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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Blades Case To Proceed

Compiled From Wire Services

A wrongful death suit against Seattle Seahawks receiver Brian Blades should proceed, a judge has ruled in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

Blades also faces manslaughter charges in the shooting death last summer of his cousin. The lawsuit was filed on behalf of the late Charles Blades’ 12-year-old daughter, Crystal Blades.

Brian Blades, who wanted the civil suit postponed until the criminal matter is resolved, has said little more than that the shooting was accidental. He has given no statements to police or prosecutors.

Plantation, Fla., police believe Charles Blades was shot as he tried to keep Brian from using the gun to settle a fight between Brian’s brother, Bennie, and Bennie’s ex-girlfriend.

Steve Young’s ailing passing shoulder has healed and he’s returning to the San Francisco 49ers’ lineup with the goal of maintaining the momentum established by his backup, Elvis Grbac.

His rehabilitation accelerated after team physician Dr. Michael Dillingham removed loose cartilage during arthroscopic surgery Nov. 13.

“It’s full speed ahead,” Young said. “I’m excited. I didn’t know if I’d ever throw the ball again normally. I’m so excited I can throw it normally again.”

San Francisco host the Rams on Sunday.

Browns owner Art Modell testified in Cleveland his team would be harmed irreparably if forced to stay in Cleveland.

Modell spoke at a hearing on the city’s lawsuit seeking a court order to hold the team to its Cleveland lease, which expires in 1998.

Lawyers for the city presented rebuttal witnesses, all either season-ticket holders or executives who said they would resume attending games and advertising at the stadium if the Browns stayed - even if the team stayed only because of a court order.

Closing arguments were scheduled for this morning.

Critics of using public funds to build a football stadium in Nashville, Tenn., for Houston Oilers owner Bud Adams tried to block a non-binding contract with the team.

But after 45 minutes of hand wringing and criticism, the Metro Council, by a 28-9 vote, approved the 54-page document that Adams and Nashville Mayor Phil Bredesen signed Nov. 15.