Highsmith Declared Free Agent for Time Being

Alonzo Highsmith, former University of Miami fullback who was the third player selected in last spring’s National Football League draft, was declared a free agent--at least for the time being--in a temporary injunction handed down in a federal appeals court in Miami.

Highsmith, chosen by the Houston Oilers, had been unable to reach a contractual agreement with the Oilers. He and his agent, Robert Fraley, filed suit against all 28 NFL teams, charging that Houston had “conspired and continues to conspire” with other clubs in fixing the price of Highsmith’s contract.

Circuit Judge John Gale, a University of Miami booster, ordered the temporary injunction until the suit is heard.

Highsmith is reportedly seeking a four-year deal, with a $1.4-million signing bonus and $2.5-million salary. The Oilers’ latest offer was $2.4 million over four years.