Mike Rozier Reaches Settlement on Contract, May Become a Free Agent

Mike Rozier has bought out the personal-service contract that bound him to the Baltimore Stars of the United States Football League, and his agent predicted that the 1983 Heisman Trophy winner would become a free agent.

Art Wilkinson, who negotiates for the former Nebraska running back, said Rozier would be able to talk with the Houston Oilers of the National Football League, or any team in the USFL.

An associate of Wilkinson’s said that a settlement has been reached on the two remaining years of Rozier’s three-year, $3.1-million personal service contract with Edward J. DeBartolo Sr., owner of the defunct Pittsburgh Maulers. Rozier became the property of the Stars after DeBartolo bought part of the new franchise. Wilkinson said he is convinced that Rozier will clear waivers. However, a USFL spokesman said that Rozier has not been placed on waivers and is not a free agent.

Rozier said that he is considering playing for the Memphis Showboats of the USFL, or the Oilers. An Oiler executive said that the club will not negotiate with Rozier without written authorization from the commissioner of the USFL. The USFL has filed an antitrust suit against the NFL.