'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)