'85 Chronology-Player Movement

Event Date: May 1st, 1985

Event Description: USFL Trades

Source: UPI

The Arizona Outlaws of the USFL announced three trades Wednesday and placed two players on waivers.

The Outlaws dealt linebacker Ed Smith, an all-USFL selection last year, to the Oakland Invaders for tight end Brian Williams and linebacker Thomas Carter.

In addition, the Outlaws acquired defensive back David Martin, twice an all-USFL selection, from Denver for defensive lineman Mark Buben and cornerback Lance Shields.

Martin, a third-year pro from Villanova, has 13 interceptions in his USFL career, including two this season. He has also led the league in punt returns the last two years and is ranked second this season.

Smith played in 1983 with the Chicago Blitz and came to Phoenix last season in a transfer of the entire club to Arizona. He was second on the team last year in tackles with 111 and intercepted one pass in the playoffs. This season, he picked off three passes for 66 yards.

Williams, a second-year pro out of Southern University, has caught 43 passes last year, including four touchdown receptions. He has seen limited duty this season, playing in all 10 games but catching just 7 passes, including one touchdown. Carter, a second-year pro out of San Diego State, has played in eight games this season for Oakland, including one start.

In addition, Arizona placed running back Kevin Long and return specialist Lonnie Harris on waivers. Long rushed for more than 1,000 yards the past two seasons and is the fourth-leading rusher in USFL history.  Harris returned both punts and kickoffs for the Outlaws.

Team officials also announced they have given a three-day tryout to former California wide receiver Mariet Ford, who had tryouts with Ottawa and Toronto of the CFL, as well as Oakland.

Story-(UPI)

'85 Chronology-Revolutionary Idea

Event Date: May 1st, 1985

Event Description: Dixon Unveils Plans

Source: Lakeland Ledger

'85 Chronology-Majority Rules

Event Date: May 1st, 1985

Event Description: Gamblers Seek New Owners

Source: UPI

Houston Gamblers president Jerry Argovitz said Tuesday he will sell 75 percent of the one-third stock he owns in the USFL team. The sale is part of a deal that could produce a majority owner for the Gamblers.

Argovitz said he has agreed in principle to sell part of his holdings to an unidentified Houston group. Argovitz would retain 25 percent of his stock.

Argovitz, Jay Roulier and Alvin Lubetkin each owns a third of the team. But under the apparent deal Argovitz, Roulier and Lubetkin also would sell enough of their stock to give the new investor 51 percent of the team.

“The Houston Gamblers will have a majority owner within 60 days,” Argovitz said. “I made the offer to Jay, and Jay has made an offer, also. I intend to sell ... because I believe the team needs a majority owner.”

Although there has been talk of the Gamblers moving to another city, Argovitz said he hopes the unidentified buyer would keep the club in Houston.

“Hopefully we'll keep the team in Houston and our financial problems should be solved once and for all,” he said. “The organization will not change. It is just that we will be lessening our stock. We (current owners) will become minority owners.”

But Lubetkin denied any deal has been made.

“That's not the way it is,” he said. “Jerry has agreed to sell and I'll talk to them. But it is not a firm deal. I'm not as anxious as Jerry to sell.”

Argovitz criticized low attendance at Gamblers games. The Gamblers, 9-1, have averaged 25,000 fans a game in the Astrodome, which can hold 43,000 spectators for a USFL game.

Story-(UPI)

'85 Chronology-Stay the Course

Event Date: May 1st, 1985

Event Description: USFL Owners Meeting

Source: UPI-The Ledger

The owners of USFL teams agreed Monday to stick with their decision to remain in the spring for 1986 season, but New Jersey Generals owner Donald Trump said he will look into selling his franchise as a result of the decision.

In a meeting that lasted nearly eight hours, the owners voted 11-5 to proceed with John Bassetts plan to remain a spring time entity. New Jersey, Memphis, Arizona, New Orleans and Eddie Einhorn, who has the rights to a new Chicago franchise, cast dissenting votes. The Los Angeles franchise did not cast a vote.

“It was a businesslike and productive meeting,” USFL commissioner Chet Simmons said. “The first issue that was decided was the spring-fall question that has been ballyhooed around in the print and electronic media. All but two owners reaffirmed the leagues’ plan to remain in the spring for the 1986 season. The meeting was extremely cordial and productive.”

“I'm not surprised by anything these guys do,” Trump said of his fellow owners, especially Tampa owner John Bassett. “John Bassett was in the World Football League and that wasn't very successful. I've never been asssociated with anything that is not 100 percent successful.” Trump said he plans to sell his team as he is opposed to continue playing spring football.

“I have a little different version of what cordial means,” Eddie Einhorn said. “I'm going to take a long look at what the future holds for a franchise in Chicago. Maybe the owners think they can have a league with teams in the three largest television markets.”

Bassett said he is going to do what he's done for three years -- run a spring football team.

“I'm not going to sit back and be told what to do by Donald Trump, Eddie Einhorn or anyone else,” said Bassett, who pushed the owners to stick to their original spring plan and to buck the move to the fall. “The reason I got into this thing was for spring football. I guess a few owners spent too much money and couldn't cover their expenses with spring revenues. If that is the case then those owners should sell and move on.”

The owners also reaffirmed their commitment to fund the ownerless Los Angeles franchise from the league's coffers, and agreed to allow financially-troubled Birmingham and San Antonio to defer payments until 1986. 

Each team has been assessed $520,000 to support the Express this year.  Express president Don Klosterman was happy with the league's decision concerning the Los Angeles club.

Chet Simmons did a very, very positive job about his belief in the Los Angeles Express franchise and the value it represents to any future televeison deals,” said Klosterman, who before the meeting speculating the club might by folded Monday. “Chet asked that I do everything to watch the expenditures and I assured him I would. There was no ultimatium to get rid of this player and that player. I think that today's meeting will clear a lot of obstacles to potential buyers to the L.A. Express.”

Also included in the talks were plans for the 1986 season and beyond. The owners also decided to continue to examine anti-trust litigation against the National Football League, with regard to television rights, and potential actions by the NFL to harm the Oakland and Philadelphia franchises. The owners also examined plans for consolidation, franchise relocation, and future player movement.

Story-(UPI Modified)

'85 Chronology-Must See TV

Event Date: April 30th, 1985

Event Description: Anderson Hopeful

Source: The Evening Independent

'85 Chronology-Talent Pool

Event Date: April 29th, 1985

Event Description: Tyler Signs Futures Pact

Source: Lakeland Ledger

'85 Chronology-Plans & Provisions

Event Date: April 29th, 1985

Event Description: NFL Eyes Walker

Source: The Evening Independent

'85 Chronology-MNF-Bulls Upset Generals

'85 Chronology-Heavy Freight

Event Date: April 29th, 1985

Event Description: Weekend Roundup

Source: PFW-UPI

The Philadelphia Stars stepped in front of a freight train known as the Houston Gamblers Sunday and the damage incurred was predictable.

Jim Kelly tossed three touchdown passes to lead the Gamblers to their ninth victory in ten contests, a 27-7 decision over the Stars. Kelly passed for 445 yards on 27-of-36 efficiency,with one interceptions and no sacks.

“Gerald McNeil made a couple of great plays, Ricky Sanders made a couple of great plays,” Stars coach Jim Mora said afterward. 

“We were not fast enough to beat them. We had alot of receivers running free in our secondary, their offense was simply too much for us today.”

“Right now the cohesiveness on this team has picked up,” said Kelly, “We're playing the kind of ball we need to win another championship. The team has come together. We're playing as a family.”

Philadelphia took a 7-0 lead on Kelvin Bryant's 62-yard touchdown run. The drive covered 65 yards on two plays, but it would be their only score of the day.

Kelly capped a ten-play 71-yard drive with a 19-yard touchdown pass to Gerald McNeil to tie the game at 7-7 with just 3:43 remaining in the opening stanza.

Kelly then completed a four-yard pass to Darryl Clark to push Houston out to a 14-7 lead.

Houston took a 21-7 lead into the final quarter on Clarence Verdin’s 25-yard reception near the end of the third quarter.

A pair of Toni Fritsch field goals rounded out the scoring in the final frame.

In the other Sunday game, the Los Angeles Express improved to (5-5) behind a 24-10 victory over San Antonio. Backup quarterback Frank Seurer tossed a pair of touchdowns in the win.

Elsewhere over the weekend, Memphis topped Orlando 20-17, the sagging Birmingham Stallions played to an 18-18 tie in Pittsburgh and New Orleans defeated Arizona 33-25.

At Orlando, Mike Kelley tossed a pair of touchdowns and the defense registered six sacks for the Showboats. Memphis, 4-6, also received two field goals from Alan Duncan -- one for 22 yards and the other for 21 -- and Greg Moser hauled in seven receptions for a career-high 153 yards with one touchdown.

At Pittsburgh, ex-Steeler Cliff Stoudt returned to Three Rivers stadium, scoring via a 19-yard run as the Stallioons and Maulers played to an 18-18 tie before a crowd of over 35,000. Glenn Carano fied a 77-yard touchdown to Greg Anderson and Efren Herrera kicked a 34-yard field goal to lead the Maulers.

At Arizona, Matt Robinson threw a pair of touchdowns and Bufiord Jordan rushed for 133 yards as New Orleans improved to (6-4) with a 33-25 win over the hapless Outlaws who have now fallen to (2-8).

Story-(UPI Modified)

'85 Chronology-Eddie Erdelatz

Event Date: April 27th, 1985

Event Description: Maulers Tie Stallions

Source: Action! News

'85 Chronology-Dissolution Solution?

Event Date: April 27th, 1985

Event Description: Stayin' Alive?

Source: Lakeland Ledger

'85 Chronology-Eyeing Demise

Event Date: April 27th, 1985

Event Description: NFL Eye Express

Source: Lakeland Ledger

'85 Chronology-SNF: 'Boats Battle 'Gades

'85 Chronology-FNF: Gold vs. Bandits

'85 Chronology-Critical Mass

Event Date: April 26th, 1985

Event Description: Express Could Disband

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, who have a 4-5 record, no owner, limited money, the lowest attendance in the league and a monstrous payroll, depends on current negotiations between the league and ABC-TV, 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 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 February, when the franchise's third owner, Denver real estate man Jay Roulier, gave up control of it. The league took over the team at that point and has kept the team intact with a reported $500,000 contribution from each of the other USFL teams.

The Express have an annual payroll of $6 million, the highest in the league, with much of it going to quarterback Steve Young, who signed a $36 million, 30-year deal with the team's second owner, J. William Oldenberg, 14 months ago.

Story-(UPI)

'85 Chronology-Week #10 Preview

Event Date: April 25th, 1985

Event Description: Week #10 Preview

Source: Pro Football Weekly

Week #10 USFL Preview

Friday, April 26th

(7-2) Denver Gold at (7-2) Tampa Bay Bandits

Latest Line: (Bandits -6)

Television: ESPN Regional: Fred Manfra & Mike Haffner

ESPN Radio: Mike Nolan & Irv Brown

(8-1) Michigan Panthers at (2-7) Oakland Invaders

Latest Line: (Panthers -12)

Television: ESPN Regional: Tom Kelly & Don Heinrich

ESPN Radio: Joe Starkey & Lee Grosscup

Saturday, April 27th

(2-7) Birmingham Stallions at (2-7) Pittsburgh Maulers

Latest Line: (Maulers -2)   

Television: Local

ESPN Radio: Sam Nover & Jack Ham

(4-5) New Orleans Breakers at (2-7) Arizona Outlaws

Latest Line: (Breakers -10)

 Television: Local

ESPN Radio: Gary Bender & John Moynihan

(3-6) Memphis Showboats (3-6) Orlando Renegades

Latest Line: (Renegades -4)

Television: ESPN Regional: Roger Twibell & Marv Levy

Radio: ESPN Radio: David Steele & Sam Behr

Sunday, April 28th

(7-2) Philadelphia Stars at (8-1) Houston Gamblers

Latest Line: (Gamblers -6)   

Television: ABC National: Keith Jackson & Lynn Swann

ABC Radio: Corey McPherrin & Mike Adamle

(3-6) San Antonio Gunslingers at (4-5) Los Angeles Express

Latest Line: (Gunslingers -2)   

Television: Local

ESPN Radio: Tom Kelly & Rich Marotta

Monday, April 29th

(4-5) Jacksonville Bulls at (6-3) New Jersey Generals

Latest Line: (Generals -9)

Television: ESPN National: Jim Simpson & Paul McGuire

ESPN Radio: Charley Steiner & Robert Casciola

'85 Chronology-Alternative Examination

Event Date: April 25th, 1985

Event Description: DeBartolo Examining Alternatives

Source: UPI

Edward DeBartolo Sr., saying he had better things to do with his money than lose it, Thursday announced he would keep his sports teams in Pittsburgh for now because the city is willing to grant him financial incentives.

However, DeBartolo set July 15 as the deadline to sell 10,000 season tickets each for his NHL Penguins and Major Indoor Soccer League Spirit, which have lost a total of $25.5 million for the Youngstown developer.

After July 15, he said, “we would have to at that time re-evaluate our position and possibly examine other alternatives.”

He did not go into detail on those alternatives, but a number of other cities have approached the DeBartolo Corp. about buying the teams. Debartolo is also considering selling his USFL football franchise if he can find a local buyer.

DeBartolo has been unhappy in the past with Pittsburgh's 10 percent amusement tax, its 20 percent parking tax -- both of which he wants eliminated.

He received word from Mayor Richard Caliguiri Thursday that the city is willing to negotiate.

“The call I got from the mayor this morning deserves some real consideration,” DeBartolo said in his first news conference in four years. “He made a specific promise to do everything he can ... to eliminate the rents we talked about, and the taxes we talked about.”

“He's (Caliguiri) going to do everything in his power to see that the amusement tax is eliminated,” Allegheny County commissioner Tom Foerster said.

“Specifics? I can't answer that. It is feasible -- it's happening in other cities. A way has to be found to eliminate it or we're going to lose our sports teams.”

Story-(UPI Modified)

'85 Chronology-Comings & Goings

Event Date: April 25th, 1985

Event Description: Pro Football News

Source: Lakeland Ledger

'85 Chronology-Saying Hello

Event Date: April 24th, 1985

Event Description: Kosar to Cleveland

Source: Evening Independent

'85 Chronology-Bidding Adieu

Event Date: April 23rd, 1985

Event Description: Ah You Retires

Source: UPI

Arizona Outlaws defensive end Junior Ah You announced his retirement Monday from professional football after 13 seasons.

“I came here to play for the Outlaws because I though I could help the team,” Ah You said in a statement.

“But I wasn't helping as much as I would have liked, and when you can't help out, you shouldn't be around. I wasn't happy with the way I was playing.”

Ah You, 36, signed with the Montreal Alouettes of the Canadian Football League in 1972 after completing his eligibility at Arizona State. He went on to play 10 seasons in the CFL, appearing in 127 games and playing in five Grey Cup championships.

Ah You became a free agent in 1982 and signed with the USFL Chicago Blitz, playing in all 18 games in 1983.

When the club transferred from Chicago to Phoenix during the off-season, Ah You was dealt to the New Orleans Breakers for the signing rights to Grambling's Robert Smith.

Ah You was waived by the Breakers prior to the start of the 1985 season, but signed with the Outlaws soon thereafter.

Story-(UPI)

'85 Chronology-Flutie Flounders

Event Date: April 23rd, 1985

Event Description: Gold Strike!

Source: PFW

Bill Johnson ran for five touchdowns and the Denver defense dominated the second-half carrying the Gold to a 41-20 USFL victory over the New Jersey Generals.

Denver cashed in on turnovers by New Jersey quarterback Doug Flutie to improve to (7-2) while the Generals have now fallen to (6-3).

Flutie's second fourth-quarter interception came after he was hit by Bruce Thornton and his pass ended up in the hands of Nate Miller who returned the pick 60 yards to set up Bill Johnsons’ third touchdown of the contest.

Flutie -- who accounted for three turnovers in all -- coughed up the ball again on the very next possession. He was hit by Pat Ogrin while scrambling and Steve Trimble returned the pick to the Generals' 17 yard line, setting up a   Todd Gerhart touchdown run.

Flutie's final turnover of the period came at the end of the frame when Derrick Martin picked off a pass at the Generals' 16 yard line. The Gold then closed out the scoring with Bill Johnsons’ final touchdown run with just under one-minute remaining.

On Sunday, the Houston Gamblers improved to (8-1), behind Jim Kelly’s 360 yard passing day, by downing Memphis by a score of 29-25, elsewhere Los Angeles improved to (4-5) after defeating Pittsburgh 34-17.

more to come......

'85 Chronology-Mr. Roberts

Event Date: April 21st, 1985

Event Description: Gunslingers Corral Bandits

Source: PFW

Tampa Bay brought its notorious "Banditball" to San Antonio on Friday, but it was little match for the the Gunslingers' defense.

San Antonio shut down the leagues’ top offense in a 14-10 defensive struggle. San Antonio sacked quarterback John Reaves five times and held the high-powered Tampa attack to three first downs in the second half.

San Antonio's Don Roberts ran for 74 yards and scored a third quarter touchdown en route to the upset victory.

Jerry Gordon hauled in a 21-yard dash in the fourth quarter to put the hometown ahead for good.

Tampa Bay's only touchdown came with 4:55 left in the first quarter when Reaves found Larry Brodsky for a 19-yard touchdown. Zenon Andrusyshyn connected on a 24-yard field goal following a Rick Neuheisel interception as the Bandits led 10—0 at the intermission.

On Saturday, Michigan beat Birmingham 35-14, Arizona edged Orlando 19-16, meanwhile Jacksonville upset New Orleans 31-24 as Ed Luther tossed four touchdown passes and Philadelphia defeated Oakland 27-13.

more to come......

'85 Chronology-Critical Mass

Event Date: April 19th, 1985

Event Description: Stallions Situation

Source: Gadsden Times

'85 Chronology-Week #9 Preview

Event Date: April 18th, 1985

Event Description: Week #9 Preview

Source: Pro Football Weekly

Week #9 USFL Preview

Friday, April 19th

(7-1) Michigan Panthers at (2-6) Birmingham Stallions

Latest Line: (Panthers -10)

Television: ESPN Regional: Tom Mees & Marv Levy

ESPN Radio: Bob Sherman & Dan Follis

Saturday, April 20th

(7-1) Tampa Bay Bandits at (2-6) San Antonio Gunslingers

Latest Line: (Bandits -5 )   

Television: ESPN National: Tom Kelly & Don Heinrich

ESPN Radio: Gene Deckerhoff & Vic Prinzi

(3-5) Orlando Renegades at (1-7) Arizona Outlaws

Latest Line: (Renegades -4)

 Television: Local

ESPN Radio: David Steele & Tom Korun

(3-5) Jacksonville Bulls at (4-4) New Orleans Breakers

Latest Line: (Breakers -9)   

Television: Local

ESPN Radio: Larry Munson & Mel Arthur

(6-2) Philadelphia Stars at (2-6) Oakland Invaders

Latest Line: (Stars -5)   

Television: ESPN Regional: Roger Twibell & Mike Haffner

ESPN Radio: Joe Starkey & Lee Grosscup

Sunday, April 21st

(7-1) Houston Gamblers at (3-5) Memphis Showboats

Latest Line: (Gamblers -6)

Television: ABC National: Keith Jackson & Lynn Swann

ESPN Radio: John Greer & Ed Biles

(2-6) Pittsburgh Maulers (3-5) Los Angeles Express

Latest Line: (Express -2)

Television: ABC Regional: Bill Flemming & Ron Mix

Radio: ABC Radio: Bob Buck and Dick Butkus

Monday, April 22nd

(6-2) New Jersey Generals at (6-2) Denver Gold

Latest Line: (Gold -1)

Television: ESPN National: Jim Simpson & Paul McGuire

ESPN Radio: Charley Steiner & Robert Casciola