Young, Rice Will Be Asked to Take a Pay Cut by 49ers

L.A. Times Archives

Jan. 11, 2000 12 AM PT

From Associated Press

A group of veterans, including Steve Young and Jerry Rice, have been asked to take “big-time” pay cuts as part of the San Francisco 49ers’ bid to reduce next season’s $24-million salary cap overrun.

Linebacker Ken Norton Jr., offensive guard Ray Brown, safety Tim McDonald and center Chris Dalman also have been asked to renegotiate their contracts and reduce their salaries, General Manager Bill Walsh said Monday.

Walsh said the team hopes to keep all six, but that it may not be realistic. Under their current contracts, the six would count $28.5 million against next season’s projected $62.2-million cap.

There is no timetable in the negotiations, other than the March 1 deadline for compliance with the cap, Walsh said at a news conference.

On other matters, Walsh dismissed speculation of a rift between him and Coach Steve Mariucci.

“It’s a good story, the old coach and the young coach don’t get along,” Walsh said. “I’m sorry, but there simply isn’t anything to it.”

The New York Jets are on the verge of being sold, probably to Johnson & Johnson heir Robert Wood Johnson IV.

The bidding process that began last fall is over. NFL sources told the Associated Press that Johnson significantly increased his bid last week, bringing it to the level of Cablevision Chairman Charles Dolan’s offer of about $625 million.

The NFL Finance Committee meets today and could be presented with a recommendation for the sale at that time.

Jacksonville Jaguar quarterback Mark Brunell insists his ailing knee won’t keep him from playing Saturday.

“I expect to play,” Brunell said of Saturday’s game against Miami.

Brunell is recovering from a strained ligament he sustained during a Dec. 26 game against Tennessee. He started throwing in practice Friday.

Pro Bowl guard Tre’ Johnson, ejected after grabbing an official’s head during a scuffle in last Saturday’s victory over the Detroit Lions, will not be suspended for the Washington Redskins’ playoff game Saturday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the NFL said.

Johnson, however, still faces disciplinary action, a league statement said.

The NFL will hold a hearing Thursday to determined the status of Bill Belichick, who quit last week as coach of the New York Jets.

Bill Parcells resigned Jan. 3, the day after the season, and Belichick was appointed his successor.

Belichick, who had been Parcells’ defensive coordinator, quit the following day.

Belichick’s contract, which has three years remaining, prohibited him from talking to other teams--specifically New England.

The Rev. Jesse Jackson and his Rainbow/PUSH Coalition have asked the Green Bay Packers to justify coach Ray Rhodes’ abrupt firing last week.

The coalition made its concerns known in a letter to Packer General Manager Ron Wolf. The letter, a copy of which was obtained by the Associated Press, outlines the coalition’s “grave concerns and disappointment” over Rhodes’ firing after one 8-8 season.

Former Washington general manager Charley Casserly, architect of Washington’s playoff team, has talked to the New Orleans Saints about the team’s top front-office job. . . . Indianapolis Colt running back Edgerrin James was a near-unanimous choice as the Associated Press’ NFL offensive rookie of the year. James received 49 of the 50 votes from a nationwide panel of media members. Cleveland Brown receiver Kevin Johnson got the other vote. . . . Television ratings for the NFL’s weekend wild-card games dropped 13% compared to a year ago.

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NFL Playoffs

WILD-CARD GAMES

Jan. 8

* Tennessee 22, Buffalo 16

* Washington 27, Detroit 13

Jan. 9

* Minnesota 27, Dallas 10

* Miami 20, Seattle 17

DIVISIONAL GAMES

Saturday

* Miami at Jacksonville, 9:30 a.m. (Ch. 2)