Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, March 21, 1990 TAG: 9003212149
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B5 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: INDIANAPOLIS LENGTH: Medium
Irsay's comments, made at a news conference at the Colts' headquarters, followed statements by Dickerson that he would rather quit football than stay in Indianapolis.
Dickerson's contract with the team was structured to give the Colts "tremendous protection" should he decide not to play, Irsay said.
Dickerson, a perennial Pro Bowl running back who came to the Colts after a dispute with the Los Angeles Rams in 1987, has one year left on his contract. Irsay said the Colts expect him to honor it.
"When he came here, we had many discussions. With his past history with the Rams, we had a concern just for this reason. We made it very clear in the wording of the contract that gives us tremendous protection. There would be tremendous penalties, in excess of seven figures, if he were not here."
Reports of Dickerson's contract in 1987 said the running back had a series of four one-year pacts running through the 1990 season.
The Colts are scheduled to pay Dickerson $1.45 million in base salary for the 1990 season, plus a $10,000 reporting bonus. He was paid $1.3 million in 1989 and $1.2 million in 1988.
Dickerson finished the 1989 season with 1,311 yards rushing despite a nagging hamstring injury and constant pounding. He said one reason for his retirement talk was the inability of the offensive line to protect him.
Dickerson, the seventh-leading rusher in NFL history with 11,226 yards in seven seasons, has sought permission to talk with Washington, Philadelphia, Houston, the New York Giants and the Los Angeles Raiders about a trade, Irsay said.
Dickerson reportedly plans to sell his Indianapolis home and has begun moving out furniture.
by CNB