Nussmeier Bails Out On Wlaf Saints Show Displeasure As Former Vandal Qb Returns

Doug Nussmeier, the New Orleans Saints’ third-string quarterback, will be in town for the team’s minicamp this weekend and Saints officials aren’t happy about it.

Nussmeier, a fourth-round pick in last year’s draft after an outstanding career at the University of Idaho, dropped out of the Europeanbased World League of American Football, unhappy with his limited playing time with the Rhein Fire in Germany.

“He only took 14 snaps in the first two games and didn’t play in the third,” player personnel director Bill Kuharich said on Thursday. “I recommended that he stay, the coaches left it up to him and he decided he’d come back and work here.”

Nussmeier had split time with Andy Kelly as backup to Gino Torretta on the Dusseldorf-based Fire. Nussmeier threw nine passes in three games, completing four for 27 yards. He had one interception and no touchdowns.

The Saints hoped Nussmeier would gain playing experience in the World League. The league was supposed to provide equal playing time for NFL quarterbacks agreeing to play in its 10-game spring season.

“I would have liked to see him stay and improve his skills in live work and in the drills and practice,” Kuharich said.

“I’m disappointed that he de cided to come home. But he evidently felt he’d benefit more from the minicamps and spring work here than over there.”