumaine Johnson, an all-USFL wide receiver the last two seasons, has walked out of the Arizona Outlaws' training camp.
Johnson, the second-highest-paid player on the team, attended Wednesday morning's workout, but was absent for the afternoon practice.
“Trumaine did not show up for this afternoon's practice,” said Arizona Coach Frank Kush in a statement. “Based on that, it is our understanding that he has departed camp.” Repeated attempts by club officials to call Johnson at his hotel room were unsuccessful.
The Arizona Republic reported Wednesday that Johnson left because the team refused to pay a $280,000 advance on his contract. Johnson's agent, Andre Jackson, had met with Bill Tatham Jr., club president and general manager until about noon.
The Outlaws are not obligated to pay Johnson's salary because he left camp, the newspaper reported. His base salary is believed to be $280,000, second on the team to quarterback Doug Williams. The team had just made a $28,000 payment on Johnson's contract Tuesday night, the newspaper quoted a source as saying.
Jackson came to Arizona, the newspaper quoted another source as saying, to make sure the Outlaws funded Johnson's $1 million annuity that had been negotiated last year with former general manager Bruce Allen.
Tatham said the funding took place last Friday. The newspaper reported that the annuity will cost the Outlaws about $100,000 and on maturity should pay Johnson $200,000 a year from 2005 to 2009.
Johnson's contract with the Outlaws runs through 1994, and at least next year is guaranteed.
Johnson had reported to camp on time. He took a physical on Sunday and participated in workouts on Monday and Tuesday.
Story-(UPI)
