'84 Chronology-Dizney Deal

Event Date: October 5th, 1984

Event Description: Dizney Completes Deal

Source: Lakeland Ledger

'84 Chronology-Cade Deal

Event Date: October 4th, 1984

Event Description: 'Boats Sign Cade

Source: Lakeland Ledger

'84 Chronology-Deal Maker

Event Date: October 3rd, 1984

Event Description: Weiser Makes New Offer

Source: Washington Post

The on-again, off-again sale of the Washington Federals to Florida interests is apparently on again -- with a new twist. Sherwood (Woody) Weiser, who agreed to buy the Federals in May and then backed out, will be a partner in the latest deal.

Donald Dizney, who operates a chain of hospitals based in Orlando, Fla., has offered a revised deal to Berl Bernhard, the Federals' chairman of the board. Two attorneys from Bernhard's law firm have been in Orlando the past few days trying to complete the paperwork.

The latest offer is said to involve the payment of less cash at the closing of the sale and more in deferred money. In Dizney's first offer, he agreed to pay about $1 million cash, another $2 million from future network television money and allow Bernhard's group to keep 20 percent of the team.

Dizney also has agreed to pay $1 million over several years to John Bassett, owner of the Tampa Bay Bandits, for his territorial rights. Bassett has dropped a number of other demands that forced Dizney last month to call off his conditional deal for the Federals.

A conference call among U.S. Football League owners to approve the sale and move to Orlando had been scheduled yesterday but was postponed. Jim Byrne, a league spokesman, said the call is likely to be rescheduled later this week. "There's some reason for hope there will be a resolution shortly," he said.

The league-imposed deadline for Bernhard selling the team also has been extended, and the league apparently will not move to take over the franchise as long as negotiations with Dizney's group continue satisfactorily.

Orlando and USFL sources confirmed that Weiser is one of Dizney's two partners in the new deal. Weiser is the Miami hotel developer who agreed to buy the Federals in May, but pulled out in August.

The collapse of that deal also left Howard Schnellenberger, who led Miami to the national college title last season, without a team to coach. Schnellenberger had become coach and chief operating officer of the Federals in May, with the proviso he would be paid if the team did not move to Florida.

Then Dizney got in the picture, also lining up Schnellenberger as his coach and general manager. Last month, Schnellenberger rejected the USFL after Dizney and Bassett could not agree on what Bassett should be paid for the territorial rights.

The Orlando Sentinel has reported that Charlie McLendon, former LSU coach and currently executive director of the American Football Coaches Association, is being considered for coach or general manager or both.

Story-(Washington Post)

'84 Chronology-Passing Fancy

Event Date: October 1st, 1984

Event Description:  Jenkins Promoted

Source: United Press International

The Houston Gamblers Tuesday named John Jenkins, last season's special teams and backfield coach, as offensive coordinator.

He replaces Darrell 'Mouse' Davis, who left in July to become head coach of the Denver Gold.

The Gamblers also terminated the contract of June Jones, an assistant coach. Jones, whose status has been in limbo since August, went to Denver with Davis. The Gamblers earlier sought to retain Jones through a protest with the USFL.

Story-(UPI)

'84 Chronology-End of an Era

Event Date: September 28th, 1984

Event Description: Allen Steps Down

Source: United Press International

George Allen, a veteran coach who took teams to championship games in the both the National Football League and the two-year-old United States Football League, retired Thursday as coach of the Arizona football club.

Allen, who will remain with the USFL club as part owner and chairman of the board, was succeeded in the head coaching post by Paul Lanham, Arizona's offensive coordinator for the past season.

Dr. Ted Diethrich, minority owner of the Outlaws, said he and Allen had discussed Allen's future several times in recent months and that he had asked Allen to remain as coach for one more year. 

However, Allen said there were other things he wanted to do, including his work as chairman of the President's Council on Fitness and Sports.

Allen said he would “miss not being on the sidelines” but said he will “be here every day trying to help this team be successful.”

“There are areas within the franchise that are more critical at this point than what is happening on the field and I am anxious to lend my expertise in these matters," Allen said.

Allen won a reputation in the NFL as a coach who traded most of his draft choices for older, established players. In the NFL he had a career mark of 116-47-5, a .706 winning percentage. In the NFL, Allen was with the Los Angeles Rams from 1966-70 and the Redskins from 1971-77.

Allen joined the USFL in its initial season in 1983, coaching the Chicago Blitz, then owned by Dietrich, a Phoenix heart surgeon. After the 1983 season, Dietrich sold the Blitz and purchased the Wranglers with the two franchises then swapping some of its players. Allen also made the move to Phoenix from Chicago.

Allen said he had thought about retiring since the end of the season, but said he made the final decision Wednesday night when he informed Dietrich at a dinner meeting.

"I was very saddened last night because it was kind of an end to an era,” Dietrich said, adding he left the meal in tears.

Allen entered the pro ranks in 1957 as an assistant with the Rams and then spent eight years as an assistant with George Halas with the Chicago Bears.

Lanham, 53, coached under Allen at Washington before joining him again at Chicago in 1983. Lanham initially did not make the move to Phoenix with Allen but was hired early in the 1984 season as special teams coach before being elevated to assistant head coach and offensive coordinator.  "This has been a dream of mine for quite some time,” Lanham said about his first head coaching job.

“George Allen is the toughest act to follow in football, but I'm excited about the challenges ahead,” he said.

Lanham's first job in the pros was with the St. Louis Cardinals in 1972, a year before he joined Allen at Washington. Previously, Lanham had been a college assistant at Delaware, Colorado State and Arkansas.

Dietrich said he had not formally signed Lanham to a contract, saying the details had not yet been worked out.

Story-(UPI Modified)

'84 Chronology-The Voice of Doom

Event Date: September 27th, 1984

Event Description: Voice of the NFL

Source: Lakeland Ledger

'84 Chronology-Shinn Shopping

Event Date: September 22nd, 1984

Event Description:  Shinn Shopping

Source: United Press International

Charlotte businessman George Shinn plans to visit Los Angeles soon to continue discussions about purchasing the struggling Los Angeles Express of the U.S. Football League.

Shinn, 43, a one-time millworker who owns a national chain of trade schools, met Thursday in Charlotte with league officials courting him to buy the Express.

At the meeting were John Bassett, owner of the Tampa Bay Bandits and chairman of the USFL's executive committee, and Steve Ehrhart, a former league executive and president of the Memphis Showboats.

Shinn said the next step is to travel to Los Angeles to look over the operation. Bassett said the league is making every effort to interest Shinn.

"We're interested in George because he's interested in the opportunity,” said Bassett. “He's also a fine human being and a young and aggressive fellow who is on the move.”

Shinn said the team would remain in Los Angeles if he bought it. He added any agreement would also have to include a provision granting him USFL rights in the Carolinas.

The Express had an average attendance of 13,000 fans a game last season, one of the lowest figures in the league. It has an annual player salary budget of around $5 million.

The discussions also came at a time when the league is considering reducing membership from 16 to 12 teams.

“This has got to make sense financially before I'll do it,” said Shinn.

Story-(UPI)

'84 Chronology-Interference Call

Event Date: September 19th, 1984

Event Description: Simmons Issues Warning

Source: Lakeland Ledger

'84 Chronology-Pineapple Express?

Event Date: September 15th, 1984

Event Description: Einhorn Eyes Sale

Source: United Press International

The owner of the Chicago Blitz is in Honolulu talking with state officials about the possibility of bringing his U.S. Football League Franchise to Hawaii.

Eddie Einhorn, who also owns the Chicago White Sox, has been huddling this week with stadium officials and talking to real state investors.

“Honolulu has the profile of a city that has worked well for the USFL, high attendance at the stadium and a history of success for football,” Einhorn said.

Story-(UPI)

'84 Chronology-Winter Blues

Event Date: September 15th, 1984

Event Description: Spring Training Clash

Source: Lakeland Ledger

'84 Chronology-Flunkie

Event Date: September 15th, 1984

Event Description: Muncie Banned

Source: Lakeland Ledger

'84 Chronology-Wealth of Experience

Event Date: September 14th, 1984

Event Description: Invaders Strengthen Staff

Source: Lakeland Ledger

'84 Chronology-Back to the Future?

Event Date: September 12th, 1984

Event Description: Winslow Waivers

Source: Lakeland Ledger

'84 Chronology-Befuddled

Event Date: September 12th, 1984

Event Description: Rozier Wants Out

Source: Lakeland Ledger

'84 Chronology-Boris Settlement

Event Date: September 12th, 1984

Event Description: Boris Settlement Reached

Source: Lakeland Ledger

'84 Chronology-Agent Adamant

Event Date: September 11th, 1984

Event Description: Rozier Agent Rejects Deal

Source: Lakeland Ledger

'84 Chronology-Financial Failings

Event Date: September 11th, 1984

Event Description: Disney Deal Fails

Source: Lakeland Ledger

'84 Chronology-Contract Confusion

Event Date: September 9th, 1984

Event Description: Winslow Will Return

Source: Lakeland Ledger

'84 Chronology-Peppered

Event Date: September 6th, 1984

Event Description: USFL Lost Millions

Source: Lakeland Ledger

'84 Chronology-Dizney Deal

Event Date: September 4th, 1984

Event Description: Dizney Deal

Source: Lakeland Ledger

'84 Chronology-Spurrier Stays

Event Date: September 1st, 1984

Event Description: Bandits Keep Spurrier

Source: Lakeland Ledger

'84 Chronology-Rejection Letter

Event Date: August 30th, 1984

Event Description: Herzeg Dumps Rozier Deal

Source: Lakeland Ledger

'84 Chronology-Dizney Land?

Event Date: August 28th, 1984

Event Description: Feds Eye Florida 

Source: Ocala Star Banner

'84 Chronology-The Patriarch

Event Date: August 28th, 1984

Event Description: Allen Will Return

Source: Ocala Star Banner

'84 Chronology-Federal Case

Event Date: August 28th, 1984

Event Description: Federals to Baltimore?

Source: United Press International

A local investor says he needs only the approval of Mayor William Schaefer to bring the Washington Federals of the U.S. Football League to Baltimore, but says it is uncertain if he can win that approval, a newspaper reported Tuesday.

The Baltimore Evening Sun reported that Richard Sammis, a car dealer and one of 10 local investors trying to buy the lowly Federals, said Monday night Schaefer's OK would provide the impetus to close the deal.

“It's up to him to say, “I support your group,” and we'd have a team here tomorrow,” Sammis told The Evening Sun. “But my people are not going to fight the mayor.”

Sammis told the newspaper he believes Schaefer would prefer to have the Philadelphia Stars move to Baltimore. Stars owner Myles Tanenbaum has said he has no interest in moving his club now that the league has committed to remaining in the spring for the foreseeable future.

The NFL Colts departed Baltimore for Indianapolis earlier this year.

“Our opinion is the mayor wants the Stars here because he feels they're one of the top teams and if there's a merger (between the USFL and NFL), then he'd be back in the NFL. But that's not necessarily true,” Sammis said.

Schaefer is currently out of the country and not available for comment. Sammis could not be reached by United Press International.

A deal to sell the Federals and move the team to Miami fell through recently following the demise of the Miami ownership group. Team owners also have met with a Florida group about moving the team to Orlando, according to Carl Hirsch, a general partner with the Federals.

Hirsch acknowledged he and his partner, Milton Maltz, are in favor of moving or selling the team to Baltimore, where they have franchise rights. But in published comments he did not indicate that a deal to bring the Federals to Baltimore was close.

“We're talking to a number of groups in Baltimore,” he told The Evening Sun. “So far, nobody has come up with a realistic proposal.”

Story-(UPI)

'84 Chronology-Interference

Event Date: August 28th, 1984

Event Description: Judge Issues Order

Source: Inited Press International

A Circuit Court judge issued a temporary restraining order Wednesday preventing the Arizona Outlaws from interfering with football player Frank Minnifield's contract with the Cleveland Browns.

The suit was filed earlier in the day by attorneys for Minnifield, a former University of Louisville player who has played with the Arizona club for the past two seasons.

Judge William E. McAnulty said attorneys for the Outlaws could move to dissolve the order and a hearing could be scheduled as early as Monday.

According to the suit, filed in Jefferson Circuit Court, Minnifield said the Outlaws threatened to sue him if he plays for the NFL's Browns.

Minnifield said in the suit that he fulfilled his contract with the team, but Outlaws' officials claim they have the right to renew his contract for one more year.

Minnifield also said in the suit that he was told by the team that the renewal clause had been deleted from the contract.

Minnifield, who signed a reported $1.1 million, four-year contract with the Browns in April, during the middle of his second USFL season, is expected to see considerable action with the Browns this season.

In the suit, Minnifield asks that his contract with the Outlaws be voided. He also seeks $7,000 he claims he is owed for playing in three playoff games during the past season.

Story-(UPI)

'84 Chronology-Final Votes

Event Date: August 27th, 1984

Internal Memo: United States Football League Owners Meeting

Re: Final Votes

The owners considered the following; 

1. A proposal from New Jersey Generals owner Donald J. Trump to move to the fall for the 1985 season.
2. A proposal from Commissioner Simmons to form the Committee on Consolidation, Expansion and Relocation.
1. The Committee will submit recommendations for the Chicago, Los Angeles and Washington franchises within 30 days of the close of the August meetings.
2. The Committee, along with current ownership, will continue to try and negotiate the sale or relocation of those franchises considered to be in distress.
3. A proposal from Marvin Warner regarding the pursuit of an anti-trust lawsuit against the National Football League. (Approved)
4. A proposal to accept the following from the McKinsey report:
1. Sixteen game schedule in 1985.
2. Move the season ahead to early February.
3. Continue TV negotiations with ABC and ESPN regarding improved regional coverage on Sundays and more prime time games (Thursday, Saturday and Sunday nights).
4. Initiate a more comprehensive advertising and marketing campaigns.
5. Implement a blackout rule starting in 1985.
6. Soft Salary Cap of  $3.2 million per team starting in 1985.
7. Continue talks with all three television networks regarding future coverage to be led by Commissioner Simmons and Eddie Einhorn.

The owners agreed to the following;

1. A proposal from Donald Trump to move to the fall for the 1985 season. (Failed to pass by a 2/3 vote).
2. A proposal to form the Consolidation, Expansion and Relocation Committee was approved. (Approved).
3. A proposal to continue to investigate anti-trust litigation against the National Football League. (Approved).
4. The owners also voted on the following recommendations from the McKinsey Report:
1. Move to a sixteen game schedule in 1985. (Approved).
2. Starting in 1985, move the season ahead to early February. (Approved).
3. A modified prime time schedule which would include Thursday and Sunday night contests. (Sent to the Television Committee for final approval).
4. Implement a comprehensive advertising and marketing campaign under the direction of Commissioner Simmons and the Television Committee. (Approved).
5. Implement a stronger blackout rule for 1985. (Tabled due to current television contract terms with ABC, to be reconsidered for the 1986 season).
6. Implementation of a “soft” salary cap for the 1985 season. (Approved with New Jersey and Arizona abstaining).
7. Continue talks with all three television networks regarding future coverage for both a spring and potential future fall schedule. (Approved).
5. The owners agreed to undertake the “League Building” strategy as outlined in the McKinsey Report. (Approved with New Jersey abstaining).

(Washington, Chicago and Los Angeles did not register formal votes)

more to come......

'84 Chronology-Simmons Speaks

Event Date: August 27th, 1984

Internal Memo: United States Football League Owners Meeting

Re: Commissioner Simmons Recommendations

1. Commissioner Simmons:
1. Stay the course in spring for 1985 and 1986.
2. Work to reduce team payrolls-Martha Salary Cap of $2.5 for 1986 and beyond.
3. More prime time games:
1. Continue Saturday and Monday night games on ESPN.
2. Schedule prime time games on Thursdays and Sunday nights with coverage via ESPN.
4. Administer the following recommendations from the McKinsey Report:
1. Move the season ahead to early February starting in 1985.
2. Move to a sixteen game season starting in 1985.
3. Schedule a sampling of Thursday night games and add a Sunday night game starting in 1985.
1. Begin talks with ESPN regarding television coverage of said games.
4. Add more regional coverage of Sunday afternoon games.
5. Institute a stronger blackout rule starting in 1985 to enhance stadium attendance. (Attendance was up 10% in 1984).
6. Implement a soft salary cap starting in 1985.
7. Continue talks with all three television networks regarding future coverage for both a spring and eventual fall schedule.
5. Form a Committee for Consolidation, Expansion and Relocation; members include Bassett, Martha, Taube and Taubman to examine the following:
1. Chicago status for 1985 must be determined as soon as possible. 
2. Los Angeles status for 1985 including:
1. Finances & Player Salaries.
2. Finding a new ownership group.
3. Washington status for 1985 must be determined as soon as possible. 
4. The possibility of granting “new” franchises to either Orlando, Baltimore and/or San Antonio.