Rams, Irvin Have a Sudden Reconciliation

A hate-hate relationship that only days ago seemed headed for divorce was joyfully reconciled Thursday when the Rams and cornerback LeRoy Irvin agreed to terms on a new three-year contract worth $1.65 million.

In case you’re confused, this was a renegotiation on the already renegotiated contract Irvin signed and then whined about in March, 1987, an extension that was to have paid the cornerback $500,000 in 1988 and another $500,000 in 1989.

Irvin’s new deal will pay him $515,000 this year, $510,000 in 1989 and $625,000 in 1990.

“It’s a good contract, considering everything that’s happened,” Irvin’s agent, Charles Chin, said.

Considering everything that’s happened, it’s a wonder Irvin is still around.

Irvin, remember, said he was coerced by management into signing the original extension because he needed the money for payment due on a loan granted by the Rams.

Irvin, remember, was also disgusted that the team didn’t rework the last year of his existing contract, which paid him $250,000 in 1987. Irvin, remember, arrived in training camp last July in body only, grumbling and muttering only slightly less than Eric Dickerson.

Irvin, remember, was eventually suspended for a game in November for “conduct detrimental to the team,” and actually cleaned out his locker at Rams Park in anticipation of a trade.

A trade was never made, though, and Irvin returned to finish the season, then resumed his demands to be released from the alleged shackles of Ram management.

In the off-season, Irvin fired one agent, Ernie Wright, and hired another, Chin, the very man who arranged Dickerson’s plane ride out of town.

Chin, it seemed, would do the same for Irvin. Ram Coach John Robinson was so fed up with the situation that he warned that Irvin would not be welcomed at training camp unless he underwent nothing less than attitude bypass surgery.

And now this. Not only did the Rams and Irvin agree to a new contract, they also buried a few machetes.

For example, under the new terms, Irvin will not be required to repay the Rams a $300,000 loan, which in essence makes the three-year deal worth $1.95 million. In return, the Rams locked Irvin into an additional year, 1990, at which time Irvin will be 33.

Irvin, a two-time Pro Bowl performer, also has agreed to drop his grievance with the National Football League Players Assn. He was trying to recoup salary lost for his one-game suspension. In return for that favor, Irvin will have to repay the Rams only about half of an estimated $60,000 debt he owes the team.

Irvin, vacationing in Mexico, could not be reached for comment. Nor could Robinson, also vacationing, but not with Irvin.

Chin, however, was glad to speak in their places.

“LeRoy is truly very happy now,” Chin said. “His whole attitude about the Rams has changed. He said he wanted to get it wrapped up before the Fourth of July.”