'86 Chronology-Bryant Files Suit

Event Date: June 20th, 1986

Event Description: Bryant Files Suit

Source: UPI

GREENSBORO, N.C. -- Kelvin Bryant, the second-leading rusher in U.S. Football League history, is suing the Baltimore Stars for breach of contract and interfering with his ability to negotiate with other teams.

In addition, Bryant, 25, is seeking a temporary injunction to allow him to negotiate with the NFL's Washington Redskins before the suit is settled. The Redskins own his NFL rights.

If the injunction is granted, Bryant could play with the Redskins for the 1986 season. Redskins General Manager Bobby Beathard and other team officials would not comment on the matter. 

Washington used a seventh-round pick in the 1983 NFL draft on Bryant, a University of North Carolina product.

The Stars gave Bryant permission last month to contact the Redskins, but later took it back. The running back has one year remaining on his contract, worth $250,000 in 1987.

The Washington Times quoted Charles Holton, one of Bryant's lawyers, as saying the suit could be heard as early as this spring and that a decision on the injunction could come within three weeks.

The suit, filed Monday in U.S. District Court in Greensboro, asserts that the Stars have failed to make payments on Bryant's contract and have changed his compensation. It also claims the team has a lack of adequate training facilities.

Named in the lawsuit are the USFL, the Stars, team owner Myles Tanenbaum, league Commissioner Harry Usher and several other defendants, court officials said.

“Our only comment at this point is that we have not yet been notified,” said Bob Rose, spokesman for the USFL in New York. “We haven't seen the suit and haven't had a chance to review it.”

Source: (UPI Modified)