INSIDE THE NFL
The Buzz
by Peter King
Posted: Wed September 24, 1997
1. GENE UPSHAW Just get rich, baby. The National Football League
Players Association's 10-player executive committee voted to
make Upshaw the highest-paid union leader in sports history for
two reasons: The NFLPA is awash in profits, and Upshaw
negotiated a system in which salaries have soared. In 1996 the
players got 72% of the league's designated gross revenue, as
opposed to the 62% that baseball players received. With his new
deal, Upshaw will receive $1.6 million a year through 2003.
2. COACH JERRY The Dallas owner touches off a media feeding
frenzy by saying he would love to coach the 'Boys. Then Jones
takes a sanity pill and tells SI he wouldn't coach in a jillion
years. "I think it's possible to coach and be G.M.," the
all-powerful Oz said on Sunday, "but not to coach and pay the
bills."
3. TERRELL DAVIS With his 215-yard performance against the
Bengals, he became the first Bronco to run for 200 yards in a
game. Now when the debate begins about football's best back,
this third-year player deserves serious consideration. Look at
these rushing numbers since the start of last season: Terrell,
2,064; Barry, 1,880; Emmitt, 1,496.
4. RAVENMANIA Baltimore's 3-1. Vinny Testaverde's possessed.
Modell's men are playing some defense. The schedule favors them;
after a game in San Diego on Sunday, the Ravens don't leave
Maryland until November. And how do you think all this is going
over in northeast Ohio?
5. LINDY INFANTE After blowing a 26-zip lead at Buffalo, the
Colts find themselves down 37-35 with a hot kicker (Cary
Blanchard, 5 for 5 on the day) ready, nine seconds left and the
ball at the Buffalo 48. The Indianapolis coach calls for two
Hail Marys, both of which fail. Earth to Lindy! Why not throw a
20-yard sideline pass against a soft zone, then let Blanchard
try to win it?
Issue date: September 29, 1997
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