'85 Chronology-Market Cap

Event Date: August 2nd, 1985

Event Description: USFL Free Agency

Source: UPI

Under an agreement reached with the USFL Players Association, each franchise not facing the future prospects of a merger had to protect at least 25 players Thursday and increase that total to a minimum of 35 by noon EDT Saturday.

Final rosters were expected to be released by the league Saturday afternoon.

Once the USFL rosters are set, the signing of that league's free agents by NFL teams is expected to escalate. The NFL originally told its teams to wait until Aug. 1st, when standard USFL contracts expire, to sign any USFL free agents. That deadline has been pushed back to after the NFL receives written notification from the USFL that the players in question are free.

“There's quite a market going on out there today,” a league spokesman said in regards to the late evaluation and dealing.

Under an agreement reached with the USFL Players Association, each franchise not facing the future prospects of a merger had to protect at least 25 players Thursday and increase that total to a minimum of 35 by Friday.

Final rosters were expected to be released by the league late Friday afternoon.

The signing of USFL free agents by NFL teams was expected to escalate Thursday. The NFL told its teams to wait until Aug. 1st, when standard USFL contracts expire, to sign any USFL free agents. 

The USFL and USFLPA Thursday also announced they had agreed on a payment procedure for players protected during the offseason, while management has committed to pay players' 1985 playoff shares and insurance policies in full.

The USFL had 16 teams in 1985 but will probably be reduced to 14 or even 12 next year. The San Antonio franchise waived all their players after missing payroll deadlines.

“I compliment the players' union and club owners for successfully addressing some difficult problems in a difficult economic environment,” USFL commissioner Harry Usher said. “The USFL team owners remain determined to meet their obligations to players throughout the off-season.”

Story-(UPI Modified)

'85 Chronology-Pinney Petition

Event Date: August 1st, 1985

Event Description: Pinney Files Petition

Source: Beaver County Times

'85 Chronology-Rumor Mill

Event Date: August 1st, 1985

Event Description: USFL Roundup

Source: Ledger Wire Servies

'85 Chronology-Shapes and Sizes

Event Date: July 31st, 1985

Event Description: USFL Meetings Conclude

Source: Lakeland Ledger

'85 Chronology-Fire Sale

Event Date: July 31st, 1985

Event Description: Scarfone Buys Bandits

Source: UPI

Beating the clock by minutes, a group of investors breathed life into the Tampa Bay Bandits by paying off players and agreeing to buy the franchise and support the team in Tampa for the 1986 USFL season.

Architect Lee Scarfone, a Bandits limited partner for three years, is head of the group that Tuesday deposited between $250,000 and $300,000 in a bank, which insures players will receive back pay for their final game of the recently concluded 1985 season.

General Manager Ralph Campbell said the deposit was made minutes before a 4 p.m. deadline, which is when the players would have become free agents.

Lawyers from Scarfone's group and John Bassett Enterprises had to approve documents before agreement was reached on the 30-day option to purchase the franchise.

“I had hoped to make all of this happen a week ago,” said Scarfone, who bought a portion of Bassett's interest in the team. “But it's like marriage: If you used advisers, you'd never get married.”

Bassett, who was the Bandits' managing general partner for three seasons, is in Toronto for treatment of two brain tumors.

Scarfone is now managing general partner. He said Campbell, other high ranking team executives and the coaching staff will be retained. “I'm really more at their disposal than they are at mine,” Scarfone said.

Campbell said the purchase agreement by Scarfone's group meant the Bandits had “overcome the first hurdle to keep the franchise in Tampa. An option is when you buy the right to buy something,” Campbell said. “The final purchase is not consummated. We will be working on it. We'd like to think we can conclude that by the end of August.”

Story-(UPI Modified)

'85 Chronology-Business Decisions

Event Date: July 31st, 1985

Event Description:  Carter Contract Extended

Source: UPI

The Michigan Panthers exercised their option to keep Anthony Carter Wednesday, but team officials said the wide receiver might not play with the U.S. Football League team next season.

The Panthers had until midnight Thursday pick up the option for the final year of Carter's four-year, $2 million contract. He will receive $500,000 in the last year of the pact.

“Yes, we've exercised our option,” General Manager Vince Lombardi Jr. said. “It was a business decision.”

Lombardi said he talked with Carter and his attorney, Bob Woolf of Boston, about the possibility of Carter buying out his contract. If Carter were to buy out his contract, he would be free to join the Miami Dolphins, who own his NFL rights, and join star receivers Mark Clayton and Mark Duper.

“We decided a long time ago (to exercise the option) depending on how things fell into place,” he said. “There's been speculation we've been talking to the young man and his agent with regard to buying out his contract, and I won't deny those discussions took place. But the bottom line is that we exercised our option.”

When asked if that meant Carter was a member of the Panthers and would be playing for them next year, Lombardi said, “I didn't say that. There's no guarantee that any member of the Panthers will be here next season.”

The Dolphins hoped for a chance to sign the fleet receiver, who played his high school football in Riviera Beach in Palm Beach County. However, as long as he is under contract to the Panthers, Miami owner Joe Robbie has said the team is prohibited from talking to Carter.

Story-(UPI Modified)

'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)

'85 Chronology-Welcome Wagon

Event Date: July 28th, 1985

Event Description: Hebert Visits Saints

Source: UPI

With most news from NFL training camps these days concerning holdouts and injuries, the New Orleans Saints received a welcome visitor Saturday.

Free-agent quarterback Bobby Hebert, who led the Michigan Panthers to a second-place finish in the USFL, visited the Saints training camp at Ruston, La. and talked for an hour with Coach Bum Phillips.

Veteran quarterback Richard Todd is among six non-reporting players in the Saints' camp, leaving Dave Wilson as the current leading candidate to start when the 1985 season opens.

“I wasn't there to talk about a contract or to sign with them,” the former Northwestern Louisiana star said. “I just wanted to meet Coach Phillips and see how their camp was coming along. As far as my future, I'm leaving all of that up to my agent.”

Hebert's agent, Greg Campbell, has said the Saints, Los Angeles Raiders and Seattle Seahawks are interested in signing the south Louisiana native.

Saints officials said talks have been held with Hebert and his agent.

“New Orleans would be a good place to be because I'm from the area, their training camp is near my home in Natchitoches and I'd be playing in front of Louisiana fans,” Hebert said.

The Saints were set to sign Robbie Mahfouz of the USFL's Jacksonville Bulls Friday night but Phillips said, “there still remains some paperwork between the two leagues before anything can be completed. We're still working on it.”

Story-(UPI)

'85 Chronology-Staying Power

Event Date: July 28th, 1985

Event Description: Ross Buys Gamblers

Source: UPI

New York real estate developer Steve Ross has agreed to purchase the financially-troubled Houston Gamblers, U.S. Football League commissioner Harry Usher announced Friday.

Ross said he is not certain if the team would play in Houston or merge with another team. “We would prefer to stay in Houston,” said Ross.

No financial details were disclosed Friday on the sale, which involves Houston owners Jerry Argovitz, Jay Roulier and Alvin Lubetkin. Ross heads a group of New York businessmen that includes Peter Friedman, David Solomon, Fred DeMattis and Warren Scherwin.

Lubetkin said money was deposited into the Gamblers' account to meet a 5 p.m. EDT deadline, preventing the league from taking over the team.

The USFL poured $1.5 million into the Gamblers last season to keep the team afloat. Usher was obviously happy to see new money come into the league.

“We are delighted to welcome Stephen Ross and his partners to the USFL,” Usher said in a statement. “To attract someone of Mr. Ross' stature only demonstrates the vitality and staying power of this league.”

Said Ross: 'It's always been a dream of mine to own a sports franchise and I think this team can be one of the finest in the country.’

However, Lubetkin said not all details of the deal have been completed.

“The purchasers are starting to talk a lot more reasonably and I believe one part of the deal will be made today, and my participation probably will occur next week,” Lubetkin said.

Lubetkin added Argovitz and Roulier have agreed to the deal and said each would remain as minority owners.

'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)

'85 Chronology-Learning Experience

Event Date: July 22nd, 1985

Event Description: Cribbs Eyes NFL Return

Source: UPI

Running back Joe Cribbs, his “learning experience over” has bought out the remainder of his contract with the USFL Birmingham Stallions and plans to be back in the NFL by Thursday, Cribbs' agent said Friday.

Player agent Louis Burrell said the former All-Pro paid $750,000 to escape the final three years of his five-year agreement with the Stallions, one of several USFL teams in deep financial trouble.

Burrell said he has been talking to the Buffalo Bills about either signing Cribbs or trading his rights to another NFL team. Cribbs jumped the Bills after the 1983 season and signed a $2.35 million contract with his hometown Stallions.

“We all make mistakes,” Burrell said. “We consider the deal with the Stallions a learning experience. Hopefully, we'll put together a deal with an NFL club in a few days.”

Burrell said he began talking to Buffalo general manager Terry Bledsoe four weeks ago about Cribbs. First, however, he spoke to other NFL teams to make sure there is still interest in the 27-year-old running back. Bledsoe could not be reached for comment.

“If Buffalo is not interested, we'll politely ask the Bills to allow Joe to sign with another club,” Burrell said. “You can look forward to seeing Joe in somebody's camp next Thursday.”

Burrell said Cribbs is not worried about moving from the USFL season, which just ended, into the NFL. In 1984, he played year-round when he went from Buffalo to Birmingham. Burrell said Cribbs is not making unreasonable contract requests.

“We're not trying to get paid in the area of Billy Sims or Herschel Walker,” Burrell said. “We're looking for a fair contract Joe deserves with his statistics. Joe realizes his goal is to be in the Hall of Fame some day.”

Burrell would not disclose the identity of the other teams he talked with, but mentioned Kansas City, Miami and the New York Giants as clubs that need a running back.

“Hopefully, Joe will go to a team that's heading toward the playoffs,” he said.

Story-(UPI Modified)

'85 Chronology-Shoot for the Moon!

Event Date: July 23rd, 1985

Event Description: 'Hawks Eye Hebert

Source: UPI

While trying to downplay their interest, the Seattle Seahawks have confirmed they will give a tryout Thursday to Bobby Hebert, one of the top quarterbacks in the U.S. Football League.

“We're going to bring him in and look at him,” Seattle Coach Chuck Knox said. “It doesn't mean anything, but it behooves us not to leave any stone unturned.”

Knox said the Seahawks will give Hebert a physical examination and work him out at the team's headquarters.

Hebert, a three-year USFL veteran, passed for 5,456 yards this year, leading the Michigan Panthers to a 14-2 regular season record. He completed 313 of 531 passes, throwing for 45 touchdowns. He was intercepted 24 times.

Hebert's contract with Michigan was to expire Aug. 1, but he bought his way out of it early. Because no NFL team drafted him in 1982, after he completed his college career at Northwestern Louisiana, Hebert became a free agent.

Hebert was not drafted by the NFL because he had already signed with the Panthers.

Hebert's situation is similar to that of Warren Moon, the Canadian Football League star who signed a $6 million contract with the Houston Oilers after playing out his contract with Edmonton. The Seahawks were among the most serious bidders for Moon.

Hebert's agent, Greg Campbell, has talked of a contract in excess of $1 million a year for his client. However, the Seahawks have indicated they are not interest in Hebert at a “Moon-plus contract.”

Without employing an agent, Hebert signed a four-year contract with a one-year option with Michigan in 1982. On the advice of Campbell, he was a holdout the next season in an effort to sweeten his $200,000 annual salary. Instead of a salary increase, however, Hebert and Campbell succeeded in chopping two years off the contract.

Story-(UPI Modified)

'85 Chronology-Staff Reductions

Event Date: July 22nd, 1985

Event Description: Stallions Reduce Staff

Source: Tuscaloosa Times

'85 Chronology-Confidentiality Clause

Event Date: July 21st, 1985

Event Description: Chargers Sign Johnson

Source: The Tuscaloosa News

'85 Chronology-Contract Buyout

Event Date: July 20th, 1985

Event Description: Chargers Sign Johnson

Source: Associated Press

'85 Chronology-Camp Carthon

Event Date: July 16th, 1985

Event Description: Giants Start Camp

Source: UPI

Maurice Carthon heard some good news when he reported to New York Giants' training camp Monday and found out he'll be treated like any other player.

That's just how Carthon wants it, although he certainly could use a rest after blocking Herschel Walker's way to 2,148 yards the past five months for the USFL's New Jersey Generals.

“I'm not babying this guy a bit,” Giants coach Bill Parcells said. “Nobody makes this team by default.”

Parcells has experience with players coming from the USFL. Last year the Giants signed guard Chris Godfrey and cornerback Kenny Daniel. They both made the team, and Godfrey became a starter midway through the season and helped stabilize the offensive line.

“I hope to fill the role of fullback and challenge Rob Carpenter for the job,” said Carthon, a 6-foot-1, 255-pounder. “But I know I have to go out and earn the job. It's no relief just being here and I don't think it will be a relief until Sept. 8th when we play Philadelphia and I'm in the starting backfield.”

Carthon, 24, gained 1173 yards on 244 carries for the Generals this year, while being used primarily as Walker's blocker. 

Carthon's biggest problem making it in the NFL will be the wear-and-tear he has absorbed the last several months. What he has going for him is a familiarity with the Giants' terminology and his attitude.

As a rookie out of Arkansas State, Carthon played for New Jersey coach Chuck Fairbanks. Giants offensive coordinator Ron Erhardt was an assistant under Fairbanks with the New England Patriots and their offenses are similar.

It was under Fairbanks and later Walt Michaels that Carthon developed from a college wishbone fullback who could block well on running plays but had little experience in a passing offense.

“A couple of years ago, Chuck Fairbanks told me the kid had real good ability, he was just green,” Parcells said. “Having been a wishbone fullback in college he might have gotten caught in the wash. The day after the (Generals') season was over he called me up and said 'I'm ready to go.' I like that, he's that kind of kid.”

Carthon knows what he's up against.

“I talked to some of my teammates with the Generals who came over from the NFL,” he said. “They said I'll get tired about the eighth game. Nobody gave me any encouraging words.”

The Giants Tuesday were still without unsigned quarterback Phil Simms, first-round draft choice George Adams and second-round pick Stacy Robinson. Simms and Robinson, a wide receiver from North Dakota State, are expected to reach agreement soon but little progress has been made in signing Adams, a running back from Kentucky.

'85 Chronology-Waiver Wire

Event Date: July 16th, 1985

Event Description:  Chargers Pursue Johnson

Source: UPI

Trumaine Johnson, the talented wide receiver who has vowed never to play in the U.S. Football League again, could sign with the San Diego Chargers as early as today, according to published reports.

Citing unidentified sources, The San Diego Union reported today that Johnson had struck a deal with the Arizona Outlaws that would run him through USFL waivers straight to the Chargers.

George Schreck, Johnson's lawyer, said his client arrived in San Diego Wednesday, but would not disclose his exact location or the reason for the trip.

Johnson sat out the entire 1985 USFL season in a contract dispute with the Outlaws and has said he will not return to the Outlaws or any other USFL club.

The Union said Johnson apparently would pay the Outlaws $500,000 to release him from hs 10-year contract. Half of the money would come from the Chargers in the form of a signing bonus.

The only obstacle to the deal would be if another USFL team claimed Johnson on waivers.

Story-(UPI)

'85 Chronology-A New Commissioner

Event Date: July 16th, 1985

Event Description: Usher Named Commissioner

Source: The Daily Reporter

'85 Chronology-RKO

Event Date: July 15th, 1985

Event Description: New USFL Commissioner

Source: Boston Globe

'85 Chronology-Doug Flutie Ford Commercial

'85 Chronology-Name Dropping

Event Date: July 14th, 1985

Event Description: USFL Eyes Usher

Source: Boston Globe

'85 Chronology-Serious Candidates

Event Date: July 13th, 1985

Event Description: USFL Commissioner Candidates

Source: Gainesville Sun

'85 Chronology-Force Out

Event Date: July 11th, 1985

Event Description: Simmons Forced Out

Source: UPI

Chet Simmons, who resigned as commissioner of the U.S. Football League Monday, may have been forced out by some of the league's more powerful owners.

No reason was immediately given for Simmons' resignation. However, the shift in leadership shows that some of the new owners wanted their own man.

“We're sorry to see Chet resign but it was not unexpected,” said Arizona Outlaws owner and general manager Bill Tatham Jr. “Believe me, it was expected and was the end result of a long period of work of trying to decide what to do as the league evolves and the requirements of the commissioner change.”

Donald Trump, owner of the New Jersey Generals and the league's most outspoken owner, sought to compete head-on with the NFL while John Bassett and Simmons oppose the fall format.

The league did not name a replacement for Simmons and said a search has begun for a successor. A new commissioner could be announced as early as this week.

Harry Usher, a California attorney who was executive vice president-general manager of the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Organizing Committee, is said to be the strongest candidate for the vacant post. Usher has met with league owners over the last couple of months. LAOOC spokesman Rich Perlman said Monday night Usher was flying to New York from Los Angeles.

“I know he's talking to the USFL,” Perlman said.

The league would like to name its new commissioner before the start of the new league year which begins on August 1st.

“A successor will be announced shortly,” said Miles Tanenbaum, owner of the Philadelphia Stars.

Asked if the new commissioner would be from the business or sports world, Tanenbaum said: “It's peculiar ... but he's from both. When the decision is announced you'll see what I mean.”

Simmons, former president of ESPN and NBC Sports, was named USFL commissioner in June 1982, one month after the league was formed.

He could not be reached at his Connecticut home and his statement Monday did not outline the reasons for his resignation.

“As the league moves into its fourth season, I'm confident the USFL's future has never been brighter,” he said. 

Story-(UPI Modified)

'85 Chronology-Kosar to Cleveland

Event Date: July 10th, 1985

Event Description: NFL Supplemental Draft

Source: Tuscaloosa News

'85 Chronology-Simmons Resignation

Event Date: July 10th, 1985

Event Description: Simmons Resigns

Source: Lakeland Ledger

'85 Chronology-Davis Deniels

Event Date: July 8th, 1985

Event Description: Davis Denies Interest

Source: Gainesville Sun

'85 Chronology-League Undercurrents

Event Date: July 3rd, 1985

Event Description: Bassett Address

Source: Lakeland Ledger

'85 Chronology-Collusion Charges

Event Date: July 1st, 1985

Event Description: NFL Salary Fight

Source: Lakeland Ledger

'85 Chronology-Playoff Pay

Event Date: July 1st, 1985

Event Description: Playoff Payouts

Source: UPI

Each player on the USFL championship team will have earned $17,000 in playoff money. The breakdown per game is $3,000 for the quarterfinals, $4,000 for the semifinals and $10,000 for winning the championship game.

Players on the runner-up team receive $12,000, with $5,000 for the second-place finish in the title game.

The game was televised live outside the United States to Canada, Italy, Britain, Thailand, Mexico, Spain and Holland.

Celebrities attending the game included Magic Johnson of the Los Angeles Lakers and Isiah Thomas of the Detroit Pistons. The basketball players said they are friends of wide receiver Anthony Carter.

The crowd was announed at 49,263 but appeared much smaller. The league hoped attendance would surpass 50,000. The first USFL championship game at Denver drew 50,906. Last year's title game at Tampa, Fla., was attended by 52,662.

Story-(UPI)