Dickerson May Leave to Play, but First Must Pay

A Los Angeles Superior Court judge granted Eric Dickerson a two-week continuance in his paternity suit hearing Thursday, allowing the Ram running back to leave on schedule with the team Sunday for their Aug. 9 exhibition game against the Denver Broncos in London.

The date of the hearing was moved from Aug. 4 to Aug. 18.

Dickerson’s former girlfriend, Rea Ann Silva, filed paternity action against Dickerson July 13, seeking $7,500 in monthly support for her and her unborn child.

The judge granted the extension on the condition that Dickerson:

--Pay Silva $500 without prejudice, meaning that the money is not an indication of guilt or innocence or need.

--Adhere to the existing temporary restraining order against him, which prohibits Dickerson from traveling within 100 yards of Silva’s home.

--Pay all of Silva’s medical bills, which he has done.

The judge also ruled that any order made at the Aug. 18 hearing would be retroactive to Aug. 4, the original date for the hearing.

Dickerson had said Wednesday that he would not pay Silva any money, but his attorney said Thursday that his client would comply with the ruling.

“It will certainly be paid,” Fred Glassman said. “It’s a court order.”

Said Dickerson: “I don’t care. It doesn’t matter to me.”