'84 Chronology-Dizney Deal II

Event Date: October 5th, 1984

Event Description:  Orlando Somethings

Source: United Press International

Businessman Donald Dizney expects the “Orlando Something” will soon join the Tampa Bay Bandits and the Jacksonville Bulls as Florida's third U.S. Football League team.

Dizney said at a news conference Thursday he has bought the USFL's financially ailing Washington Federals and will move it to Orlando. He had been trying for a month to swing the deal.

“I'm happy to say we've signed a definitive agreement with the Washington Federals subject to league approval, which should take few more days,” he said.

Dizney did not disclose the cost of the deal, but the Orlando Sentinel has reported the initial outlay is about $5 million. “I think Orlando's time has come for a professional franchise,” Dizney said. As for a team name, Dizney said, "All I know is that's it's going to be called the Orlando something.”

The USFL's five-man executive committee approved the deal Thursday night, commissioner Chet Simmons announced in New York. Approval by team owners was expected Monday.

“The purchase received the enthusiastic support of the committee and it recommended approval of the full ownership,” Simmons said. “To have Don Dizney as an owner and Orlando as a franchise city for the USFL is a very positive step. It adds another strong football city to the league.”

The two year-old franchise had been slated for sale to Miami hotel magnate Sherwood Weiser and Howard Schnellenberger resigned as coach of the University of Miami Hurricanes to run the team, but that deal fell through for a number of reasons.

Dizney did not name a head coach, but hinted he was trying to lure former Louisiana State coach Charlie McClendon out of retirement. McClendon, 60, executive director of the American Football Coaches Assn., has lived in Orlando since he retired from LSU in 1979.

Dizney's attorney, Robert Fraley, said he was pleased with the transaction so far.

“The deal is as good as you'll ever see. I don't think you'll ever again see a pro football franchise bought at this price,” Fraley said. An agreement reportedly had been worked out earlier for the territorial rights with John Bassett, owner of the Tampa Bay Bandits.

Story-(UPI)