Riggins, Redskins Deny a Report of $880,000 Signing

A published report that the Washington Redskins have agreed to pay running back John Riggins $880,000 to play this season was denied by both parties Friday.

The Washington Times reported in Friday’s editions that Riggins and the Redskins had agreed in principle to the one-year contract.

“There is no agreement. The negotiations are continuing,” an aide to Redskin owner Jack Kent Cooke said.

“I don’t know where the paper got the story; nothing has been settled,” Riggins wife, Mary added.

A 14-year veteran, Riggins will celebrate his 36th birthday before the National Football League season opener. Last year, despite a nagging back injury, the big fullback rushed for 1,239 yards,

The Washington Post reported Friday that Riggins is seeking over $1 million to play this season.

“That seems a little high,” Redskin General Manager Bobby Beathard said. “I can’t believe John would ask for that much, and I doubt we would pay it.”

According to figures supplied by the National Football League Players Assn., Riggins base salary in 1984 was $695,000 with all but $100,000 to be paid in deferred payments after he left football. In addition, Riggins was to receive a $400,000 annuity.

By comparison, Chicago Bears running back Walter Payton’s base pay last year was $685,000, according to the NFLPA.

Meanwhile, Larry Muno, the agent for the Redskins’ top draft choice, cornerback Tory Nixon, said he will begin to contact other NFL teams this weekend concerning a possible trade for his unsigned client.

Nixon, a second-round draft choice, is seeking a four-year pact worth just over $1 million.

The Redskins had been offering $980,000 but are believed to have taken the offer from the table, stalling the talks.

“It’s all very frustrating. If they don’t want Tory in camp than maybe we should take him elsewhere,” Muno said.

Cooke, who spent Friday in Kentucky at his breeding and racing farm, will come to the Redskins’ training camp on Tuesday. Among those scheduled to negotiate with Cooke then is defensive tackle Dave Butz. Butz received $230,000 last year.