John Robinson among those cheering Rams’ return
When the Rams left Southern California for St. Louis after the 1994 NFL season, John Robinson thought the franchise was gone forever.
The former Rams and USC coach never anticipated the team would return to Los Angeles and possibly play in the Coliseum.
“Hell no,” he said, laughing.
The NFL this week approved the Rams’ relocation to the Southland for the 2016 season. The team is expected to play three seasons at the Coliseum before moving into a new stadium in Inglewood before the 2019 season.
Robinson, 80, said he was “excited about the Rams coming back” and joked that he was prepared for their arrival.
“I saved all my Rams gear,” he said. “I went and got it out again.”
Robinson was USC’s coach for seven seasons before he succeeded Ray Malavasi as the Rams’ coach in 1983. He compiled a 79-74 record (including the playoffs) and led the Rams, who played home games at Anaheim Stadium, to two NFC title games.
“Most of it was good times,” he said.
The Times’ take on Rams news conference
Sam Farmer, Nathan Fenno, Gary Klein and Lindsey Thiry discuss the Rams’ first news conference since returning to Los Angeles.
That’s a wrap from the Forum
The press conference lasted about 40 minutes and the main point to come out of it was that tickets will be available online on Monday.
The fans gave owner Stan Kroenke a lot of love, but they made it pretty clear that they don’t want to share their new stadium as any mention of a potential Raider or Chargers relocation were met with loud boos.
Some ticket news
Well, that didn’t go over well
The cake is a thing for Dickerson
More cake news!
It’s on when the mascot gets in the act
Stan the man
Stadium cake? Yea, why not.
Former Rams in the house
Rams fans show support at Forum
Hello Rams!
Real estate agents scramble as Rams touch down
Manhattan Beach real estate agent Ed Kaminsky has been feverishly calling anyone he might know who has an in with a Rams player or two.
“I’ve been on the phone with the Rams’ offices, sports agents, business managers, players, players that aren’t on the team but that have relationships with players on the team,” he said.
Read More— James Rufus Koren
Should the Rams switch their uniform colors or design?
Now that the NFL’s St. Louis Rams are a lock to become the Los Angeles Rams once again, can we do something about those uniforms?
Live updates from Rams press conference
Sam Farmer, Nathan Fenno and Gary Klein will be providing updates from the press conference. Come back a little before 1 p.m. to out the scene and follow along as the Rams talk about their move to town. Expect to see head coach Jeff Fisher and current and former players like Aaron Donald, Jackie Slater and Eric Dickerson.
Ready to get to work
The commish likes it
This was an opportunity to return the Rams to their home city.
— Roger Goodell, NFL Commissioner
Jerry Jones lauds Rams decision
Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones: “They made the right decision. It’s such a natural to have the Los Angeles Rams back in Los Angeles.”
Jones described Goodell as “brilliant in how he led the ownership to this decision.”
Jones added that the Chargers “have every opportunity to have the Chargers in San Diego.” He also said St. Louis “is certainly an NFL town.”
— Nathan Fenno— Sam Farmer