NFL in Trouble if USFL Wins, Says Mike Ditka

Chicago Bears Coach Mike Ditka says the National Football League will be in serious trouble if the United States Football League prevails in its $1.3 billion anti-trust suit against the NFL currently in the courts.

Speaking to reporters after a round of golf in the Amana VIP Golf Tournament, Ditka was not confident about the NFL’s future should the rival USFL prevail in the suit.

“I don’t see how (the USFL) could do well, but if they should do well we’ll all be looking for jobs because I don’t know how anyone could afford to pay the kind of money they’re asking,” Ditka said.

The former tight end and Hall of Fame member was not concerned, however, about the NFL losing top draft pick Bo Jackson to the Kansas City Royals baseball team. Ditka said he believed Jackson put health considerations first in signing with the Royals rather the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

“He took the way that was best for him,” Ditka said of the 1986 Heisman Trophy winner. “If it doesn’t work out, I’m sure there’ll be a place for him in the NFL.”

The Bears skipper said he was not concerned that Jackson is the fourth straight No. 1 NFL draft choice to snub the league because, with so many talented young football players available, “the NFL will survive very well without Bo Jackson.”