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Show Page - 70A THE HERALD. Provo, Utah, Thursday, August 30, 1984 Pact Shows Bears' Commitment to McAlahon By ROD COLLETT Attoclate Sports Editor When strong-arme- d : 1! Jim at Plattville, Mc-Mah- showed up Wis. for the opening day of summer training camp with the Chicago Bears six weeks ago, he had two previous seasons under his belt as an NFL quarterback, plus a new con- - - i tract. McMahon was the lowest-pai- d starting signal caller in the NFL prior to the start of this season. But thanks to some negotiations he emerged with a hefty deal concalling for five one-yetracts worth $5 million. Before negotiations began, the former Cougar who was the most prolific passer in BYU history and collegiate football was making a paltry off-seas- $190,000 a year. That may sound like lots of money in Utah but isn't much when you consider H ir I f-- i v AS- in-- !, i V - - . . 1 - .? - I - ! f . Chicago hadn't signed there would have been a dozen of so United States Football League teams ready to bid for McMahon's services. "This sends a message that we are committed to Jim as our quarterback," said team president Michael McCaskey, quoted in the Chicago Bear iff?; , n, Report. According to McMahon's attorney, Stephen Zucker, the Bears were quite anxious to have McMahon's signature. "We were pleasantly surprised the Bears wanted to start negotiations in January," said Zucker. "I think the Bears have a whole different philosophy now. They wanted . .ttf--'-&- . Wis. - - Jersey Generals quarterback Brian Sipe says he still has no regrets about leaving the NFL's Cleveland Browns after .seasons. "Sure, there are things I miss, but I weighed everything against what I thought would be a good change," Sipe told the Plain Dealer. "I enjoyed my 12 seasons with the Browns, but it was time for me to make my move, to do something different with my Jr I ; - d There was very little difference (between the leagues), much less than a lot of people in the NFL like to think," Sipe said. But, Sipe admitted, "there were some very bad teams. A couple of USFL franchises are a long way from being respectable." One major difference is the attendance, he said. On the night the Washington Federals beat the Generals, "there were fewer than 5,000 people. It was eerie. The Browns get bigger crowds for scrimmages. "But otherwise, there was noth- ing minor league about the USFL, and it's going to get better," Sipe said. "There is no question that s in our league could the win games in the NFL." "You might not believe this, but I swear I'm being honest. c 7 - v, ;v3 8 A comfortable shoe, 24 hours a day. comfort of Morgan Quinn "Forward Thursts". Experience the all-da- y The rich supple leather uppers look smart every season of the year. You'll enjoy the comfort and support of the specially contoured, cushioned heel-to-to- e cushion crepe Forward Thrust sole. These shoes propel you forward for a natural rhythmic walk . . . ideal for walking on concrete surfaces. Stop in and see why every pair is a tremendous value! Available in widths A thru 4E. (black-brow- n) "Atlas" $51" O'Brien o Windsurfer ALL PRICED TO GO!!! East- ern Division, completing 192 of 325 for 2,540 yards and 17 touchdowns with 15 interceptions. - Morgan Quin 4, fourth-ranke- - big-Jim- 1983-8- became the passer in the USFL .v. 8-- training camp. He left Cleveland 4 season ended and after the 35, - Photos courtesy of Lhtcago Hear Heporl. For the first summer in 13 years, Sipe is not at Browns' Sipe, ' ..3 -- life." went directly to the USFL. He piloted the Generals to a 14-season. New Jersey lost to the eventual champions, the Philadelphia Stars, in the playoffs. A : McMahon expressed pleasure with new pact at press conference. Now he wants to lead Bears to lots of wins over next five years. to pay the players what more evidence the Bears cially since McMahon's talents "My place is in the NFL and and the coaching of Mike here in Chicago." wanted to keep their No. 1 they're worth." season Ditka produced an The fans in the Windy City According to the Bear Requarterback in the fold. in 1983 and may produce will be glad to know that "I don't think the USFL is port, McMahon's old salary will be around for at the way to go, especially in and contract won't expire until ger and better things in 1984. least another five years, espe- Only time will tell. after the 1984 season, which is my case, McMahon added. Former NFL Star 'Has No Regrets' CLEVELAND (UPI) Some USFL teams are "a long way from being respectable," but New Mmi , quarterbacks like Archie Manning of the Minnesota Vikings were being paid $600,000 a year in the 1983 season to sit on the bench. It's been speculated that if ' ' v y 577 N. State OREM 226-641- 1 Made in U.S.A. O Ht. Bn mi Fri SMi) I ut t 7 m. I im. b I ml 17! W. Ctsttr Prtv |