USFL '86: The Season That Never Was

Wednesday, February 12, 2020

'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)

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