'85 Chronology-Force Out

Event Date: July 11th, 1985

Event Description: Simmons Forced Out

Source: UPI

Chet Simmons, who resigned as commissioner of the U.S. Football League Monday, may have been forced out by some of the league's more powerful owners.

No reason was immediately given for Simmons' resignation. However, the shift in leadership shows that some of the new owners wanted their own man.

“We're sorry to see Chet resign but it was not unexpected,” said Arizona Outlaws owner and general manager Bill Tatham Jr. “Believe me, it was expected and was the end result of a long period of work of trying to decide what to do as the league evolves and the requirements of the commissioner change.”

Donald Trump, owner of the New Jersey Generals and the league's most outspoken owner, sought to compete head-on with the NFL while John Bassett and Simmons oppose the fall format.

The league did not name a replacement for Simmons and said a search has begun for a successor. A new commissioner could be announced as early as this week.

Harry Usher, a California attorney who was executive vice president-general manager of the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Organizing Committee, is said to be the strongest candidate for the vacant post. Usher has met with league owners over the last couple of months. LAOOC spokesman Rich Perlman said Monday night Usher was flying to New York from Los Angeles.

“I know he's talking to the USFL,” Perlman said.

The league would like to name its new commissioner before the start of the new league year which begins on August 1st.

“A successor will be announced shortly,” said Miles Tanenbaum, owner of the Philadelphia Stars.

Asked if the new commissioner would be from the business or sports world, Tanenbaum said: “It's peculiar ... but he's from both. When the decision is announced you'll see what I mean.”

Simmons, former president of ESPN and NBC Sports, was named USFL commissioner in June 1982, one month after the league was formed.

He could not be reached at his Connecticut home and his statement Monday did not outline the reasons for his resignation.

“As the league moves into its fourth season, I'm confident the USFL's future has never been brighter,” he said. 

Story-(UPI Modified)