Rams Have Reservations Over Prospect of a Strike

In the aftermath of Sunday’s 21-16 loss to Minnesota, a strike wasn’t a very comforting thought for Rams players.

“I feel like (former PTL minister) Jim Bakker,” guard Dennis Harrah said. “I feel like somebody’s taken a whole lot away from me. We’re 0-2, and I’m sick about that. There’s a strike coming up, and I’m sick about that.

“I guess I’m just trying to think of someone who’s more miserable than I am.”

Harrah, a self-professed pro-union man, believes that the majority of his teammates will support the union’s decision to strike.

Running back Eric Dickerson said he also would honor the strike order, but he didn’t think the union’s demands on free agency--an issue both sides agree is a major stumbling block--are realistic.

“I say drop it, just drop it,” he said, indicating that he felt the owners would band together and agree not to sign free agents, a situation many believe occurred in baseball this season.

“I’m not going to come in and play with a bunch of guys who aren’t pro football players, though,” Dickerson said.

No Ram interviewed was ready to come out and say he would cross the picket lines, but some reserved the right to make that decision Tuesday, when the strike would be officially called.

“I can’t answer that question right now,” safety Johnnie Johnson said.

Carl Ekern, Ram player representative, said he must turn his thoughts to his responsibilities and the logistics of keeping his teammates informed and unified in the days to come.

“I’d like to try and relax a little tonight, but there’s a lot to do,” Ekern said.