At this time a year ago, the NFL had announced the suspensions of eight players for violation of its drug policy. As of Friday, only one player - reserve running back Tony Burse - has received a 30-day suspension after failing a training-camp drug test.
Burse, a Plan B free agent formerly with the Miami Dolphins, has since been waived by Seattle.
The lone number is an encouraging sign, considering our nation's drug use hasn't waned. When camps opened, players also submitted to a urine test that will detect steroid use.
In March, NFL commissioner Pete Rozelle announced a plan that also will penalize steroid abusers with a 30-day suspension. The league-wide test results should be available to teams the week of Aug. 28.
One team executive, who requested anonymity, said known steroid abusers on his team seemingly had curtailed their use. His team had two players test positive for steroids last year.
"We've heard that other players around the league have lost noticeable bulk," he said. "Pete's warning might have worked. Guys are shrinking."
***
The new search committee, which eventually will recommend a minimum of five candidates to succeed Rozelle as commissioner, conducted a conference call Wednesday. The six members have scheduled another conference call for next week. League owners need a seven-day warning of any vote on the commissioner. New Orleans Saints president Jim Finks, who has strong reservations regarding his availability once the regular season begins, remains the frontrunner.
On the humorous side, Los Angeles Raiders tight end Todd Christensen, whose career is in jeopardy, wouldn't mind applying for the job should he be unemployed in September. His first act? "I'd hire full-time officials," he said. And where would he find the money to pay for this added expense? He'd eliminate the commissioner's Super Bowl party. "We don't need this garish, lavish event," Christensen said.
Full-time officials also would mean the end of instant replay. Christensen has other fascinating ideas. He'd reduce the size of coaching staffs. "We'd have the same rules as tennis," he said. "No more hand signals, no guard messengers. Quarterbacks would have to call their own plays." Christensen would make other rules changes, like returning the goal posts to the goal line to increase scoring, and forbid end zone touchbacks like the CFL does. And a drug policy. "We'd either have capital punishment for drug offenders (banishment) or let anything go," he said. "No more halfways; we're just (fooling) with ourselves now. We ban guys for drinking and have others promoting Miller Lite."
***
Bobby Beathard, the former Redskins general manager, believes the Chargers made the right trade, taking Jim McMahon over Steve Pelluer. The rumors persist that Beathard, once his NBC-TV gig ends, will relocate in San Diego's front office. Based on the terms, the Bears realistically will end up with a No. 2 pick.
Beathard, who was preparing to hit the California surf outside his Leucadia, Calif., home, also had some good things to say about the Cowboys. A few have surmised that Cowboys coach Jimmy Johnson made a mistake in elevating Dave Wannstedt, who never has coached in the NFL, from his U. of Miami staff to defensive coordinator of the Cowboys.
Beathard on Cowboys quarterback Troy Aikman: "I think he's fantastic. This guy is legitimate big-time. You can't base anything (short-passing knock) on what he did in college."
***
On Thursday and Friday, seven first-rounders came to terms. The logjam seems broken - 17 of 28 have signed - except for the top 10. Georgia RB Tim Worley, the seventh choice overall, agreed to terms late Thursday on a $3.5 million, five-year deal that was $700,000 more than last year's choice, Packers receiver Sterling Sharpe, was paid in that spot. Worley and Aikman are the only top 10 picks who have signed or agreed.
And no agent, except for Harold Daniels, is pleased with Worley's numbers. "I think everybody has just thrown (Worley's) deal out," said David Ware, who represents Heisman winner Barry Sanders, who was drafted by the Lions. Daniels doesn't care what Ware and others might be saying. "How is somebody going to pressure a 6-foot-6, 300-pound guy?" he asked, describing himself. "Be serious. I walk to my own beat."
Daniels originally asked for $9 million, then dropped to $5 million before settling on a $750,000 annual average. "My $9 million was bull from the beginning," Daniels said. "I was asking for a figure I knew we weren't going to get, but we based it on what (Aikman) got. We both knew it was unreal." Worley's contract makes him second only to quarterback Bubby Brister on the Steelers' payroll.
Finks doesn't blame the Cowboys for the impossible demands at the top of the first round. "Aikman's contract ($11.2 million) should have absolutely no bearing on subsequent choices," Finks said. "I think the No. 1 pick is unique. I think it's like the guy who wins the Indianapolis 500, or the horse who wins the Kentucky Derby." Finks, though, has reservations about the estimated $45-$50 million that might given first-round picks this year. "I think it can be better spent in other areas," he said.
***
Pre-season attendance generally has been poor in NFL stadiums. So clubs have found a way to beat the system with their exhibition fare. Their selling the product and receiving guarantees from cities hoping for an expansion franchises. Of the 59 pre-season games this summer, 10 were scheduled for non-NFL cities. For example, companies in St. Louis bought most of the tickets for Saturday's game between New England and Seattle. KMOX radio purchased 4,000 tickets, which were given free to listeners. Two of the games were in Tokyo and London. The Rams and 49ers, after expenses, left Japan with about $1 million each.
***
What's a number worth? About $2,000. Last year, Timmy Brown was given No. 85 by the Raiders. Brown wanted No. 81, the number he wore at Notre Dame. Andy Parker, who had No. 81 and a gold necklace with the numerals, wouldn't budge. Brown gave him $2,000 as compensation. ... Talk about confidence. Former Jets DE Mark Gastineau, who says he wants to fight Mike Tyson, already has consulted a plastic surgeon.