Crist Signs For One Year

SALAMANCA – Chuck Crist signed a one-year contract with the New York Giants and with it ended a two-month period of indecision.The one-time Salamanca Central all-round athlete, who did not play one second of college football, yet made the Giants’ roster in 1972, returned from New York where he and seven other defensive backs underwent a ‘Get Acquainted’ period of several days with new Giants’ coach Bill Arnsparger and other members of the coaching staff.

“I told them (Giants’ front office) that a multi-year contract was out,” Crist explained, telling about his new pact. “I did sign for much more than I received (in the past). You might say I am very well pleased.”

Crist and a number of other Giants squadmen – including defensive tackle standout Larry Jacobson – refused to sign contracts that had been offered back in March and April.

“Jacobson, in fact, was sought by the Southern California Sun (new World Football League team) and it was a mighty tempting offer,” Crist added. “But when the Giants did come up with their last offer, it was something. I was really super glad Larry grabbed.”

Crist also talked, most candidly, on the thing that is the key topic these days – will, or will there not, be a strike of National Football League players?

“I’d have to say a strike is inevitable at this point,” Crist said.

“Here it is only three weeks from the opening of training camps and we’re far apart (Players’ Association and owners). I don’t see any agreement at this point.

“It’s possible that we’ll come to an agreement two to three weeks into the pre-season period, though. But this time it’s different than it was three years ago (when the players’ strike fizzled out). This time, we’re united, we are right in our demands and we’re letting the media know our side of the story.”

Crist has been teaching in the Salamanca school system the past four months, replacing Lou Foy, the system’s director of athletics and physical education head, who is recovering from a heart attack.