Hawks Release Bosworth -- Linebacker's Three-Year, Injury-Plagued Football Career Is Over

Linebacker Brian Bosworth was released today by the Seattle Seahawks, ending a three-year career that was plagued by injuries and unfulfilled promise.

Bosworth failed his pre-training camp physical because of damaged shoulders and was placed on waivers.

``Naturally, it's a disappointment to lose a player of Brian's quality,'' General Manager Tom Flores said. ``After more than one physical examination, our medical department could not pass him.''

Bosworth was examined yesterday by Dr. Pierce Scranton, a team physician.

The team's decision ended a three-year saga of injuries and disappointments surrounding the once highly acclaimed linebacker, who was picked in the 1987 supplemental draft.

The Seahawks are obligated to pay Bosworth only $65,000 under terms of the NFL's collective-bargaining agreement with the Players' Association. The agreement stipulates that an injured player receive half of his yearly salary or $65,000, whichever is smaller.

However, the remainder of Bosworth's $11 million contract is protected through an insurance policy with Lloyd's of London. The insurance company is obligated for the remaining $7.3 million. Bosworth's contract continues to escalate from this year's $600,000 to $1.4 million in 1996.

``I've said all along that he's got injury protection,'' Flores said. ``That was all negotiated originally in his contract.''

Flores declined to discuss details of the insurance arrangement but said, ``If it's paid for by the player, it's tax-free income.''

The Seahawks contracted for the insurance but paid the premiums out of Bosworth's salary.

Bosworth has collected $1.2 million in salary the past three seasons and will receive the first $500,000 installment in 1997 of his guaranteed, $2.5 million bonus, funded by an annuity bought by the Seahawks three years ago.

Had the Seahawks elected to place Bosworth on physically unable to perform/failed physical, rather than releasing him, they would have had to pay him this year's salary of $600,000.

Before yesterday's physical, Flores said the team's decision would depend largely on the rate of improvement in Bosworth's physical condition.

Bosworth, who slipped in and out of town without fanfare, was not available for comment.

``He was disappointed, like all of us were,'' Flores said. ``It's sad when a kid comes out of college with a great career and then can't play any more.''

Coach Chuck Knox said, ``Brian Bosworth had tremendous potential as a professional football player coming out of college. Unfortunately for him, injuries have prevented him from realizing his full capabilities. We wish him the best.''

Bosworth's exit ends a brief, stormy career of unfulfilled potential and flamboyant behavior. The former University of Oklahoma star was unpopular with most of his teammates, some of whom resented the $11 million contract he signed as a rookie.

When the Seahawks won the rights to Bosworth in the 1987 supplemental draft, in which the odds were 37-1 against them, they envisioned having a dynamic linebacking corps of Bosworth, Tony Woods, Fredd Young and Dave Wyman.

However, Young demanded a contract equal to that of Bosworth and was traded in 1987 to the Indianapolis Colts. Woods, a 1987 first-round draft choice, was a disappointment at linebacker and has been shifted to defensive end. Only Wyman, a close friend of Bosworth's, remains at linebacker.

Bosworth's trademarks were a Boz haircut and reflector sunglasses, which were widely imitated by youngsters throughout the area in the first year or two he played with the Seahawks.

Bosworth is making a movie, ``The Brotherhood,'' in which he plays an undercover narcotics agent and, according to agent Gary Wichard, wants to pursue an acting career.

If Bosworth is unclaimed by another NFL team, he will become a total free agent. It is not likely he will be claimed. Nor is it likely he will consider signing with another team. Such a move would negate his Seahawk contract and insurance protection.

Bosworth missed 20 games over the past three seasons because of injuries. He underwent surgery on his left shoulder two years ago. His right shoulder, injured last season, did not require surgery.

He started 12 games as a rookie in 1987, missed six games in 1988 because of his first shoulder injury and played in two games last season after suffering an injury to his right shoulder.

Notes

-- Linebacker Ned Bolcar of Notre Dame, Seattle's sixth-round draft choice, and cornerback Daryl Reed of Oregon, a 10th-round pick, have signed contracts.

Bolcar and Reed became the second and third draft choices to sign. Defensive end Robert Morris of Valdosta State signed last week.

-- The Seahawks have 16 unsigned players, including quarterback Dave Krieg and defensive tackle Cortez Kennedy, the No. 1 draft choice.