Arizona Republic from Phoenix, Arizona • Page 64

mm -Wednesday. Feb. 20. 1985 i The Arizona Republic- IiM)DGtySjh) Outlaws football runs into problems after merger, homecoming of Kush una jiiiii umumy By WALT JAYROE Arizona Republic Staff Something's amiss with the Arizona Outlaws. It started weeks ago with everybody's expectations shot to grit.

It started with Frank Kush and his first USFL preseason camp. "The whole story of this camp," one of the Outlaws family said "was that everyone was waiting on Kush to explode. So far he hasn't. He's tried to keep everything positive and upbeat." Some players couldn't believe it. Said one, "I saw him one day laying down on a blocking dummy, his legs crossed, a piece of grass stuck in his mouth, looking up at the sky." It hasn't been Sunday school.

But it hasn't been the Marine Corps, either. Quarterback Alan Risher, the only-player to go through all three of the Arizona franchise's camps, called this year's "somewhat of a happy medium" between the physical harshness of Doug Shively's and the heavy mental preparation of George Allen's. Well, at least you could always count on one thing. Mellow Trumaine Johnson, a two-time All-USFL wide receiver, would assure the team a deep threat. Last April, he signed a contract that went well into the next decade.

On the third day of camp, Johnson walked out, claiming the intent of his Frank Kush The biggest story of Outlaws' camp contract had been violated. Well, at least there was the front four on defense, a group that led the league in sacks, that was a big part of the top defense in the USFL over the last two seasons. Suddenly, Kit Lathrop, twice the league's top defensive lineman of the Outlaws, USFL7 Ken Akers' Republic Sore knees have slowed Outlaws quarterback Doug Williams during practice. (LOSIFiL DUD Unsettled future, shaky franchises cloud spring league Time a 130 o.m. 7 o.m.

New Jersey's signing of quarterback Doug Flutie has given the league its third straight Heisman Trophy winner. Running back Her-schel Walker (1982), who gave the USFL it's first dose of credibility, also plays for New Jersey, and running back Mike Rozier (1983) is at Jacksonville after a disappointing rookie season with the defunct Pittsburgh Maulers. Usher's rein as commissioner, measured against the previous one. can go nowhere but up. Chet Simmons was seen as a stooge for the league's biggest shaker, Trump, owner of the New Jersey Generals.

Consolidation to 14 teams down League. USFLS jolt of green stuff from network television. Network brass has told the USFL there is no interest in bidding for the '86 fall season. The current contract with ABC runs out this year. Eddie Einhorn.

whose job it was to negotiate a television contract for the USFL, has resigned, saying he is doubtful a deal can be struck with the networks for fall. The new commissioner, Harry Usher, has taken on that assignment. Usher is on record as being open to staying with a spring schedule, rather than moving; to the fall, as planned-. The uncertainty has placed a pall on the '85 season despite a few upbeat moves in the off-season: The freshness, excitement and sweet smell of hope that wafted through the USFL two years ago at this time have vanished. A business-cold anticipation has penetrated.

The errors of seasons past are coming due now that the league's third season is set to take off possibly for oblivion this weekend. Can crisis be far behind? No one knows. Everything is unsettled. The crack that began with the financial collapse of the Chicago Blitz at the start of. the 19S4 season has spread like a run in nylon hose.

Players, agents and officials have expressed concern that the league can't survive much 'longer without a heavy 20o 7 o.m 8 D.m. 7 o.m 12J0O.TI. 5 o.m. Team PORTLAND a San Antonio JACKSONVILLE at Tamoa Bav LOS ANGELES NEW JERSEV at Denver -ORLANDO HOUSTON a Oakland at Baltimore DENVER at Portland at Houston SAN ANTONIO OAKLAND at Los Angees at Memohis Date February 24 March 3 March 1 1 March '4 March 23 March 30 Aoril 8 Aoril 14 Aoril 21 Aoril 27 Mav Mav 12 Mav May 26 Jute 1 June June IS June 22 1 30 p.m. 1 pm 1 30 7o.m I JO o.m 5 o.m.

7 o.m.