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Show Supreme Court Upholds Raiders Move in NFL By James H Rubin Associated Press Writer WASHINGTON The National Football League was left powerless Monday to block future franchise shifts after losing a Supreme Court appeal challenging the move of the Super Bowl champion Haiders from Oakland to Los Angeles. The Supreme Court ruling could have effects in respect to all professional sports franchises, since all are now seemingly free to move from city to city The justices, without comment or recorded dissent, left intact a ruling that the NFL's control over franchise moves violated federal antitrust laws. The NFL still may turn to Congress for help, seeking an exemption to the antitrust laws. NFL officials said no decision has been made on whether to renew a lobbying campaign for such an exemption. But a league lawyer said the situa g Salt K Section D Decision May Clear Way lor Several Shills in Pro Franchises moves But Howard Daniels, a lawyer for the Los Angeles Coliseum, will walk said "If that happens. over to Pat Lynch's office and eat his desk." Joseph M Alioto of San Francisco, an attorney for the Raiders, said stripping the NFL of power to control franchise shifts "will be very good and beneficial for everyone involved not only the Raiders and the Los evAngeles Coliseum but fur cities tion looked bleak after the Supreme Court setback 1 "In football terms, it's a little like them having the ball on our 20. with 15 seconds left to go and three timeouts left for them, said Patrick Lvnch, a Los Angeles lawyer for the NFL. Lawyers for the other side said that assessment holding out some hope for forcing the Raiders back to was unrealistic Oakland The league separately has been ordered to pay $49 million to the Raiders and their new home, the Los Anan award now geles Coliseum being challenged in a federal appeals court. Lynch said it was conceivable that the federal appeals court in that case could reverse its previous ruling and reinstate the NFL's rule on franchise JL'ahr Tuesday, November erywhere." The Coliseum was the original challenger to the NFL's power over the location of teams In 1978. the Coliseum's operators lost their major tenant, the Los Angeles Rams, when that team moved to a new stadium in Anaheim, Calif A1 Davis, the Raiders' owner, subsequently began negotiating with the Los Angeles Coliseum. Davis moved Page this year's move of the from San Diego to Los AngeClippers les The league In defending itself against the antitrust charges, the NFL said it was a "single entity" or partnership and that federal law forbidding conspiracies in restraint of trade only applies to competing entities NBA opposed NT I. said the move Violated a that required of its teams to approve any rule three-fourth- s franchise shift But a federal jury decided the league restriction was illegal. and in February the 9th C S Circuit Court of Appeals, by a vote, upheld the jury verdict Baltimore city officials also joined the NFL in urging the Supreme Court to restore the league's power over franchise locations The 9th Circuit court rejected that argument, saying, "NFL clubs do compete with one another off the field as well as on to acquire players, coaches and management personnel " The Colts pulled out of Baltimore last March and began playing home games this season in Indianapolis. The league did not attempt to block the Colts' move. The National Basketball Association also sided with the NFL. The "In certain areas of the country where two teams operate in close proximity, there is also competition for fan support, local television and local radio revenues and media space," the appeals court said The citv of Oakland has mounted a Sports eribunr 6, 1984 the Haider' to l.os Angeles in 1982, and the team won the Super Bowl after its 'econd season there 1 si'nr ur I i sion "This has been going on now for six long years, and finally it's over, and. of course, we're overjoyed with the outcome." said Howard Daniels, at tornev for the Los Angeles Coliseum. Raiders' owner Al Davis was not available Monday for comment, said a team spokesman. But the team issued a statement that said, "NFL attorneys have told Dete Rozelle since 19t6 that the franchise transfer rule was illegal. The hardships that Rozelle has put on the Los Angeles Raiders' organization over the past five our staff, our coaches and years our players can never be compensated for " - StMrt ;,n cm nil separate challenge in the California state courts to the Raiders' move. In that pending case, the city is attempting to take over the team under its power of eminent domain Attorneys for the Raiders were ecstatic over the Supreme Court's deci- - I n I oritKil mm imt-lnm- h :h2: mai Hola Blocks Out Injury To Be No. 1 Ute Fullback win. attendance during Utah's and With CSU trailing just making threatening gestures of getting back into the game, the Utes called a "Counter 58," sort of an opwell, let Molonai tion sweep and tell it: "The wide receiver, Danny Huey, puts a crack block on the linebacker and 1 go out around the end and get the cornerback. I took him the corner out. just like Coach Sean) McNabb has taught me," Hola said. Moments later, mainly because of that clearing block, Utah's Eddie (California Comet) Johnson sped into TD run. the end zone after a So, when the Utes move into Logan Saturday to play Utah State, there will be a Hola on the field after all. Molonai's brother, Saia, who played for USU a year ago Saia and Molonai were in the same baekfield at Granite), is serving an LDS mission in Oklahoma. I ll miss him Saia because I was looking forward to both of us starting in the big game," Molonai said Monday. By Dick Rosetta 35-2- 3 Tribune Sports Writer could pardon the University of Utah football coaching staff if they purchased a Lloyd's of London insurance policy against injury to sophomore fullback Molonai Hola for the Utes two remaining 1984 games. In an almost bizarre "survival of the fittest tale, Hola has emerged as the Utes- No. 1 fullback when, as a rookie out of Granite High School in Salt Lake City only 15 months ago, he was the No. 5 tailback on the depth chart. "I could tell you a story you probably wouldn't believe," claimed the Hola, whose brightest day as a collegian came last Saturday afternoon when he scored two touchdowns against Colorado State University. Hola did tell his story and it is a mite frightening. It's a story of just how bruising the position of fullback is in a offense (Utah is ranked 5th in the nation in rushing offense with 285.7 yards per game). Its the story of junior college transfer Steve Betz tearing up his knee in the New Mexico game. Its the story of sophomore letterman George Womack going in for one play in the Hawaii game and tearing up his knee. Its the story of freshman 28-1- You . - d The younger Hola, diligently pursuing a degree in civil engineering, narrowed his collegiate choices to Utah and BYU after being named in consecutive years (1981-82- ) I wanted to by The Tribune. play for BYU . . everyone in this state who's a member of the LDS Church wants to play at BYU. But Utah had a better program in engineering and that made up my mind. Education is my No. goal. Football is the fun part. All-Sta- . backup fullback Zack Hubbard Tribune Staff Photo by Tim Kelly University of Utahs sophomore fullback Molonai Hola looks to be stopped by CSU defenders Saturday, but he did manage to get over goalline for one of his two TDs. breaking his neck in the UTEP game. It's the story of junior Brian Schmitt being moved over from linebacker to be Holas backup. "Hey, dont let anyone ever tell you that playing fullback is easy. Hola 1 How much fun it was for Molonai the fall of 1983 is a matter for conjecture. "I was No. 5 tailback behind in Throw McKay in Bay? Nay, Bucs Coach Resigns By when Jan Stenerud kicked a with 2 seconds to play. Jerry Greene Knight-Ridde- r Writer The chant frequently heard TAMPA, Fla. this time of year in Tampa Bay is, Throw McKay into the Bay." But John McKay, the only head coach in the nine-yea- r history of the Tampa Bay , Buccaneers, wont have to ; hear the crude saying much longer. At least, not as a head coach in the NFL. The McKay announced Monday that he will resign at the end of this season and assume duties as president of the Bucs' organization. Team owner Hugh Culver-hous- e expressed regret at McKay's decision but said he accepted it because of McKay's vision problems. McKay had cataract surgery on his right eye Sept. 19 and will have similar surgery on his left eye after the season. Culverhouse stressed that he would not ever think about finding a new coach until the end of the season. He said that he and McKay would pick a new coach at that time. The Bucs are 7 this season and have lost their last four games. in Minnesota Sunday They were defeated 3-- 27-2- 4 Hard-Luc- k By Steve Luhm Tribune Sports Writer LOGAN Running back Richard Gwynn, Utah State's leading rusher this season, probably won't play against Utah here Saturday because of a broken hand. Gwynn broke two bones in his hand loss at Arizoduring the Aggies na last weekend. The broken bones were revealed by taken Sun45-1- 0 day night. "It is a significant fracture," USU trainer Dale Mildenberger said. Junior Jaimy Patton, at this point, scheduled to replace Gwynn in the starting lineup. Senior Andre Bynum will back him up. is Gwynn, a junior college transfer, has rushed for 335 yards on 61 attempts this season, an average of 54 yards per carry. Gwynn's totals induce an 220-pou- field goal Tampa Bays overall record is giving McKay the worst record of any coach in the NFL today. The Bucs did go to the playoffs in record last 1979, 1981 and 1982, but fell to a year. Season ticket sales fell from 52,000 in 1983 to 42,000 this year. Average attendance for the last two seasons has been about 50,000, far below the usual sellout crowds of nearly 70,000 for the previous three years. Recent weeks have shown that while I believe we are fairly close to where we want to be, we are not there yet, McKay said in a press conference at the team's headquarters. In light of my continuing problems with my vision, I told Mr. Culverhouse today that I believe we need someone else to coach the team next season. Im sorry we couldnt get it done." Tampa Bay players were not informed of the decision before the press conference. Most expressed surprise that McKay would make the decision now, saying they thought hed decide at the end of the season. Many players were sympathetic to McKay, although a few who refused to be identified said they were delighted. "He's a mean man," said one Buccaneer Hes always been good to me," said nose tackle David Logan. I want to salvage the season for him. I think he did a good job. Hes the same man that took us to within nine points of the Super Bowl and to three division titles." Culverhouse never has wavered in his support of McKay, even though fan disenchantment obviously has been costing him money. John is an outstanding coach and even finer man, he said. "I regret that he never seems to have received the credit he deserves. The Bucs' recent problems seem to be due to events largely beyond John's control." While Culverhouse stressed that he and McKay would not think about a new coach until after the season, conjecture will run rampant anyway. Howard Schnellenberger will be considered a prime candidate. Of course, Schnellenberger's name has been mentioned at practically every university and professional team that needs a coach. The former University of Miami coach has kept quiet about his plans. Wayne Fontes, the Bucs' assistant head coach and defensive coordinator, was considered a prime candidate. But observers feel that recent poor performances by the defense and growing fan dissatisfaction may have hurt Fontes' chances. Fontes had no comment Monday. He said the remarks of Culverhouse and McKay were adequate. McKay was asked if it would be difficult to find a strong head coach while he remains with the organization as president. "I have never been a meddler, he said. "My contribution to the head coach will be to help in finding personnel. Procurement of personnel is the most important thing. The coach is highly overrated. Players win games." McKay said he had given no thought to stepping down immediately because it would not be fair to the man who had to take over (probably Fontes). "If he didn't win, it would be said he wasn't a good coach either." This is McKay's 25th year as a head coach. His total record of (.573 winning percentage) includes 16 seasons at the University of Southern California. His Southern Cal teams were declared national champions four times. The Bucs joined the NFL in 1976. They lost their first 26 games, a modern-da- y record, winning for the first time Dec. 11, 1977, in New 9 Orleans, in 1978 but were the surThe Bucs were prise of the league with a 6 record in 1979. They advanced to the National Football Conference championship game 33-1- 10-- Hilria Johnson, Eddie Lewis, Gerald Johnson and Raymond Bennett. Flay1 ing time didn't look too promising so asked Coach McNabb to switch to fullback and he OK'd it wit1' Coach Chuck Stobart," Hola explained. Even then . even after playing most of the UTEP game and all the Wyoming game at fullback (naturally, because of injuries to Danny Hola ended Tarver and Womack) the year as backup tailback, again because of injuries to others. But in the spring, "I was back in the running for the fullback spot and had the No. spot until I hurt my ankle and missed most of spring ball." The 1984 season hasn't been injury free for Hola, but hes seen enough (his roomphysical impairments mate, Haloti Moala suffered a knee the New injury in his first start Mexico game) to make him appreciate his starting job more. Other than staying healthy, Hola. who has four TDs for the year, has a goal. "We want the Beehive Boot emblematic of football supremacy among Utah, BYU, USU and Weber and we know we have to beat USU and BYU to get it. Besides, we owe 'em both one for beating us last year We want to go out winners." Healthy winners, that is. . . 1 Aggies Worth Have Leading Rusher for Ute Game ... Gwynn Suffers Fractured Hand Against Arizona touchdown run against Fresno State, the 10th longest run from scrimmage in Utah State history. His absence against Utah, though, will further hinder an Aggie ground game that has been ineffective much of the season and, lately, has taken a back seat to a productive, Gym Kimball-led passing game. Utah, on the other hand, is the No. 5 rushing team in the country. And freshman Eddie Johnson has burst upon the scene as the Utes' main man. d Johnson, after games, has rushed for 971 yards this season. He ran for 248 yards Paso and 224 against Texas-E- l against Colorado State. That gave Johnson mdre yardage in two games back-to-bac- k 200-yar- than Gwynn, Utah State's top rusher, has gained all season. Taking it one step further, Gwynn and Marc White, Utah State's other starting running back, are the only two Aggies who have more than 100 yards rushing this season. Obviously, getting something accomplished on the ground and slowing down Johnson will be two objectives for the Aggies Saturday at Romney Stadium. Kickoff is 1 p.m. Despite the loss of Gwynn, there was some good news on the injury front for the Aggies. Cornerback Ed Berry, who injured a knee five weeks ago against San Jose State is expected to return to Utes. Berry's action agiffnst the 7 return will help restore a little order injury-riddle- d Aggie secondary that gave up 392 yards passing at Arizona, including big plays covering 43, 38, 35 and 31 yards. Berry's return will give USU and other defensive back to throw at the Utes, something the Ags to an able-bodie- need. In the ference this year series between Utah and Utah State, only 18 have been played in Logan. but The Utes lead the series the Aggies have won four of the six games played in Logan since 1972. The Ags won last year, 21-1- 7 . in USU has been outscored the first quarter this season, managing just one touchdown in the process Utah kicker Andre Guardi should be looking forward to the game. Opposition kickers have made field goal attempts against the AgGwynn's regies this season placements: Patton has carried only 58-1- 2 . They were so shorthanded in the secondary against Arizona that Utah e State used a back alignment much of the game. AGGIE NOTES: Utah State's 11 opponents now have a combined record The remaining three oppoof nents are Utah, UNLV and BYU a combined The PCAA is against ti.c Western Athletic Con three-defensiv- 1 . . . 3 . 12 . . times all year, gaining 54 yards. Bynum, out with an injury last week against Arizona, has gained just 27 yards on 15 carries . . Utah is in its last 13 games on natural grass. The last win was a victory at Colorado State On Oct. 17, 1931 . 24-1- 3 Aggies Richard Gwynn Wont Test Utes Saturdajy |
