Look Who’s Talking
For the Denver Broncos’ offensive line, it’s time to speak up or pay the price.
Their two-year code of silence in serious jeopardy, the linemen face the choice of giving media interviews in the days leading up to the Super Bowl or being fined by the league.
The linemen began their self-imposed silent treatment early in the 1996 season as a form of bonding. With the encouragement of offensive line coach Alex Gibbs, who himself rarely communicates with the media, they strictly enforced the code, fining any member who violated it. The money went into a slush fund for a season-ending party.
The less said the better, but now they are about to run afoul of the NFL, which has scheduled media availability with all players on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday of next week.
Facing stiff penalties if they skip the sessions or if they attend but refuse to talk, the linemen agreed Tuesday to lift the ban.
Guard Mark Schlereth, one of the more congenial linemen, said he will talk with reporters. But he hinted that some of his more laconic teammates might not.
“We all talked about how the Gestapo is going to come down on us really hard,” said the former University of Idaho star, alluding to the NFL. “So what we decided to do is talk if you want to.”
NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said the linemen will be required to attend each of three mandatory interview sessions. If they fail to attend, they will be fined.
Referring to the relative anonymity in which most offensive linemen operate, Schlereth joked that they have little to say anyway.
“Once we start talking, nobody wants to talk to us anyhow,” he said.
TV deals could spur signings
The Boston Globe has learned that the The New England Patriots signed guard Max Lane to a five-year deal, motivated perhaps by the NFL’s new $17.6 billion television deal.
The Boston Globe, which reported the signing, speculated that the Patriots and other NFL teams will have more money to sign key players.
The salary cap for the 1998 season will be set next week and all signs are that it will be almost $50 million per team, up from $41.7 million this season.
Monday afternoon football
As part of the NFL’s TV deal with ABC, “Monday Night Football” will kick off at 5:15 p.m. Pacific time, after a pregame show. The late Sunday afternoon games on ESPN have been moved to 4:15 p.m.
Around the league
The Carolina Panthers will replace former general manager Bill Polian with two people. Jack Bushofsky will become director of pro personnel and Marty Hurney will become the director of football administration… . Carl Mauck, who served the last two seasons as offensive line coach for the Arizona Cardinals, has joined the Buffalo Bills. Former Minnesota Vikings assistant John Levra will handle the defensive line. … Bill Parcells is expected to name Dan Henning, a longtime friend, as the Jets’ quarterback coach. Henning would replace Ron Erhardt, who retired Monday. But it is not certain whether Henning would also serve as offensive coordinator, a post he held last season with the Bills… . University of Miami juniors Magic Benton, a wide receiver, and Carlo Joseph, a fullback, have decided to skip their final season to enter the NFL draft.