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

Rams To Stay Put

Compiled From Wire Services

The Rams appeared resigned to spending another season in Southern California as the NFL owners overwhelmingly voted to deny the Rams permission to move to St. Louis.

Rams president John Shaw responded by threatening a $2.25 billion lawsuit against the league - $25 million a year for the 30 years of their lease in St. Louis - with treble damages. The $25 million represents the annual difference in profits in St. Louis and Anaheim, where the Rams lost money last year, he said.

The Rams and the NFL couldn’t come to a consensus on any issues during the negotiations.

Under an agreement with the NFL, the Rams have the right to file a lawsuit first until March 31.

Dave Widell, a seven-year NFL veteran offensive lineman with the Dallas Cowboys and the Denver Broncos, has signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Widell, 29, an unrestricted free agent, signed a three-year deal for $2.7 million.

The deal, according to the Florida Times-Union, calls for him to receive a $300,000 signing bonus, and base salaries of $600,000, $700,000 and $800,000. He also will receive workout bonuses of $100,000 in each year.

Dallas, Arizona and the New York Giants all got the maximum of four compensatory picks in next month’s draft for their losses during last year’s freeagent signing period.

A total of 27 extra picks were awarded, all between the third and seventh rounds.

Seattle will get an extra pick after the sixth round.