Irvin Hires Dickerson’s Agent in Effort to Get Away From Rams
Disgruntled Ram cornerback LeRoy Irvin, who seemed a sure bet to follow teammate Eric Dickerson out of town last October, has hired Dickerson’s agent, Charles Chin, in an effort to facilitate a trade.
Irvin fired agent Ernie Wright last month after the Rams and Irvin failed to resolve a year-long contract squabble that led to Irvin’s 1-game suspension for “conduct detrimental to the team” last November.
He returned after the suspension and played well, reportedly with a promise that his case would be reviewed in the off-season.
But Chin said nothing has changed.
“LeRoy wants out, more than ever,” he said. “He feels the Rams are one of the worst organizations to work for.”
Irvin, a 2-time Pro Bowl selection, remains unhappy with the 2-year, $1-million contract extension he signed in March of 1987.
Chin, who negotiated Dickerson’s 4-year, $4.6-million contract with the Indianapolis Colts, has asked the Rams to tear up Irvin’s contract and give him a 3-year deal worth $1.6 million.
Chin said the Rams have only offered to extend Irvin’s contract a year at $500,000, but want to recoup Irvin’s $300,000 signing bonus in 1987.
“It’s an insult to his intelligence,” Chin said of the offer.
“LeRoy wanted me to approach the Rams in a sincere manner. That’s what we tried to do. Now, he doesn’t trust them. He wants out, plain and simple.”
Chin said the stalemate is likely to continue through training camp and added the Rams have again threatened suspension if Irvin does not honor his contract.
