Rams Say Gary, Price Must Take Deal Soon or Pay

The Rams said they will send a letter to running back Cleveland Gary and tight end Jim Price this week informing them that if they do not accept the club’s proposal by Friday they will be forced to miss the first regular-season game and surrender 1/18th of their annual salary.

Price said Saturday night: “I think I will try to get in there (tonight). I haven’t made up my mind for sure, but you don’t want to jeopardize everything.”

The Rams do not expect Gary to respond positively.

“We’re far apart with Gary,” said John Shaw, Ram executive vice president. “Gary’s in a difficult spot because we’ve got other running backs, but the organization is also in a difficult position. The organization is willing to have him miss one, two or three regular-season games, which could potentially hurt the football team.

“It’s not a one-sided rule. The rule is designed to get both parties negotiating.”

The Rams have proposed to Gary, who earned $350,000 last season as their leading rusher and receiver, that he receive $385,000 for the 1993 season.

Gary has asked to be traded, and the Rams have notified teams that he’s available for a second-round pick.

“No one has called,” said Jay Zygmunt, Ram senior vice president.

If Gary and Price fail to sign before the team’s third and fourth exhibition game, and then sign later, they will be required to miss the first three regular-season games, which represents one-sixth of their salary.