Both Sides Claim Win in Dickerson Paternity Hearing

With both sides claiming victory, the paternity suit against Ram running back Eric Dickerson was at least partially resolved Wednesday in Los Angeles Superior Court when Judge James G. Kolts ordered Dickerson to pay his former girlfriend monthly support until two months after the birth of her child.

The case was closed to the public, and attorneys for Dickerson and Rea Ann Silva refused to reveal financial details.

Fred Glassman, Dickerson’s attorney, did say, however, that the amount was “far, far, far less” than the $7,500 a month that Silva was seeking in support for herself and her unborn child, due in November.

Ronald Cooper, representing Silva, claimed victory, saying that the court award was more than Dickerson previously wanted to pay.

Dickerson was also ordered to pay medical expenses and a portion of Silva’s attorney’s fees.

Said Cooper: “We’re very happy with the court order.

Said Glassman: “I think it was a victory for us, definitely.”

Dickerson, reached later in the day, also refused to comment on the details, but sounded both relieved and happy.

“I’m not going to say how much,” he said of the monthly payments, “but I feel good about it. I feel very good.”

The issue of paternity was postponed until after the birth of Silva’s child, at which time Dickerson will undergo a blood test to determine if he could be the father of the child.

If that is verified, a child-support payment plan, already determined, will begin. Glassman called the plan “fair, adequate, but far reduced from the demands she made upon us.”

Glassman said the blood test will not be taken until after the National Football League season, freeing Dickerson to concentrate on football until then.

Silva, 25, filed suit against Dickerson July 13.

According to Silva, she and Dickerson dated for almost two years and were engaged to be married until shortly after she learned of her pregnancy, at which time Dickerson called off the marriage. Dickerson claims he was never engaged, although he did refer to Silva as his fiancee on a taping of “The Oprah Winfrey Show.”

The case could not be resolved by a mediator Tuesday. Instead, Judge Kolts heard nearly three hours of testimony Wednesday before rendering his decision. Dickerson said he testified for less than 10 minutes.

Cooper said the award would pay Silva’s living expenses and medical bills.

Dickerson missed Ram workouts for the second straight day but is expected to return to practice today. He said the whole experience has left him mentally exhausted.

“When it first came out, it was a strain,” he said. “You date a woman, you try to have faith in her, and then she sues you. It hurts you. Just like yesterday in court, she said she loved me, but how could she do this and still love me?

“I’m very glad it’s over,” Dickerson said. “The only one I feel sorry for is the child. That’s the sad part. I will do nothing for her, but anything for the child.”

Ram Notes The Rams erroneously reported that linebacker Carl Ekern had suffered a torn ligament in his right knee. It was torn cartilage, which is usually less serious. Ekern underwent arthroscopic surgery Wednesday and told Coach John Robinson he would be back in two weeks. Robinson thinks it will be closer to a month. . . . With both starting inside linebackers, Ekern and Mark Jerue, out with knee injures, rookie Larry Kelm of Texas A&M; figures to be the starting left inside linebacker when the season opens Sept. 13. Former Ram linebacker Jim Laughlin was released by the Atlanta Falcons Tuesday, but Robinson said the Rams aren’t interested in signing him or any other linebacker. . . . Robinson said holdout tackle Irv Pankey would probably be signed by the weekend, but he wants Robert Cox ready to play four quarters at left tackle in Sunday night’s exhibition game against the Chargers in San Diego. . . . Pankey’s agent, however, said Wednesday that talks with the Rams have gone nowhere this week, and Pankey will not sign before Sunday’s game. Pankey is reportedly leaving today for a fishing trip to Mexico. The Rams are offering Pankey $320,000 a year for two seasons, while he is holding out for $340,000.