Ram Notebook : Brown’s Rights Might Be Dealt to Colts or Bucs
Ron Brown rumors are running faster than the sprinter does in the 100 meters and the Rams finally may be close to trading the wide receiver’s rights to the highest bidder.
Monday in Indianapolis, Colts’ Coach Ron Meyer told reporters that a trade decision on backup quarterback Mark Herrmann would be made this week. Herrmann’s name has been linked in a deal for the rights to Brown, who retired last spring to pursue a track career.
Rams’ vice president John Shaw was out of the office Monday, reportedly heading east on business. Legal counsel Jay Zygmunt was also out, unavailable for the usual “no comment.”
Herrmann for Brown? It doesn’t make sense as an even swap, but there could also be cash involved.
Also, Herrmann, an eight-year NFL veteran, played for offensive coordinator Ernie Zampese at San Diego. Zampese is now with the Rams. Hence, Herrmann knows the Ram offense.
According to sources, the Rams also have shopped Brown to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, asking for defensive end Ron Holmes and a second-round draft choice. The Buccaneers reportedly are unwilling to part with Holmes, but would part with the draft pick.
If the Rams do land a second-round draft choice for Brown, it would give the team two firsts and four second-round choices in 1989. They also could use the picks to pull off a major trade for a standout defensive lineman.
The Rams have their own first- and second-round choices next year, plus the first and two seconds acquired in the three-team trade for Eric Dickerson.
Brown retired from the Rams after contract negotiations with the team soured. Sour could also describe Brown’s return to the track world when he failed last month to qualify for the U.S. Olympic team in the 100-meter dash.
Brown’s agent, Jerome Stanley, said Monday that his client still plans a career in track, and is leaving on a scheduled European tour in two weeks.
“Of all the options, he still likes track the best right now,” Stanley said.
However, Stanley said all options are open.
“If NBC called and asked Ron to host the sprints in the Olympics, of course he’d have to look at it,” Stanley said. “He’s been a starting wide receiver in the NFL. He’s got a lot of options. It’s interesting to know he’s in demand.”
Stanley also said that time is a factor for any football team wanting to negotiate with Brown.
“He’s the kind of guy that once he does something, he’ll do it,” Stanley said. “I mean once he gets on that plane to Europe . . .”
Stanley insists Brown can make much more money on the track circuit than in football, despite his disappointing show in the Olympic trials.
“No doubt about it,” Stanley said. “He can sure make more money running than he could with the L.A. Rams. Ben Johnson runs for millions. Carl Lewis runs for millions. You give Ron six months of proper diet and training, and he’ll be world class.”
Ram Notes
John Shaw’s out-of-town business trip temporarily stalled negotiations with holdout defensive end Doug Reed. The two parties are reportedly only about $15,000 apart on a contract. . . . Reed’s agent, Harry Vested, wants the Rams to sign Reed to a one-year deal similar to the one Gaston Green signed to get into training camp. The Rams, Vested said, want Reed to sign a four-year deal. . . . Pete Holohan, the tight end acquired from the San Diego Chargers on draft day, is just now getting into shape after being plagued with a hamstring pull. The Rams are still expecting big things from Holohan, one of Dan Fouts’ favorite receivers while with the Chargers. . . . “We’ll get the ball in his hands a lot,” Coach John Robinson said Monday. “In our offense, the inside receiver is very important. . . . He’s going to command respect. He’s one of those guys that if you don’t cover him, he’ll make 6-7 receptions and a lot of first downs.” . . . Colt running back Eric Dickerson was injured when a teammate stepped on Dickerson’s right foot in Monday’s practice at Anderson, Ind. Dickerson left the field and his foot was wrapped. Coach Ron Meyer said he doesn’t expect Dickerson to miss any practice time. . . . Robinson said Monday that as many as 11 rookies could make the Rams’ final roster. Is that too many? “If they’re good, I don’t know that it is,” Robinson said. . . . Receiver Aaron Cox (ankle), linebacker Larry Kelm (knee), safety Frank Wattelet (hamstring) and tackle Irv Pankey (thigh) aren’t expected back until Wednesday’s practice.
