Shaw Confirms Ram ‘Escape Clause’ : Pro football: But the team executive denies there is interest in a move from Anaheim to Baltimore.

While denying a report the team is considering a move to Baltimore, John Shaw, Ram executive vice president, let it be known publicly for the first time Sunday that the Rams have an escape clause in their lease with the city of Anaheim for Anaheim Stadium.

“That’s true,” Shaw said, while discounting an “NFL Today” report that the Rams will consider relocating to Baltimore if that city fails to win an expansion franchise from the NFL. “We’re not contemplating any moves at this time.”

Shaw declined Sunday to discuss details of the team’s escape clause from its 35-year lease for Anaheim Stadium, but sources said the Rams inserted the clause into their lease with the city more than three years ago in exchange for “signing off” on the construction of the Anaheim Arena.

Sources said the Rams were surprised at the time to win approval from the city’s attorneys on the addition of such a clause. The city reportedly sought to have the clause deleted in final documents presented to the Rams, but after the Rams threatened further legal action, the escape clause was put in writing.

Newspaper reports indicate the Anaheim City Council announced on May 15, 1990, that it had reached a settlement with the Rams on a suit that cleared the way for the construction of the Anaheim Arena. It is believed now that the escape clause was part of that settlement.

The Rams’ lease for Anaheim Stadium runs through 2014, but sources said the escape clause now will allow the team to leave as long as it gives 15 months’ notice and pays off the $33-million bond issue that provided for the improvement and expansion of Anaheim Stadium. That work included the construction of 80 luxury boxes upon the Rams’ arrival in 1980.

A city official who declined to be identified confirmed Sunday night that the Rams would be accountable for the existing mortgage on the stadium expansion and improvements, but said it was his understanding that the Rams would have to give 18 months’ notice rather than 15.

Sources estimated that the remaining debt, which would have to be paid by the Rams, to be $29 million.

The Carolina Cougars agreed to pay the NFL $140 million for the opportunity to join the league last week, and agreed to receive reduced TV revenue for the next three years.

The NFL postponed a decision on the awarding of a second franchise until Nov. 30, but most observers expect the NFL owners to select St. Louis.

Ram attendance has declined in recent years. The Rams drew 43,850 a week ago for their game with Detroit, their 39th defeat in 55 games.

“We’re disappointed we can’t draw more fans in Anaheim,” Shaw said.

“NFL Today’s” Greg Gumbel reported Sunday, after an interview with Leonard (Boogie) Weinglass, heads of one of two Baltimore groups seeking a franchise, that the Rams will consider relocating if Baltimore fails to win league approval.

“It’s news to me,” Shaw said. “ I think I met Boogie Weinglass once in my life. It was for about two minutes outside of the owners’ meeting last week.

“I’ve had no contacts with the city of Baltimore. Nor have we had with any other city. We fully support their expansion bid as we did the others.”