Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1963-08-07
,SEGH AT LARGE
Sample Ignores
TroubIemoker Tag
BY MORRIS sIEGEL

CARLISLE, Pa Aug. Johnny Sample, once rated
among the five best defensive habacks in the National
Football League, rates No. / in role He is
garded the leagues premier troublemaker genuine
all-pro malcontent
without really trying" former teammate said,
Sample is the only man know who up two
car funeral"
The Colts and the steelers who sampled the attitude
Of the new Redskin both eventually dismissed him. with
great relief.
Sample has had the book thrown at him in a not-so-
silent campaign that one of the NILS best-known open
secrets He has been branded clubhouse lawyer suker
sorehead and even thief.
He knows It and what's more he doesn't appear to be
the least concerned about what others think OF him. I'm
outspoken always have been and always will be- he
in defense Of himself hey say what they want about
me- don't really I'm not ashamed OF what I've DONE
I've got no alibis and have nothing to hide.
1.-THE stealing rap is just as untrue all the other
things said about think I'm st pretty good foot
ball player"
HE Is NOT ALONE in his evaluaton Of himself as a
football player Bill McPeak his coach, agrees Other
wise, he wouldn't have bucked George Marshalps obec-
tons in acquiring Sample from the Steelers for fourth
draft pick next year.
Marshall then active in club affairs than he is
currently did not encourage McPeak last March when the
coach reported Sample available Personally say no.
but you do what you want to-" Marshall told McPeak
McPeak originally was suspicious when the steelers
offered the NILS secondbest pass flcher of 1861 to
team in its division for nothing more than draft
pick Before agreeing to the trade McPeak thoroughly
checked Sample.
"A doctor and trainer both told there moth
ing wrong with him physically" McPeak said II also
spoke several of his teammates the Seeers and they
all agreed that when he wants to play he's still one of the
best In the business.
IT gather there something Of personality clash
at Pittsburgh last year." .r -.
SAMPLE, A HANDSOME, 2s-year-old Maryland State
grad who bears remarkable facial resemblance to Harry
Belafonte also blames his troubles on personality prob
lens
after argument with Weeb Ewbank, head coach
of the New York Jets Sample claims Ewbank fined Sam
pie 500 for missing punt in Oklahoma City exhibit
ton game against Dallas.
"Ewbank made 1t sound like did 1t purpose" Sam
pie said 81 told him If he made the fine stick was leav
ing camp"
Both refused to bulge and Sample was traded to the
Seeers the following week after making good his threat
to 60 AWOL from the Colts.
"And that's when the rumor started about me steal
ing watch from Of the Colts" Sample volunteered
Somebody the Eagles started the talk and first thing
you know players whispering That Sample did you
hear what he did in BaltmoreP That's why they got rid
of him.
"of course it isn't true. there's thing practically
every football player too many Of it's watches Why
would want to take somebody's watchP"
-
THE FACT REMAINS that the Colts dumped a back
who IN 1859 played brilliant role in their victory the
Giants for the NIL title He touchdown on an
intercepted pass and almost returned kickoff for an
other score
In 1851 his first season with the seelers he was Sec
ond in the league with eight interruptions THAT
when Chuck Cherundolo defensive coach" he said
Last year 1t was Buster Ramsey and there trouble
Ramsey shouted at me and shouted back. 1t was
plain to he didn't like Naturally took dislike to
him and that's the way it went"
So far there has been indication that Sample is
anything happy with the Redskins He has paired
off with John Nisby, teammate at Pittsburgh McPeak
also has asked Bobby Mitchell favorte of Samples to
offer Sample counsel.
"He's been perfect" Mitchell said Sometimes player
will have things his mind that affect his play know
1t happened to me at Cleveland under Paul Brown"
LAST YEAR WAS ALMOST a total waste for Sample
He missed the last eight games with back injury They
even claimed, of em did, that was taking 1t" he
said bitterly They think I'm washed up They'll see"
Before his back trouble, Sample also had contract
trouble The Seelers couldn't sign him until Just before
the third game Of the league He did not get what
ne thought he was entitled to- When told he had sign
or else Sample did, but he warned the Steelers
Remember this" he said, you're going to get exactly
what you paid for In the six games he healthy he
intercepted passes failed to return punt and ugged
back only two kckoffs.
He feels certain and coaches have blackisted
him. II felt after my good year with Baltimore in SO and
the Pro Bowl game wasn't Wouldn't you feel they had
1t in for your"
At the Redskins camp Sample has shown no hostility
The coaches keeping their fingers crossed Just the same