Dick Steinberg

Dick Steinberg, former director of player personnel for the Rams who later helped build the New England Patriots into a Super Bowl team, was hired as general manager of the New York Jets Monday amid threats of legal action by the Patriots. Steinberg, 54, accepted a contract estimated at five years for nearly $3.25 million to become the Jets' first general manager in 15 years.

The games will go on today, but upon reflection after the death last week of Dick Steinberg, New York Jet general manager and friend, Bobby Beathard and associates now ponder how long Beathard will continue to work as general manager of the Chargers. Beathard, so shaken that he could not speak at Steinberg's memorial service, is approaching 59 while awaiting the births of grandchildren Nos. 7 and 8.

Dick Steinberg, the architect of the Los Angeles Rams' only Super Bowl appearance, died Monday of stomach cancer at 60. Steinberg had been the general manager of the New York Jets for the last six years, but he is best known for leading to Super Bowls two teams that have not returned since--the Rams in 1979 and the New England Patriots in 1985. Steinberg spent four years, 1976-80, in the Rams' front office as director of college scouting and later director of player personnel.

Dick Steinberg, the architect of the Los Angeles Rams' only Super Bowl appearance, died Monday of stomach cancer at 60. Steinberg had been the general manager of the New York Jets for the last six years, but he is best known for leading to Super Bowls two teams that have not returned since--the Rams in 1979 and the New England Patriots in 1985. Steinberg spent four years, 1976-80, in the Rams' front office as director of college scouting and later director of player personnel.

Standing on a carpet as green as a playing field, surrounded by LeRoy Neiman sketches of the franchise's first and last championship team, Dick Steinberg fingered the keys of his new kingdom. The first was to the front gate of the training complex, the second to the main door of Weeb Ewbank Hall. They were held together by a ring that sported a plastic tag denoting his new affiliation, the New York Jets.

In an effort to keep Dick Steinberg, who quit his job as the New England Patriots' player development director to become vice president and general manager of the New York Jets, the Patriots have offered Steinberg control of their entire football operation. He has not replied as yet.

Joe Walton was fired Tuesday after seven years as coach of the New York Jets. Walton's staff also was fired by new General Manager Dick Steinberg. The Jets finished the season 4-12, their worst record under Walton, who was 53-57-1. "What we've done is tell Joe Walton and his staff that we're going to make a change," Steinberg said. "Mike Hickey (director of player personnel) has tendered his resignation.

The disclosure of NHL players' salaries prompted Dave Molinari of the Pittsburgh Press to do some comparative shopping. Molinari's best-buy team: Center: Pierre Turgeon, Buffalo Sabres, $125,000. Right wing: Brett Hull, St. Louis Blues, $125,000. Left wing: Todd Krygier, Hartford Whalers, $110,000. Defense: Glen Wesley, Boston Bruins, $130,000; Paul Cavallini, St. Louis, $135,000. Goalie: Daren Puppa, Buffalo, $130,000. The worst-buy lineup: Center: Bernie Federko, Detroit Red Wings, $335,000.

They say that Al Davis is a step ahead of the other owners in the National Football League, and Dick Steinberg believes it. He also says it's no accident Steinberg, personnel director for the New England Patriots, told Leigh Montville of the Boston Globe: "Al is everywhere. He has a guy at every game in every city in the league every week. On Sunday night, all of his guys call a special number and a kid takes down their reports.

The disclosure of NHL players' salaries prompted Dave Molinari of the Pittsburgh Press to do some comparative shopping. Molinari's best-buy team: Center: Pierre Turgeon, Buffalo Sabres, $125,000. Right wing: Brett Hull, St. Louis Blues, $125,000. Left wing: Todd Krygier, Hartford Whalers, $110,000. Defense: Glen Wesley, Boston Bruins, $130,000; Paul Cavallini, St. Louis, $135,000. Goalie: Daren Puppa, Buffalo, $130,000. The worst-buy lineup: Center: Bernie Federko, Detroit Red Wings, $335,000.

Joe Walton was fired Tuesday after seven years as coach of the New York Jets. Walton's staff also was fired by new General Manager Dick Steinberg. The Jets finished the season 4-12, their worst record under Walton, who was 53-57-1. "What we've done is tell Joe Walton and his staff that we're going to make a change," Steinberg said. "Mike Hickey (director of player personnel) has tendered his resignation.

Standing on a carpet as green as a playing field, surrounded by LeRoy Neiman sketches of the franchise's first and last championship team, Dick Steinberg fingered the keys of his new kingdom. The first was to the front gate of the training complex, the second to the main door of Weeb Ewbank Hall. They were held together by a ring that sported a plastic tag denoting his new affiliation, the New York Jets.

In an effort to keep Dick Steinberg, who quit his job as the New England Patriots' player development director to become vice president and general manager of the New York Jets, the Patriots have offered Steinberg control of their entire football operation. He has not replied as yet.

Dick Steinberg, former director of player personnel for the Rams who later helped build the New England Patriots into a Super Bowl team, was hired as general manager of the New York Jets Monday amid threats of legal action by the Patriots. Steinberg, 54, accepted a contract estimated at five years for nearly $3.25 million to become the Jets' first general manager in 15 years.

It took 15 years, but diligence and patience have paid off for the New England Patriots. They scouted, scrutinized and drafted each of the players who will start for them in Super Bowl XX next Sunday. There were no short-cut trades, no Cinderella free agents. Only kicker Tony Franklin was acquired in a trade. Only punter Rich Camarillo was signed as a free agent. Defensive end Julius Adams was the first player drafted, as a second-round choice from Texas Southern in 1971.

The games will go on today, but upon reflection after the death last week of Dick Steinberg, New York Jet general manager and friend, Bobby Beathard and associates now ponder how long Beathard will continue to work as general manager of the Chargers. Beathard, so shaken that he could not speak at Steinberg's memorial service, is approaching 59 while awaiting the births of grandchildren Nos. 7 and 8.

They say that Al Davis is a step ahead of the other owners in the National Football League, and Dick Steinberg believes it. He also says it's no accident Steinberg, personnel director for the New England Patriots, told Leigh Montville of the Boston Globe: "Al is everywhere. He has a guy at every game in every city in the league every week. On Sunday night, all of his guys call a special number and a kid takes down their reports.

It took 15 years, but diligence and patience have paid off for the New England Patriots. They scouted, scrutinized and drafted each of the players who will start for them in Super Bowl XX next Sunday. There were no short-cut trades, no Cinderella free agents. Only kicker Tony Franklin was acquired in a trade. Only punter Rich Camarillo was signed as a free agent. Defensive end Julius Adams was the first player drafted, as a second-round choice from Texas Southern in 1971.