'87 Chronology-Gamblers Season Preview

Event Date: February 1st, 1987

Event Description: Houston Gamblers Preview

Source: Football News

'87 Chronology-Gold Season Preview

Event Date: February 1st, 1987

Event Description: Denver Gold Preview

Source: Football News

'87 Chronology-Stallions Season Preview

Event Date: February 1st, 1987

Event Description: Birmingham Stallions Preview

Source: Football News

'87 Chronology-Outlaws Season Preview

Event Date: February 1st, 1987

Event Description: Arizona Outlaws Preview

Source: Football News

'87 Chronology-Fraudulent

Event Date: January 30th, 1987

Event Description: Creditors File Suit

Source: UPI

Dozens of companies and former employees owed money by the defunct Los Angeles Express of the U.S. Football League filed a $25 million fraud suit Thursday against the team and the league.

The creditors claim in their federal court suit the USFL and Commissioner Harry Usher used the dwindling assets of the dying team to “maintain a front” that the team was operating normally during the past few seasons.

The creditors include travel agencies, hotels, bus companies, medical-supply firms, plus the team's publicist, secretaries and the band that played at home games. The employees claim they were not paid for several months before the team shut down.

The plaintiffs' attorney, James Davis, said precise loss figures are still being compiled, but the total probably would exceed $1 million.

The suit also seeks $25 million in punitive damages.

Story-(UPI Modified)

'87 Chronology-Usher Speaks

 

'87 Chronology-Straw Dogs

Event Date: January 24th, 1987

Event Description: Culverhouse Responds

Source: Lakeland Ledger

'87 Chronology-Baseless

Event Date: January 23rd, 1987

Event Description: NFL Responds

Source: Lakeland Ledger

'87 Chronology-Predatory Actions

Event Date: January 22nd, 1987

Event Description: USFL Sues NFL

Source: UPI

The United States Football League Wednesday filed a $120 million anti-trust suit against the National Football League and asked a federal court to break up the NFL into two competing leagues.

The suit was filed in U.S. District Court in Manhattan. Judge Peter Leisure will hear the case, but no date has been set.

The USFL, founded in 1983, charges NFL Commissioner Pete Rozelle and the 28 member clubs with “predatory and unlawful actions” by making successful entry by a competing professional league in the business of pro football impossible.

The suit claims that the NFL and the three major television networks, CBS, ABC and NBC, have formed a conspiracy to “frustrate” the USFL in its efforts to get a national TV contract for future seasons.

The USFL has asked for $120 million in damages. Under the terms of the Sherman Anti-Trust Act, however, if the USFL wins the suit the amount of money awarded could be tripled, bringing the figure to $360 million.

The suit also asks the court to divide the 28 NFL teams into two separate competing 14-team leagues with each league limited to maintaining a network television contract with only one of three major TV networks.

If the court refuses that request, the suit asks that the NFL be able to maintain an agreement with only two of the three major TV networks.

The USFL also is asking the court to stop the NFL from negotiating or making contractual offers to USFL players before the end of their contracts.

A spokesman for the NFL said the league had been expecting the suit to be filed for quite awhile.

“We will have no comment until we have a chance to review the legal papers,” said the NFL spokesman. “It was inevitable they were going to file suit. It was clear that was part of their game since day one. It's nothing new. The AFL filed a suit against us in the 1960s. The WFL filed one in the 1970. Now the USFL is filing one in the 1980s.”

The USFL is set to kickoff their fifth season next month.

Story-(UPI Modified)

'87 Chronology-Geoeconomics

 Event Date: January 12th, 1987

Event Description: NFL Owners Meetings

Source: Associated Press

'87 Chronology-Outlaws Pursued

Event Date: January 8th, 1987

Event Description: Tatham Troubles

Source: Associated Press

'87 Chronology-College Draft

Event Date: January 7th, 1987

Event Description: USFL College Draft

Source: PFW

The U.S. Football League completed its draft of players Tuesday and now must turn its attention to signing them for the upcoming season.

The Oakland Invaders started the first of 84 picks in the open draft by picking Asuza-Pacific running back Christian Okoye. Over the weekend, the twelve USFL teams held their territorial draft and secured the rights to 16 players each.

After the Invaders took Okoye, the Arizona Outlaws selected Texas A&M hybrid back Rod Bernstine, who can play a variety of positions out of the backside.

The Outlaws have been aggressive in years’ past with regard to signing free agents and draft picks and have said that an offer to Bernstine will be forthcoming.

Defending league champion Houston completed the first round by selecting Oklahoma defensive end Steve Bryan. For a complete list of the draft go here.

'87 Chronology-Second Thoughts

Event Date: January 3rd, 1987

Event Description: USFL Arbitration

Source: Associated Press

'87 Chronology-Abrogation Station

Event Date: January 2nd, 1987

Event Description: USFL vs. ABC

Source: Milwaukee Sentinel

'86 Chronology-Workout Warrior

Event Date: December 20th, 1986

Event Description: Sims Works Out

Source: UPI

Former All-Pro running back Billy Sims has taken his first step toward a comeback with a workout for Houston Gamblers general manager Gene Burrough and head coach Jack Pardee at the Astrodome.

Sims, 31, who finished his five-year career with the Detroit Lions, says its the first time he has done any kind of sprint work or hard cuts since he seriously injured his knee during the 1984 season.

Sims initiated the workout to see if there is any point in pursuing a comeback with the Gamblers or another pro team.

“The main concern is whether or not I can play again. After today's workout, I feel like I can,” Sims said after the workout.

Sims played five seasons with Detroit and became the team's all-time leading rusher with just over 5,106 yards. He signed a futures contract with the Gamblers in the summer of 1983 but that contract was ultimately voided after he signed a second contract with the Lions that same year.

Burrough and Pardee were pleased with the workout and Sim's rehabilitated knee. He underwent major major surgery after the injury which prompted his retirement. If the Gamblers have no interest in Sims, another pro team will probably at least look at him, Burrough said.

Story-(UPI Modified)

'86 Chronology-Shock Value

Event Date: December 18th, 1986

Event Description: Dupree Set

Source: UPI

Running back Marcus Dupree, the Portland Breakers' youngest and most expensive player, flew to Portland Wednesday and ended speculation he would play for another team.

Dupree said he will be on the field when the United States Football League team makes its Civic Stadium debut this spring.

Rumors had circulated since the team's move from New Orleans was announced that Dupree did not want to move, but he told newsmen in Portland he always intended to make the move.

“I was coming to Portland all the time. I did have a little doubt about it at first. People were telling me it was real cold here, that it rains all the time -- and you never see a leading rusher who plays in the rain,” he said.

“At first it was a shock. I had to get adjusted to it, as a business. I had a job to go to. Well, I'm staying here to play.”

Dupree started as a freshman at the University of Oklahoma, then transferred to Southern Mississippi before dropping out of school.

He signed a five-year contract for approximately $6 million with the Breakers in 1984.

Breakers' Coach Dick Coury said Dupree, in the next few years, “will be one of the top running backs in all of football.”

Story-(UPI Modified)

'86 Chronology-Comeback Trail

Event Date: December 8th, 1986

Event Description: Peace Returns

Source: Football News

The Orlando Renegades moved to shore up their quarterback ranks by signing former University of Florida star Wayne Peace to a two-year contract.

Peace, had considered retirement before being convinced to return to pro football by Orlando head coach Lee Corso. 

The Renegades currently have veteran John Reaves and former Louisville pivot Dean May under contract.

In the USFL, Peace completed 18 of 43 passes for 215 yards, one touchdown and four interceptions with the Tampa Bay Bandits in 1984.

After the 1984 season, Peace was traded to the New Orleans Breakers, but was unhappy there and sat out the 1985 season. Peace has been to three NFL camps with Cincinnati, Miami and most recently the San Diego Chargers.

While Peace has not had much of a chance to prove himself in the pro ranks, he was highly regarded following an outstanding college career.  At Florida, Peace became a starter in the fourth game of his freshman year in 1980 and completed 610 of 991 passes for 7,206 yards, 34 touchdowns and 40 interceptions. 

In other USFL news, the Birmingham Stallions have signed backup quarterback Robbie Mahfouz and punter Case deBruijn.

more to come......

'86 Chronology-Dispersal Draft

Event Date: December 7th, 1986

Event Description: Dispersal Draft

Source: League Office

The United States Football League held their Open Dispersal Draft of players from the former Los Angeles Express and Michigan Panthers franchises on Saturday.

The Portland Breakers led the way drafting nine players including all-star linebacker Marcus Marek who spent the 1986 season with Michigan.

Others drafted included quarterbacks Rick Neuheisel by Arizona and Bob Gagliano returning to Denver where he spent the 1985 season. Running back Kevin Nelson was also drafted by Arizona, as was defensive tackle Ivan Lesnik.

In all 21 former express players were selected alongside eight players from the Michigan Panthers who merged during the off-season with the Oakland club.

For a complete list of players drafted go here.

more to come......

'86 Chronology-Open Ended

Event Date: December 3rd, 1986

Event Description: Draft Prep

Source: UPI

Portland Breakers' football Coach Dick Coury said Tuesday he and his staff were busy preparing for the upcoming United States Football League pool draft.

Coury said that on December 6th, the twelve USFL teams will draft players from a pool of about 30-40 players formed by the Oakland-Michigan merger and the folding of the Los Angeles franchise.

By December 10th, Coury said, the Breakers must give the league a list of 25 “territorial” players with whom the club will have USFL negotiating rights.

The USFL's “open” college draft will be held Jan. 3-4. The Breakers plan a free-agent tryout camp in Portland shortly after the open draft.

Story-(UPI Modified)

'86 Chronology-'87 USFL Schedule Released

Event Date: December 2nd, 1986

Event Description: '87 USFL Schedule

Source: PFW

Jim Simpson and Paul Maguire will be joined by five commentators for ESPN's coverage of the U.S. Football League's 1987 schedule, it was announced Tuesday.

In addition to Simpson, Roger Twibell, Steve Talbot, John Sanders, of ESPN and Fred Manfra, who has worked the past four USFL seasons for ABC radio, will call play-by-play. 

Joining Maguire as analysts will be Mike Adamle who has covered pro football for both ABC and NBC; and Ed Biles, former Houston Oilers head coach.

ESPN will televise an average of three games per week, with coverage on Thursday, Saturday and Monday nights under the direction of Bill Fitts.

more to come......

'86 Chronology-English Leather

 

'86 Chronology-Breaker Backers II

Event Date: December 2nd, 1986

Event Description: Breakers Reach 10k

Source: UPI

The Portland Breakers of the United States Football League have passed the 10,000 mark in season ticket sales.

Team spokesman Brian Feldman said Monday, “We reached 10,000 on Sunday and have only about 1,000 seats left in the $15 category, our second-best ticket category.” Top-priced $19 tickets were sold out earlier.

The Breakers franchise moved from New Orleans to Portland last month.

Story-(UPI Modified)

'86 Chronology-Staff Shakeup

Event Date: December 1st, 1986

Event Description: Staff Reductions

Source: UPI

The Oakland Invaders of the U.S. Football League Monday announced the firing of about a dozen front-office personnel, including publicity director Gino Effler and director of college scouting Bill Baker, Jr.

The merger of the Michigan and Oakland teams this past off-season has led to a reorganization of the front offces.

A club spokesman said the Invaders' front office from now until next March will consist of president Vince Lombardi Jr., director of football operations Mike Keller, business manager Mona Williams, assistant to the president Jill Gutenkunst and administrative assistant Sue Oliver.

The Michigan coaching staff will remain intact with head coach Jim Stanley taking over in Oakland.

Story-(UPI Modified)

'86 Chronology-Speight of Signings

Event Date: November 24th, 1986

Event Description: Stars Add Backup; Corker Joins Bulls

Source: PFW

The Baltimore Stars, seeking a backup for quarterback Chuck Fusina, signed free agent Tom Rozantz along with four other free agents, General Manager Carl Peterson said.

Rozantz, who played two years in the CFL and four years in the USFL, said on Sunday he had reached a tentative contract agreement with the Stars.

The Stars also signed ex-Renegades offensive tackle Dave Sullivan, former San Diego Chargers defensive back Terry Lewis, linebacker Lester Speight (Morgan State), and safety Rob Porter a 1984 draft pick.

Other signings from the USFL included; the Jacksonville Bulls have added tight end Mark Raugh, offensive tackle Greg Murtha, and linebacker John Corker. Corker was most recently with the Miami Dolphins, but was cut during training camp.

more to come......

'86 Chronology-Breaker Backers

Event Date: November 18th, 1986

Event Description: Season Ticket Sales

Source: UPI

The new Portland Breaker entry in the United States Football League has sold out all of its top-priced season tickets for next season, the team announced Thursday.

A spokesman said all 3,800 season tickets in the $19 price range were sold during the first two days they were offered.

In all about 4,000 season tickets have been sold. The rest are in the $15 and below price range. The team formally announced on Tuesday of this week it is moving from New Orleans to Portland next year.

'86 Chronology-Trade Winds

Event Date: November 17th, 1986

Event Description: Truvillion Traded

Source: Football Journal

The Oakland Invaders traded disgruntled wide receiver Eric Truvillion to the Orlando Renegades for slot receiver Jeff Smith and defensive back Lee Wilson, the club announced Friday.

Recently, Truvillion had expressed that he wanted to be released or traded, leading the Invaders to seek a deal.

Truvillion started his pro career with the Tampa Bay Bandits where he played for three seasons before being traded to Michigan.

'86 Chronology-Thunder Dome

Event Date: November 15th, 1986

Event Description: Delta Dome Redux?

Source: UPI

Portland industrial leaders are talking about a possible $100 million domed stadium seating between 50,000 and 70,000.

A plan for convention, sports and trade facilites has been prepared by a task force which includes some of the city's top business people.

“We should absolutely have a domed stadium and a convention center,” said U. S. Bancorpchairman John Elorriaga.

Elorriaga said he has invited Gov. Vic Atiyeh, Mayor-elect Bud Clark, and a group of businessmen to meet next week “to see if we can get some people organized to do something about this.”

New talk about a domed stadium surfaced after the New Orleans Breakers of the United States Football League switched their franchise to Portland.

Joe Canizaro, Breakers' owner and a real estate developer in New Orleans, is hoping for a domed faciliity.

“There is the Kingdome, Superdome, Silverdome, Astrodome and so on,” Canizaro said. “I would like to see this called the Portland Dome, so that every time it is mentioned, people have to say the city's name.”

Canizaro said, “I don't want anybody to build anything for me. I want the people of Portland to do it for themselves, for their own pride and enjoyment.”

Story-(UPI Modified)

'86 Chronology-Making A Break

Event Date: November 13th, 1986

Event Description: Breakers Moving

Source: Eugene Register Guard

'86 Chronology-Visitation Rights

Event Date: November 8th, 1986

Event Description: Canizaro Visit

Source: Eugene Register Guard

 

'86 Chronology-Northwest Territory

Event Date: November 4th, 1986

Event Description: Phenomenal Interest

Source: Eugene Register Guard

'86 Chronology-Goldfinger

Event Date: October 31st, 1986

Event Description: Spedding Files Suit

Source: UPI

Football Doug Spedding, a Denver-area car dealer and former owner of the USFL Denver Gold has filed a $24 million lawsuit against Ron Blanding, claiming Blanding misrepresented the team's financial condition when he sold the club to Spedding in 1984.

Spedding, who bought the team for $8.75 million, contends he was led to believe he would lose no more than $500,000 during the 1984 football season, but actually lost more than $3 million.

Story UPI........

'86 Chronology-Merger Mayhem

Event Date: October 23rd, 1986

Event Description: Michigan Merger

Source: Football News

The Michigan Panthers announced at a meeting of league owners this week that they were in the process of merging with the Oakland Invaders.

Under the terms of the merger, Oakland owner Tad Taube, would sell his majority interest in the Invaders to Michigan Panthers owner A. Alfred Taubman. Taube will remain with the team as a minority owner and the team will be based in Oakland.

The deal would involve the acquisition of a number of the Panthers' players by the Invaders and Michigan head coach Jim Stanley would take the helm in Oakland.

“We don't know exactly how things are to be worked out, because the papers haven't been processed through the league office yet,” said USFL spokesman Peter Hadhazy. 

“But I do know that Oakland would have a much improved team if it was to get all of the Michigan players.”

The USFL owners approved in principle the merger of the two franchises. The merger, which is to be completed on or about Nov. 15th, will see the league reduced to 12 teams.

In another announcement, it was revealed that the voluntary termination notice provided to the league by the Los Angeles Express became effective Sunday. 

A dispersal draft of players from the Los Angeles club is scheduled to take place in Memphis on December 8th.

The format for the 1987 season was unveiled as well. 

There will be two conferences -- the Liberty and Independence-- with the Liberty conference consisting of New Jersey, Baltimore, Memphis, Tampa Bay, Jacksonville and Orlando.

The Independence conference will include Birmingham, Houston, Arizona, Denver, Oakland and the Breakers.

more to come......

'86 Chronology-Long Bomb

Event Date: October 19th, 1986

Event Description: Hadl Terminated

Source: UPI

Los Angeles Express coach John Hadl and his entire staff will be unemployed come November after being fired by USFL commissioner Harry Usher.

“I'll be a free agent after October along with the rest of the staff,” Hadl said via teleconference from team headquarters. “We've been told they won't pay our contracts after that.”

The Express have been financed by Charlotte businessman George Shinn who agreed to try and restructure the teams’ finances along with minority owner Jay Roulier. 

Usher said that Shinn and Roulier would both like to remain in the league, but that the situation in Los Angeles was “untenable.”

The decision to terminate Hadl and the Express staff was made last week by Usher during a visit to Los Angeles.

“The situation is pretty bleak,” Hadl said. “We've been told they're going to cut the overhead and turn the lights out until further notice.”

Hadl and his assistants have another year remaining on their contracts. It is considered doubtful that the USFL will honor the contracts.

Story-(UPI Modified)

'86 Chronology-Express Lane

Event Date: October 17th, 1986

Event Description: Klosterman Concerned

Source: UPI

Don Klosterman, president and general manager of the U.S. Football League's troubled Los Angeles Express, said Thursday the team could be disbanded at next week's meeting of team owners.

Klosterman said the survival of the Express depends on current negotiations between the league and ABC-TV and ESPN, which is trying to renegotiate its television contract with the USFL.

An ABC spokesman told KNBC-TV in Los Angeles that the network plans to continue televising USFL games even if the Express are dropped from the league.

“The owners meet Monday in New York (actually in Teaneck, N.J.) and at that particular time the owners are going to decide whether to keep the Express afloat or not,” Klosterman said.

“The LA market is important because of the TV market. But if ABC said that it wasn't important that LA be part of the league, then I'm sure they'll fold us up.”

The other team owners have been financing the Express since late July, when the franchise's majority owner, Charlotte businessman George Shinn, gave up control of it. 

(Story-UPI Modified)