Robinson Announces White Will Start in Place of Dickerson Against Browns

As expected, Ram Coach John Robinson announced Saturday that Charles White will start at tailback in place of Eric Dickerson Monday night against the Browns in Cleveland.

Dickerson, who has missed practice the last two days because of a thigh injury, earlier this week asked to be traded unless the Rams substantially increase his salary.

Dickerson later said he wants to be traded no matter what the team offers. He also asked to be held out of Monday’s night’s game, claiming he might be too distraught to be effective.

Robinson did grant Dickerson’s request not to start, though the running back is expected to split playing time with White.

“This is nothing new,” Dickerson said of not starting. “I didn’t start in college either. And the best football player is going to play.”

The latter reference was to White, who has rushed for 321 yards in the team’s last two strike games.

At SMU, Dickerson alternated at tailback with Craig James in what became known as the Pony Express backfield.