'85 Chronology-FNF: Gold vs. Bandits

'85 Chronology-Critical Mass

Event Date: April 26th, 1985

Event Description: Express Could Disband

Source: UPI

Don Klosterman, president and general manager of the U.S. Football League's troubled Los Angeles Express, said Thursday the team could be disbanded at next week's meeting of team owners.

Klosterman said the survival of the Express, who have a 4-5 record, no owner, limited money, the lowest attendance in the league and a monstrous payroll, depends on current negotiations between the league and ABC-TV, which is trying to renegotiate its television contract with the USFL.

An ABC spokesman told KNBC-TV in Los Angeles that the network plans to continue televising USFL games even if the Express are dropped from the league.

“The owners meet Monday in New York and at that particular time the owners are going to decide whether to keep the Express afloat or not,” Klosterman said.

“The LA market is important because of the TV market. But if ABC said that it wasn't important that LA be part of the league, then I'm sure they'll fold us up.”

The other team owners have been financing the Express since February, when the franchise's third owner, Denver real estate man Jay Roulier, gave up control of it. The league took over the team at that point and has kept the team intact with a reported $500,000 contribution from each of the other USFL teams.

The Express have an annual payroll of $6 million, the highest in the league, with much of it going to quarterback Steve Young, who signed a $36 million, 30-year deal with the team's second owner, J. William Oldenberg, 14 months ago.

Story-(UPI)

'85 Chronology-Week #10 Preview

Event Date: April 25th, 1985

Event Description: Week #10 Preview

Source: Pro Football Weekly

Week #10 USFL Preview

Friday, April 26th

(7-2) Denver Gold at (7-2) Tampa Bay Bandits

Latest Line: (Bandits -6)

Television: ESPN Regional: Fred Manfra & Mike Haffner

ESPN Radio: Mike Nolan & Irv Brown

(8-1) Michigan Panthers at (2-7) Oakland Invaders

Latest Line: (Panthers -12)

Television: ESPN Regional: Tom Kelly & Don Heinrich

ESPN Radio: Joe Starkey & Lee Grosscup

Saturday, April 27th

(2-7) Birmingham Stallions at (2-7) Pittsburgh Maulers

Latest Line: (Maulers -2)   

Television: Local

ESPN Radio: Sam Nover & Jack Ham

(4-5) New Orleans Breakers at (2-7) Arizona Outlaws

Latest Line: (Breakers -10)

 Television: Local

ESPN Radio: Gary Bender & John Moynihan

(3-6) Memphis Showboats (3-6) Orlando Renegades

Latest Line: (Renegades -4)

Television: ESPN Regional: Roger Twibell & Marv Levy

Radio: ESPN Radio: David Steele & Sam Behr

Sunday, April 28th

(7-2) Philadelphia Stars at (8-1) Houston Gamblers

Latest Line: (Gamblers -6)   

Television: ABC National: Keith Jackson & Lynn Swann

ABC Radio: Corey McPherrin & Mike Adamle

(3-6) San Antonio Gunslingers at (4-5) Los Angeles Express

Latest Line: (Gunslingers -2)   

Television: Local

ESPN Radio: Tom Kelly & Rich Marotta

Monday, April 29th

(4-5) Jacksonville Bulls at (6-3) New Jersey Generals

Latest Line: (Generals -9)

Television: ESPN National: Jim Simpson & Paul McGuire

ESPN Radio: Charley Steiner & Robert Casciola

'85 Chronology-Alternative Examination

Event Date: April 25th, 1985

Event Description: DeBartolo Examining Alternatives

Source: UPI

Edward DeBartolo Sr., saying he had better things to do with his money than lose it, Thursday announced he would keep his sports teams in Pittsburgh for now because the city is willing to grant him financial incentives.

However, DeBartolo set July 15 as the deadline to sell 10,000 season tickets each for his NHL Penguins and Major Indoor Soccer League Spirit, which have lost a total of $25.5 million for the Youngstown developer.

After July 15, he said, “we would have to at that time re-evaluate our position and possibly examine other alternatives.”

He did not go into detail on those alternatives, but a number of other cities have approached the DeBartolo Corp. about buying the teams. Debartolo is also considering selling his USFL football franchise if he can find a local buyer.

DeBartolo has been unhappy in the past with Pittsburgh's 10 percent amusement tax, its 20 percent parking tax -- both of which he wants eliminated.

He received word from Mayor Richard Caliguiri Thursday that the city is willing to negotiate.

“The call I got from the mayor this morning deserves some real consideration,” DeBartolo said in his first news conference in four years. “He made a specific promise to do everything he can ... to eliminate the rents we talked about, and the taxes we talked about.”

“He's (Caliguiri) going to do everything in his power to see that the amusement tax is eliminated,” Allegheny County commissioner Tom Foerster said.

“Specifics? I can't answer that. It is feasible -- it's happening in other cities. A way has to be found to eliminate it or we're going to lose our sports teams.”

Story-(UPI Modified)

'85 Chronology-Comings & Goings

Event Date: April 25th, 1985

Event Description: Pro Football News

Source: Lakeland Ledger

'85 Chronology-Saying Hello

Event Date: April 24th, 1985

Event Description: Kosar to Cleveland

Source: Evening Independent

'85 Chronology-Bidding Adieu

Event Date: April 23rd, 1985

Event Description: Ah You Retires

Source: UPI

Arizona Outlaws defensive end Junior Ah You announced his retirement Monday from professional football after 13 seasons.

“I came here to play for the Outlaws because I though I could help the team,” Ah You said in a statement.

“But I wasn't helping as much as I would have liked, and when you can't help out, you shouldn't be around. I wasn't happy with the way I was playing.”

Ah You, 36, signed with the Montreal Alouettes of the Canadian Football League in 1972 after completing his eligibility at Arizona State. He went on to play 10 seasons in the CFL, appearing in 127 games and playing in five Grey Cup championships.

Ah You became a free agent in 1982 and signed with the USFL Chicago Blitz, playing in all 18 games in 1983.

When the club transferred from Chicago to Phoenix during the off-season, Ah You was dealt to the New Orleans Breakers for the signing rights to Grambling's Robert Smith.

Ah You was waived by the Breakers prior to the start of the 1985 season, but signed with the Outlaws soon thereafter.

Story-(UPI)

'85 Chronology-Flutie Flounders

Event Date: April 23rd, 1985

Event Description: Gold Strike!

Source: PFW

Bill Johnson ran for five touchdowns and the Denver defense dominated the second-half carrying the Gold to a 41-20 USFL victory over the New Jersey Generals.

Denver cashed in on turnovers by New Jersey quarterback Doug Flutie to improve to (7-2) while the Generals have now fallen to (6-3).

Flutie's second fourth-quarter interception came after he was hit by Bruce Thornton and his pass ended up in the hands of Nate Miller who returned the pick 60 yards to set up Bill Johnsons’ third touchdown of the contest.

Flutie -- who accounted for three turnovers in all -- coughed up the ball again on the very next possession. He was hit by Pat Ogrin while scrambling and Steve Trimble returned the pick to the Generals' 17 yard line, setting up a   Todd Gerhart touchdown run.

Flutie's final turnover of the period came at the end of the frame when Derrick Martin picked off a pass at the Generals' 16 yard line. The Gold then closed out the scoring with Bill Johnsons’ final touchdown run with just under one-minute remaining.

On Sunday, the Houston Gamblers improved to (8-1), behind Jim Kelly’s 360 yard passing day, by downing Memphis by a score of 29-25, elsewhere Los Angeles improved to (4-5) after defeating Pittsburgh 34-17.

more to come......

'85 Chronology-Mr. Roberts

Event Date: April 21st, 1985

Event Description: Gunslingers Corral Bandits

Source: PFW

Tampa Bay brought its notorious "Banditball" to San Antonio on Friday, but it was little match for the the Gunslingers' defense.

San Antonio shut down the leagues’ top offense in a 14-10 defensive struggle. San Antonio sacked quarterback John Reaves five times and held the high-powered Tampa attack to three first downs in the second half.

San Antonio's Don Roberts ran for 74 yards and scored a third quarter touchdown en route to the upset victory.

Jerry Gordon hauled in a 21-yard dash in the fourth quarter to put the hometown ahead for good.

Tampa Bay's only touchdown came with 4:55 left in the first quarter when Reaves found Larry Brodsky for a 19-yard touchdown. Zenon Andrusyshyn connected on a 24-yard field goal following a Rick Neuheisel interception as the Bandits led 10—0 at the intermission.

On Saturday, Michigan beat Birmingham 35-14, Arizona edged Orlando 19-16, meanwhile Jacksonville upset New Orleans 31-24 as Ed Luther tossed four touchdown passes and Philadelphia defeated Oakland 27-13.

more to come......

'85 Chronology-Critical Mass

Event Date: April 19th, 1985

Event Description: Stallions Situation

Source: Gadsden Times

'85 Chronology-Week #9 Preview

Event Date: April 18th, 1985

Event Description: Week #9 Preview

Source: Pro Football Weekly

Week #9 USFL Preview

Friday, April 19th

(7-1) Michigan Panthers at (2-6) Birmingham Stallions

Latest Line: (Panthers -10)

Television: ESPN Regional: Tom Mees & Marv Levy

ESPN Radio: Bob Sherman & Dan Follis

Saturday, April 20th

(7-1) Tampa Bay Bandits at (2-6) San Antonio Gunslingers

Latest Line: (Bandits -5 )   

Television: ESPN National: Tom Kelly & Don Heinrich

ESPN Radio: Gene Deckerhoff & Vic Prinzi

(3-5) Orlando Renegades at (1-7) Arizona Outlaws

Latest Line: (Renegades -4)

 Television: Local

ESPN Radio: David Steele & Tom Korun

(3-5) Jacksonville Bulls at (4-4) New Orleans Breakers

Latest Line: (Breakers -9)   

Television: Local

ESPN Radio: Larry Munson & Mel Arthur

(6-2) Philadelphia Stars at (2-6) Oakland Invaders

Latest Line: (Stars -5)   

Television: ESPN Regional: Roger Twibell & Mike Haffner

ESPN Radio: Joe Starkey & Lee Grosscup

Sunday, April 21st

(7-1) Houston Gamblers at (3-5) Memphis Showboats

Latest Line: (Gamblers -6)

Television: ABC National: Keith Jackson & Lynn Swann

ESPN Radio: John Greer & Ed Biles

(2-6) Pittsburgh Maulers (3-5) Los Angeles Express

Latest Line: (Express -2)

Television: ABC Regional: Bill Flemming & Ron Mix

Radio: ABC Radio: Bob Buck and Dick Butkus

Monday, April 22nd

(6-2) New Jersey Generals at (6-2) Denver Gold

Latest Line: (Gold -1)

Television: ESPN National: Jim Simpson & Paul McGuire

ESPN Radio: Charley Steiner & Robert Casciola

'85 Chronology-Financial Troubles

Event Date: April 18th, 1985

Event Description: Stallions Seek Aid

Source: Gadsden Times

'85 Chronology-Carthon Calling

'85 Chronology-Star Power

Event Date: April 15th, 1985

Event Description: USFL Roundup

Source: PFW

Ken Dunek hauled in two first-half touchdown receptions and Mike Lush returned an interception 56 yards in the second half to lead the Philadelphia Stars to a 38-21 victory over the Los Angeles Express.

Kelvin Bryant caught a 39-yard touchdown pass and scored on a five-yard run to stake Philadelphia to a 21-0 first quarter lead. The Stars never trailed in pushing their record to 6-2.

Los Angeles cut the margin to 21-7 on a thirteen-yard pass play from Frank Seurer to Gordon Hudson. Seurer finished with 311 yards passing with one touchdown and three picks as he was filling for an injured Steve Young.

An interception by Seurer set up the Stars fourth touchdown in the first-half as Fusina found Dunek on a ten-yard pass pushing their lead to 28-7.

Kevin Nelson rounded out the first-half scoring with a four-yard touchdown run.

In other games Sunday, Michigan blasted Memphis 21-3, Houston downed Birmingham 29-17, Denver dumped Pittsburgh 27-6, and Orlando beat Oakland 27-13.

more to come......

'85 Chronology-Stealing a Win

Event Date: April 14th, 1985

Event Description: Bandits Edge Breakers

Source: PFW

John Reaves and Spencer Jackson hooked up on a 30-yard scoring pass to cap a 21-point second half rally that gave Tampa Bay a 37-36 triumph over the New Orleans Breakers, keeping the Bandits in first place in the USFL's Southern division.

Reaves completed 26-of-50 passes for 454 yards while Gary Anderson ran for 50 yards on 18 carries. Spencer Jackson led all receivers with 152 yards on nine receptions including a pair of touchdowns. Eric Truvillion added 126 yards on four receptions, including an 80-yard touchdown reception early in the second stanza.

Matt Robinson finished with 208 passing yards on 17-of-36 efficiency with a pair of touchdowns and four interceptions. Buford Jordan led the Breakers’ ground game with 98 yards on 15 carries and one touchdown. Frank Lockett hauled in eight receptions for 125 yards and two touchdowns.

Game Notes: Marcus Dupree sprained his right foot late in the opening half and didn't return, rushing for 28 yards in five carries…Marcus Marek led the Breakers’ defense with nine tackles, one sack and one safety.

'85 Chronology-Friday Night Football

'85 Chronology-Sweet Charlotte?

Event Date: April 12th, 1985

Event Description: Shinn Seeks Stallions Deal

Source: Gadsden Times

'85 Chronology-Week #8 Preview

Event Date: April 12th, 1985

Event Description: Week #8 Preview

Source: Pro Football Weekly

Week #8 USFL Preview

Friday, April 12th

(1-6) San Antonio Gunslingers at (3-4) Jacksonville Bulls

Latest Line: (Bulls -8)

Television: ESPN Regional: Tom Mees & Marv Levy

ESPN Radio: Jay Howard & Bill Mercer

Saturday, April 13th

(6-1) Tampa Bay Bandits at (4-3) New Orleans Breakers

Latest Line: (Bandits -2)   

Television: ESPN National: Tom Kelly & Don Heinrich

ESPN Radio: Gene Deckerhoff & Vic Prinzi

Sunday, April 14th

(3-4) Memphis Showboats at (6-1) Michigan Panthers

Latest Line: (Panthers -14)

 Television: Local

ESPN Radio: John Ward & Paul Hartiage

(2-5) Birmingham Stallions at (6-1) Houston Gamblers

Latest Line: (Gamblers -13)   

Television: ESPN Regional: Roger Twibell & Mike Haffner

ESPN Radio: John Greer & Ed Biles

(5-2) Denver Gold at (2-5) Pittsburgh Maulers

Latest Line: (Gold -1)   

Television: Local 

ESPN Radio: John Sanders & Steve Talbot

(2-5) Oakland Invaders at (2-5) Orlando Renegades

Latest Line: (Renegades -7)

Television: Local

ESPN Radio: Joe Starkey & Lee Grosscup

(5-2) Philadelphia Stars (3-4) Los Angeles Express

Latest Line: (Stars -8)

Television: ABC National: Keith Jackson & Lynn Swann

Radio: ABC Radio: Bob Buck and Dick Butkus

Monday, April 15th

(5-2) New Jersey Generals at (1-6)Arizona Outlaws

Latest Line: (Generals -10)

Television: ESPN National: Jim Simpson & Paul McGuire

ESPN Radio: Mike Nolan & Irv Brown

'85 Chronology-White Hats

Event Date: April 12th, 1985

Event Description: Outlaw Outreach

Source: Eugene Register Guard