'85 Chronology-Memphis Blues

Event Date: December 13th, 1985

Event Description: Zimmerman Suit Dismissed

Source: UPI

A federal judge in Minneapolis Wednesday dismissed a suit filed by Gary Zimmerman against the U.S. Football League, the USFL announced.

Zimmerman, an offensive tackle under contract to the Memphis Showboats, had filed suit against the league, the Showboats and the Los Angeles Express, seeking to be released from his contract so he could sign a more lucrative one with the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League, the USFL said.

Judge Harry MacLaughlin of U.S. District Court in Minneapolis denied an order sought by Zimmerman that would have allowed the lineman to attend a Vikings mini-camp, and ruled that his court had no jurisdiction over Zimmerman's remaining claims.

The 24-year-old Zimmerman, 6-foot-6 and 264-pounds, played two seasons for Los Angeles and was claimed on waivers by Memphis.

The New York Giants selected Zimmerman in the first round of the NFL's 1984 supplemental draft of USFL players, but Zimmerman said he would not play for the Giants. The Giants traded his NFL rights to the Vikings during the NFL draft.

“Gary is a terrific fellow and a terrific football player,” said Jane Ellison, general counsel for the USFL. “Unfortunately, he is the victim of overly aggressive lawyers. We hope Gary will now put this behind him and honor his contract to play for the Memphis Showboats.”

Story-(UPI Modified)