'85 Chronology-Cutt Off Man

Event Date: August 8th, 1985

Event Description: Saints Sign Hebert

Source: UPI

With champagne flowing and a new owner looking on approvingly, the New Orleans Saints Wednesday night signed quarterback Bobby Hebert.

No financial details were released on the contract with the highly regarded U.S. Football League free agent, but it came in the form of five 1-year pacts and was believed to be worth an estimated $750,000 to $800,000 annually.

Hebert, a Louisiana native, signed during a news conference held in a sixth-floor lounge of Neilson Dormitory at Louisiana Tech University, site of the Saints' training camp.

The signing came after a day of negotiations between new Saints' owner Tom Benson and agent Greg Campbell of Madison, Wisconsin.

“It's great to have Bobby Hebert back where he belongs in Louisiana,”

Benson said. “I know all the people in Louisiana are going to enjoy watching him play and cheering him and the Saints on to victories in the future.”

“This is a great day for Louisiana sports fans. We're doing everything necessary to make this team a winner and this is a major step in this direction.”

Hebert, from Cut Off, La., starred at Northwestern Louisiana. He played for three years in the USFL and led the Michigan Panthers to the league championship game this season.

“This is a dream come true for me,” he said. “I grew up watching the Saints play and living and dying with every game they played. I used to go to old Tulane Stadium and help that place rock and roll on a Sunday afternoon.”

“I think it's great to be able to play in Louisiana, which has the greatest fans in the world. When we make it to the playoffs in the Super Bowl -- which we're going to do our best to do -- these fans are really going to go wild.”

Hebert and Campbell, who represents about 60 pro athletes, also had talked contract with the Seattle Seahawks and Los Angeles Raiders.

“We're happy to have Bobby Hebert with the Saints,” Coach Bum Phillips said. “If he belongs anywhere with the NFL, it's with the Saints. He's a great competitor, a fine young man and the type of athlete we want with our team.”

Hebert is scheduled to begin working out with the Saints Thursday. The club now has five quarterbacks in camp.

Story-(UPI Modified)

'85 Chronology-Free Spirit

Event Date: August 6th, 1985

Event Description: Vikings Sign Millard

Source: UPI

It wasn't until 3:05 p.m. CDT that Keith Millard knew he'd be a member of the Minnesota Vikings -- and he wishes the decision would have been made about two hours later.

This way, Millard, the Vikings' No. 1 draft pick in 1984, would have missed a grueling practice. Instead, the defensive end cleared USFL waivers in time Tuesday to work out in 90 degree heat.

Nevertheless, he said he was happy to be in the NFL.

“The whole time I was in the USFL, I felt I should've been in the NFL. I have so many friends in the NFL,” the 6-foot-5, 260-pound defensive end said. “But it was only for one season, I made good money, the Jacksonville fans were good and I didn't have any paychecks bounce.”

The Jacksonville Bulls released Millard on the condition he bypass a $150,000 deferred signing bonus, which he did. 

Nick Kish, vice president and player personnel director for the Bulls, had talked to Millard about switching leagues one week before the USFL regular season ended.

Millard rented a cheap apartment in Pullman, Wash., a town of 5,000, and headed for the weight room at Washington State once the USFL season ended to wait out the negotiations, which ended Sunday.

Although he was six days late in reporting to the Vikings, Millard arrived in time to help fill some gaps on the defensive line. Minnesota All Pro defensive end Doug Martin has been sidelined the last three days with back spasms while end Mark Mullaney has some aches and nose tackle Charlie Johnson is bothered by a sore neck.

Vikings coach Bud Grant would not speculate on how much Millard would play in Saturday's pre-season opener against Miami, weighing his decision on when the ex-Bull would recover from “league lag”. He's had a month off. I think it's like going from New York to Hawaii -- it'll take a while for him to adjust,” Grant said.

Millard appeared fatigued at Tuesday's workout, falling down while trying to jump over tackling dummies and often resting on one knee. Once, Grant came over to tease Millard about looking for four-leaf clovers.

“I asked Mark Mullaney and he said (Grant) was only kidding,” he said.

The Bulls' Kish said Millard “will be a great one if they can control him. He's a free spirit. He needs to be disciplined. He's got a ton of raw talent. He'll be the best defensive end they've got. He'll be one of the best five or 10 in the NFL,” Kish said.

Story-(UPI Abbreviated)

'85 Chronology-The Renegade

Event Date: August 5th, 1985

Event Description: 'Gades Claim Reaves

Source: Lakeland Ledger

'85 Chronology-'Bolts Pursue Cade

Event Date: August 5th, 1985

Event Description: Cade Mulling Offer

Source: UPI

Memphis Showboats cornerback Mossy Cade was reportedly mulling over a contract offer from the San Diego Chargers Monday.

Cade was San Diego's top pick in last year's draft but was unhappy with the contract the Chargers offered and opted for the USFL Showboats.

If signed, Cade would become the third player to defect from the USFL to the Chargers. Wide receiver Trumaine Johnson and running back Tim Spencer have already signed and reported to camp. Johnson and Spencer were also drafted by the Chargers.

Assistant General Manager Tank Younger said Cade had indicated he wanted to play in San Diego.

'He has indicated he would like to join us, and now it is just a matter of getting together on the numbers,' Younger said.

Perry Deering, Cade's agent, confirmed the offer had been made, but declined comment.

Story-(UPI)

'85 Chronology-Under the Gun

Event Date: August 5th, 1985

Event Description: U.S.F.L.P.A. Files Suit

Source: UPI

Attorneys for the U.S. Football League Players Association filed suit Monday against the owners of the San Antonio Gunslingers for the more than $550,000 owed the team's former players for the last four games of this season.

The 46 players were waived July 30th, when South Texas Sports Inc. failed to meet an arbitrator's deadline for making good on the missed payrolls.

The players were waived just hours before they would have automatically become free agents under the grievance procedure.

“He still legally owes them that money. He still has to pay them,” lawyer Art Vega of San Antonio said about Clinton Manges, a South Texas businessman and majority owner of South Texas Sports.

Manges could not be reached for comment Monday, but said shortly after his players were waived that he intended to pay his former players by fall. He claimed he issued promissory notes to that effect.

The lawsuit filed in state district court in San Antonio is seeking enforcement of the arbitration award, as well as interest payments on the owed salaries and attorney's fees and court costs, Vega said.

Vega said the San Antonio franchise had 20 days to respond to the lawsuit. Then a trial date will be sought.

Manges, whose team has continually suffered money woes, has said the Gunslingers would play against next year. 

Story-(UPI Modified)

'85 Chronology-Worth the Wait

Event Date: August 5th, 1985

Event Description: Giants Sign Landeta

Source: UPI

The New York Giants Monday announced the long-awaited signing of three-year USFL veteran punter Sean Landeta.

The Giants had been expected to sign Landeta since training camp opened but had to wait until he was officially free from his USFL contract. Landeta averaged 41.8 yards per punt this season with the USFL champion Baltimore Stars. His three-year average with the Stars was 41.5.

Landeta, who reportedly signed for $500,000 over three years, will battle incumbent Dave Jennings and free agent Joe Prokop for the Giants' punting job. Jennings has held the job for 11 years.

Story-(UPI)

'85 Chronology-Sooner or Later

Event Date: August 3rd, 1985

Event Description: Young Exploring Options

Source: Lakeland Ledger

'85 Chronology-Bayou Bobby

Event Date: August 2nd, 1985

Event Description: Saints Host Hebert

Source: UPI

Quarterback Bobby Hebert would give a strong Louisiana identity to the New Orleans Saints, says Gov. Edwin Edwards who is working to get the free agent from the USFL signed with the Superdome-based team.

“I understand that it's a matter of business negotiations and not a political matter, but he is the premier star of Louisiana and his presence on the team would make the Saints a Louisiana team and it would be more of an opportunity for him,” Edwards said Thursday, about an hour after talking over the deal with Saints owner Tom Benson.

Edwards told UPI he was trying to reach Hebert to get approval to talk with his agent.  

“I don't want him to think I'm pulling an end run,” Edwards said. “I respect his contract and merely want the okay to get in touch with his agent.”

Edwards said it would be unfair to disclose what specifically he wanted to discuss with Hebert's agent.

Asked if he had an offer to transmit, the governor said, “I think a conversation between me and his agent would be fruitful. Let's put it that way.”

Hebert, 24, worked out with the Saints during the weekend at their training camp in Ruston, La. He said he wanted to play for the NFL team in his home state but any deal would be negotiated by his agent, Greg Campbell.

In addition to the Saints, Hebert and Campbell have talked with the Seattle Seahawks and Los Angeles Raiders.

Hebert, who led the Michigan Panthers to a league title game against the New Jersey Generals this year, grew up in Cut Off, La., and played for Northwestern State University in Natchitoches where he now has a home.

“Playing in New Orleans would be great,” he said while at the Saints training camp. “I grew up 50 miles from the city, have seen the Saints play a lot of games there while growing up, and have a home in Natchitoches, which isn't far from Ruston. It would be a neat set up to be able to play for them.”

Saints coach Bum Phillips said Hebert would fit well in the club's plans but he was leaving all contract discussions to the team's business staff and the quarterback's agents.

Story-(UPI Modified)

'85 Chronology-Late Bloomer

Event Date: August 2nd, 1985

Event Description: Reaves Eyes Free Agency

Source: UPI

'85 Chronology-Market Cap

Event Date: August 2nd, 1985

Event Description: USFL Free Agency

Source: UPI

Under an agreement reached with the USFL Players Association, each franchise not facing the future prospects of a merger had to protect at least 25 players Thursday and increase that total to a minimum of 35 by noon EDT Saturday.

Final rosters were expected to be released by the league Saturday afternoon.

Once the USFL rosters are set, the signing of that league's free agents by NFL teams is expected to escalate. The NFL originally told its teams to wait until Aug. 1st, when standard USFL contracts expire, to sign any USFL free agents. That deadline has been pushed back to after the NFL receives written notification from the USFL that the players in question are free.

“There's quite a market going on out there today,” a league spokesman said in regards to the late evaluation and dealing.

Under an agreement reached with the USFL Players Association, each franchise not facing the future prospects of a merger had to protect at least 25 players Thursday and increase that total to a minimum of 35 by Friday.

Final rosters were expected to be released by the league late Friday afternoon.

The signing of USFL free agents by NFL teams was expected to escalate Thursday. The NFL told its teams to wait until Aug. 1st, when standard USFL contracts expire, to sign any USFL free agents. 

The USFL and USFLPA Thursday also announced they had agreed on a payment procedure for players protected during the offseason, while management has committed to pay players' 1985 playoff shares and insurance policies in full.

The USFL had 16 teams in 1985 but will probably be reduced to 14 or even 12 next year. The San Antonio franchise waived all their players after missing payroll deadlines.

“I compliment the players' union and club owners for successfully addressing some difficult problems in a difficult economic environment,” USFL commissioner Harry Usher said. “The USFL team owners remain determined to meet their obligations to players throughout the off-season.”

Story-(UPI Modified)

'85 Chronology-Pinney Petition

Event Date: August 1st, 1985

Event Description: Pinney Files Petition

Source: Beaver County Times

'85 Chronology-Rumor Mill

Event Date: August 1st, 1985

Event Description: USFL Roundup

Source: Ledger Wire Servies

'85 Chronology-Shapes and Sizes

Event Date: July 31st, 1985

Event Description: USFL Meetings Conclude

Source: Lakeland Ledger

'85 Chronology-Fire Sale

Event Date: July 31st, 1985

Event Description: Scarfone Buys Bandits

Source: UPI

Beating the clock by minutes, a group of investors breathed life into the Tampa Bay Bandits by paying off players and agreeing to buy the franchise and support the team in Tampa for the 1986 USFL season.

Architect Lee Scarfone, a Bandits limited partner for three years, is head of the group that Tuesday deposited between $250,000 and $300,000 in a bank, which insures players will receive back pay for their final game of the recently concluded 1985 season.

General Manager Ralph Campbell said the deposit was made minutes before a 4 p.m. deadline, which is when the players would have become free agents.

Lawyers from Scarfone's group and John Bassett Enterprises had to approve documents before agreement was reached on the 30-day option to purchase the franchise.

“I had hoped to make all of this happen a week ago,” said Scarfone, who bought a portion of Bassett's interest in the team. “But it's like marriage: If you used advisers, you'd never get married.”

Bassett, who was the Bandits' managing general partner for three seasons, is in Toronto for treatment of two brain tumors.

Scarfone is now managing general partner. He said Campbell, other high ranking team executives and the coaching staff will be retained. “I'm really more at their disposal than they are at mine,” Scarfone said.

Campbell said the purchase agreement by Scarfone's group meant the Bandits had “overcome the first hurdle to keep the franchise in Tampa. An option is when you buy the right to buy something,” Campbell said. “The final purchase is not consummated. We will be working on it. We'd like to think we can conclude that by the end of August.”

Story-(UPI Modified)

'85 Chronology-Business Decisions

Event Date: July 31st, 1985

Event Description:  Carter Contract Extended

Source: UPI

The Michigan Panthers exercised their option to keep Anthony Carter Wednesday, but team officials said the wide receiver might not play with the U.S. Football League team next season.

The Panthers had until midnight Thursday pick up the option for the final year of Carter's four-year, $2 million contract. He will receive $500,000 in the last year of the pact.

“Yes, we've exercised our option,” General Manager Vince Lombardi Jr. said. “It was a business decision.”

Lombardi said he talked with Carter and his attorney, Bob Woolf of Boston, about the possibility of Carter buying out his contract. If Carter were to buy out his contract, he would be free to join the Miami Dolphins, who own his NFL rights, and join star receivers Mark Clayton and Mark Duper.

“We decided a long time ago (to exercise the option) depending on how things fell into place,” he said. “There's been speculation we've been talking to the young man and his agent with regard to buying out his contract, and I won't deny those discussions took place. But the bottom line is that we exercised our option.”

When asked if that meant Carter was a member of the Panthers and would be playing for them next year, Lombardi said, “I didn't say that. There's no guarantee that any member of the Panthers will be here next season.”

The Dolphins hoped for a chance to sign the fleet receiver, who played his high school football in Riviera Beach in Palm Beach County. However, as long as he is under contract to the Panthers, Miami owner Joe Robbie has said the team is prohibited from talking to Carter.

Story-(UPI Modified)

'85 Chronology-Phantom Phenomenon

Event Date: July 30th, 1985

Event Description: 'Slingers Liquidate Roster

Source: UPI

The San Antonio Gunslingers have become the U.S. Football League's phantom team -- a franchise with no players.

In a terse one-paragraph statement, officials of the financially troubled club Monday waived the entire roster. 

Many of the players are still owed salaries from the final two games of the recently completed season.

“As of today, the San Antonio Gunslingers have waived 46 players so they can immediately pursue an opportunity to play professional football this fall in the National or Canadian Football Leagues in the event no other USFL club claims them,” the statement from Gunslinger public relations director Les Singleton said.

Singleton did not elaborate.

Linebacker Jeff Leiding, one of the released players, said USFL officials told his agent the San Antonio franchise would not fold, whether or not it fielded a team.

“They told my agent that they will keep this franchise intact, even though he (owner Clinton Manges) does not pay us,” Leiding said.

The Gunslingers have struggled financially throughout their very brief history. 

Paychecks were late several times this year and players still are owed approximately $450,000 for the final two games of the 1985 season.

As recently as two weeks ago, Manges, a South Texas businessman, estimated the Gunslingers had cost him $17 million on their way to posting a 4-12 record this past season. He boasted he could meet their most recent expenses any time he chose.

General Manager Roger Gill insisted all team members would be paid eventually and the Gunslingers would play again next year. Manges was not available for comment.

USFL public relations director Bob Rose said the league was assessing the situation.

“I don't have an official statement from the league,” Rose said. “It's my understanding they can (exist) without any players.”

Story-(UPI Modified)

'85 Chronology-Welcome Wagon

Event Date: July 28th, 1985

Event Description: Hebert Visits Saints

Source: UPI

With most news from NFL training camps these days concerning holdouts and injuries, the New Orleans Saints received a welcome visitor Saturday.

Free-agent quarterback Bobby Hebert, who led the Michigan Panthers to a second-place finish in the USFL, visited the Saints training camp at Ruston, La. and talked for an hour with Coach Bum Phillips.

Veteran quarterback Richard Todd is among six non-reporting players in the Saints' camp, leaving Dave Wilson as the current leading candidate to start when the 1985 season opens.

“I wasn't there to talk about a contract or to sign with them,” the former Northwestern Louisiana star said. “I just wanted to meet Coach Phillips and see how their camp was coming along. As far as my future, I'm leaving all of that up to my agent.”

Hebert's agent, Greg Campbell, has said the Saints, Los Angeles Raiders and Seattle Seahawks are interested in signing the south Louisiana native.

Saints officials said talks have been held with Hebert and his agent.

“New Orleans would be a good place to be because I'm from the area, their training camp is near my home in Natchitoches and I'd be playing in front of Louisiana fans,” Hebert said.

The Saints were set to sign Robbie Mahfouz of the USFL's Jacksonville Bulls Friday night but Phillips said, “there still remains some paperwork between the two leagues before anything can be completed. We're still working on it.”

Story-(UPI)

'85 Chronology-Staying Power

Event Date: July 28th, 1985

Event Description: Ross Buys Gamblers

Source: UPI

New York real estate developer Steve Ross has agreed to purchase the financially-troubled Houston Gamblers, U.S. Football League commissioner Harry Usher announced Friday.

Ross said he is not certain if the team would play in Houston or merge with another team. “We would prefer to stay in Houston,” said Ross.

No financial details were disclosed Friday on the sale, which involves Houston owners Jerry Argovitz, Jay Roulier and Alvin Lubetkin. Ross heads a group of New York businessmen that includes Peter Friedman, David Solomon, Fred DeMattis and Warren Scherwin.

Lubetkin said money was deposited into the Gamblers' account to meet a 5 p.m. EDT deadline, preventing the league from taking over the team.

The USFL poured $1.5 million into the Gamblers last season to keep the team afloat. Usher was obviously happy to see new money come into the league.

“We are delighted to welcome Stephen Ross and his partners to the USFL,” Usher said in a statement. “To attract someone of Mr. Ross' stature only demonstrates the vitality and staying power of this league.”

Said Ross: 'It's always been a dream of mine to own a sports franchise and I think this team can be one of the finest in the country.’

However, Lubetkin said not all details of the deal have been completed.

“The purchasers are starting to talk a lot more reasonably and I believe one part of the deal will be made today, and my participation probably will occur next week,” Lubetkin said.

Lubetkin added Argovitz and Roulier have agreed to the deal and said each would remain as minority owners.

'85 Chronology-Secret Talks

Event Date: July 25th, 1985

Event Description: Usher meets with Owners

Source: UPI

U.S. Football League owners secretly gathered in Florida Wednesday for another discussion of league problems, including the plight of the Houston Gamblers, Los Angeles Express and San Antonio Gunslingers.

Commissioner Harry Usher led the march of league brass into an airport hotel and the USFL contingent checked out Wednesday evening without alerting local media of their presence.

Word leaked, however, and Usher made brief comments following the session.

“We're discussing the Houston situation with a potential new group,” said Usher, referring to an interest headed by real estate developer Stephen Ross. “There is no commitment but we're very excited about the possibility the Gamblers will continue in Houston.”

With regard to the situation in San Antonio, if the players aren't paid the rest of their salaries by July 31, they will become free agents. Usher said the club's options are to land new ownership and remain in San Antonio, merge with an existing USFL team or fold.

“Whatever avenue we end up traveling, whether we merge or we have new owners, that entity will pay the players,” Usher said. 

Usher also stated that it was his intention to find a new owner for the L.A Express as the Los Angeles market was “a critical piece” under the terms of their television contracts with ABC and ESPN.

Story-(UPI Modifed)

'85 Chronology-Learning Experience

Event Date: July 22nd, 1985

Event Description: Cribbs Eyes NFL Return

Source: UPI

Running back Joe Cribbs, his “learning experience over” has bought out the remainder of his contract with the USFL Birmingham Stallions and plans to be back in the NFL by Thursday, Cribbs' agent said Friday.

Player agent Louis Burrell said the former All-Pro paid $750,000 to escape the final three years of his five-year agreement with the Stallions, one of several USFL teams in deep financial trouble.

Burrell said he has been talking to the Buffalo Bills about either signing Cribbs or trading his rights to another NFL team. Cribbs jumped the Bills after the 1983 season and signed a $2.35 million contract with his hometown Stallions.

“We all make mistakes,” Burrell said. “We consider the deal with the Stallions a learning experience. Hopefully, we'll put together a deal with an NFL club in a few days.”

Burrell said he began talking to Buffalo general manager Terry Bledsoe four weeks ago about Cribbs. First, however, he spoke to other NFL teams to make sure there is still interest in the 27-year-old running back. Bledsoe could not be reached for comment.

“If Buffalo is not interested, we'll politely ask the Bills to allow Joe to sign with another club,” Burrell said. “You can look forward to seeing Joe in somebody's camp next Thursday.”

Burrell said Cribbs is not worried about moving from the USFL season, which just ended, into the NFL. In 1984, he played year-round when he went from Buffalo to Birmingham. Burrell said Cribbs is not making unreasonable contract requests.

“We're not trying to get paid in the area of Billy Sims or Herschel Walker,” Burrell said. “We're looking for a fair contract Joe deserves with his statistics. Joe realizes his goal is to be in the Hall of Fame some day.”

Burrell would not disclose the identity of the other teams he talked with, but mentioned Kansas City, Miami and the New York Giants as clubs that need a running back.

“Hopefully, Joe will go to a team that's heading toward the playoffs,” he said.

Story-(UPI Modified)