Robinson Denies Arizona State Rumor

Coach John Robinson, infuriated by unsubstantiated broadcast reports Thursday in Phoenix and locally that his departure from the Rams to take the Arizona State coaching job was “imminent,” vehemently dismissed the reports Thursday night, terming them “fabrications.”

Robinson refused to comment on the reports earlier in the day, saying he did not want to dignify them with his own denials. But after the reports were broadcast, Robinson answered.

“This story, from its outset, has been a complete fabrication,” Robinson said, referring also to broadcast reports last week that he had flown to Tempe, Ariz., for an interview. “I have not talked to anyone from Arizona State, and as the people from Arizona State I’m sure will tell you, no one from Arizona State has ever talked with me.

“I am indignant that these fabrications, the source of this story, would present itself without ever talking to me.”

Robinson said he thought he had defused the story last week, when he termed the rumors “preposterous.”