Al Davis said Tuesday he believes Bo Jackson will be ready to play football next fall despite a hip injury that has ended his baseball career with the Kansas City Royals.
”We will fight to get him well,” said the president of the Raiders.
”We think he has a chance to continue. We believe he`ll be able to play. I don`t know what caused the Royals to reach their decision, but we have never injected ourselves into another team`s decisions.”
Davis said he wants Jackson to try to continue to play both sports, even though it would be more beneficial to the Raiders if he dropped baseball.
”It`s obvious he would be more beneficial to (our) team, but I think you have to look at the guy,” Davis said. ”And I think there are unique situations, and I think he should do both. I really do.”
Jackson`s baseball contract was not guaranteed in case of injury; his football contract is. Ordinarily, it`s the other way around. Only a small percentage of football players have guaranteed contracts.
Lion`s share: The death of longtime Detroit Lions General Manager Russ Thomas Monday night in Florida saddened friends and former associates. ”He did an awful lot for pro football, and I owe an awful lot to him,” Lions coach Wayne Fontes said.
Awards: Raiders coach Art Shell was named Coach of the Year by the Pro Football Writers of America. Giants GM George Young won the Executive of the Year award.
Mac, T-Zak to Pack? The Packers still have not decided whether to offer a Plan B free-agent contract to Mike Tomczak or Jim McMahon, or whether they are interested in either one.
”We still have an interest in all those guys we brought in (five quarterbacks), but we haven`t made a decision yet,” coach Lindy Infante said. ”I don`t think any of them have been throwing the ball a lot. I wouldn`t say anybody`s workout was outstanding, but they were all solid.”