Robinson Was Also Death Threat Target
Ram officials confirmed Monday that Coach John Robinson also was a target of a series of threatening telephone calls during Sunday evening’s game between the Rams and Dallas Cowboys.
But unlike Cowboy Coach Tom Landry, who, after similar threats, was escorted from the Anaheim Stadium field shortly after the third period and later returned wearing a bullet-proof vest, Robinson chose to stay on the sidelines.
“They were going to put a flak jacket on me, but they didn’t have any that would fit,” Robinson said at a Monday press luncheon.
Robinson could chuckle Monday about such threats, but the situation is serious enough to warrant a meeting this afternoon with the Rams, the Anaheim Police Department and the National Football League security office. Anaheim police also are trying to find the location and source of the six telephone calls (four to the Anaheim Stadium switchboard, two to the police).
According to Dick Beam, Ram director of operations, the first threat was received with about eight minutes remaining in the third quarter Sunday. “The guy said that his brother was in the stadium and that he was a mentally ill person and that he had a .22 (caliber gun) and that he was going to shoot Landry,” Beam said. “He called the Anaheim Police Department and told them the same thing and each time he called he ended the conversation with, ‘I’ve warned you,’ and then hung up.”
The first call was transferred to the Anaheim Stadium security office. Later, the caller told security officials that his brother was in Aisle 14, not 44, “and if they really wanted to get him, that’s where they’d have to look,” Beam said.
Meanwhile, Landry was informed of the situation and escorted from the field. Again, the phone rang. “The guy said, ‘Now that you’ve taken him off, you better take John Robinson off,’ ” Beam said. “About that time, Landry came back on the field and (the caller) said, ‘Never mind,’ and hung up.”
Shortly after Landry’s return, ABC television announcers suggested that the Cowboy coach might be wearing a protective vest. The phone rang once more and the caller said, ‘Now that you’ve protected Landry, tell John Robinson that he’s going to die,” according to Beam.
Stadium security personnel, as well as NFL officials, took part in a search of the seats in the corner of the south end zone. “They didn’t find anything,” Beam said. “They were concerned, but not as concerned as they were initially, because they hadn’t found anything in that area.”
Robinson said of the incident: “None of us can do anything about one crazed individual.” He declined further comment.
As expected, wide receiver Ron Brown will miss Sunday’s game against the Miami Dolphins, as well as the Dec. 19 game against the San Francisco 49ers. Brown, who suffered a dislocated shoulder Sunday is a possible candidate for the injured reserve list if it takes longer for him to recover. Brown, who has played with a fractured bone in his left wrist, would then be ineligible for four weeks, meaning he couldn’t return to the active roster until the NFC Championship Game, should the Rams advance that far.
“He’s going through a bad season,” Robinson said. “He’s about to come out of it. I think he’s had some bad luck.”
Nose tackle Greg Meisner, who is nursing an ankle injury and didn’t play Sunday, also might be placed on injured reserve--again, depending on his recovery time. “It’s a long, difficult injury,” Robinson said. Robinson said he’ll probably wait until Thursday or Friday to determine Brown’s and Meisner’s playing status.
Other injuries of note: LeRoy Irvin (hamstring), Jerry Gray (hyperextended knee) and Tom Newberry (slight concussion). Newberry checked into a hospital Sunday night but was released Monday morning. “He’s OK,” Robinson said.
Ram Notes
The game against the Dolphins is a sellout. It will be televised locally. . . . Coach John Robinson still was beaming about the Rams’ 29-10 victory over the Cowboys. “If you’re looking for the perfect offense, this was pretty close,” he said. . . . A victory against the Dolphins or a 49er loss to the New England Patriots ensures the Rams of the NFC West title.