NFL Draft Gains Sanders, Miami Quarterback Walsh

The National Football League draft gained two blue-chip players and a touch of intrigue Tuesday when quarterback Steve Walsh of the University of Miami announced his intention to turn professional and the league granted admission to Heisman Trophy winner Barry Sanders of Oklahoma State.

Sanders, who had threatened to go to court if necessary, learned that he wouldn’t have to. The NFL granted his request to go through the draft April 23 because his school is on NCAA probation and because Coach Pat Jones and Athletic Director Myron Roderick support him.

“We’ve always believed it best for both professional and college football that the NFL’s eligibility rules not work to disrupt college programs or players’ educational opportunities,” NFL spokesman Joe Browne said.

“But when an underclassman whose program is under NCAA sanctions decides to turn pro with the full support of his college coach and athletic director, and when he has lost any remaining college football eligibility in the process, we have no realistic choice but to accept him.”

Walsh announced that he would give up his final year of eligibility, but failed to specify whether he would petition for the regular draft or one of the two supplementals, in July and September.

Walsh doesn’t need league permission because he plans to graduate this summer.

Walsh is ranked with Washington State’s Timm Rosenbach--another junior who may go in either the regular or supplemental drafts.

UCLA’s Troy Aikman was considered a cinch to be taken by the Dallas Cowboys, who choose first, until the team was purchased in February by Jerry Jones. Jones named Walsh’s college coach, Jimmy Johnson, to replace Tom Landry.

Hence the intrigue.