Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, April 27, 1990 TAG: 9004270116
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B5 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: SAN DIEGO LENGTH: Medium
The 30-year-old quarterback was released by the NFL's Chargers on Thursday, with team officials saying contract talks with the free agent were going nowhere.
"We're not interested in another drawn-out contract dispute as we had last year with Gary Anderson," said Chargers coach Dan Henning, referring to the former San Diego running back who was traded to Tampa Bay recently after a year-long holdout.
"It's apparent that Jim's contract situation could become a distraction," Henning said. "Jim has asked to be released immediately so he can negotiate with other teams. We wish him well."
The Chargers traded a second-round draft pick to the Chicago Bears for McMahon on Aug. 18, 1989.
San Diego was 4-7 in games McMahon started. He was benched during the final month of the season as rookie Billy Joe Tolliver became the starter.
In his only season with the Chargers, McMahon completed 176 of 318 passes for 2,132 yards, with 10 touchdowns and 10 interceptions.
McMahon never had the following or success in San Diego that he enjoyed in Chicago, and his bad-boy image alienated local media. He was harshly criticized by San Diego columnists after he blew his nose on a reporter in October.
He later refused to apologize for his action, saying, "It was either that or beat the . . . out of him, but you can't get sued for sneezing."
Henning and general manager Bobby Beathard declined to comment on whether McMahon's off-the-field behavior was a reason for his release.
"I would have to say we looked at every consideration when we did this," Beathard said. "Our evaluation of Jim McMahon was the total package."
McMahon's departure leaves the Chargers with four quarterbacks on their roster: Tolliver, Mark Vlasic, David Archer and sixth-round draft pick John Friesz.
From 1984 to 1988, the Bears were 35-3 in games McMahon started, including a 46-10 Super Bowl victory over New England in January 1986.
by CNB