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About The daily Nebraskan. ([Lincoln, Neb.) 1901-current | View Entire Issue (Aug. 27, 1996)
_ Scott Beuhn/DN FORMER NEBRASKA I-BACK Lawrence Phillips, the sixth pick in the 1996NFL draft, faces prison time ifhe is convicted of a J une drunken driving charge. Phillips shows signs of future stardom Staff Reporter KANSAS CITY, Mo.—After be ing selected No. 6 overall in the 1996 National Football League draft by the St. Louis Rams, forma* Nebraska run ning back Lawrence Phillips m>w must prove he can perform in the NFL — or he won’t get paid. Phillips held out of the Rams’ train ing camp fir 16 days before signing a $5.6 million contract with no signing bonus. In his first extensive NFL action on Aug. 3, Phillips ran for 37 yards and was particularly impressive an a 3-yard touchdown run, avoiding a tackle in the backfiekl before speed ing into the end zone. “I’m running mostly on instinct right now and my instincts are pretty good,” Phillips told the Associated Press. “You don’t want to think too much, just basically react, and when I learn the offiense I’ll be better” Against die Kansas City Chiefs Aug. 17, he played only one half, rush ing three times for two yards. ^ “It’s tough to run the ball in this ^y^«»ade«tly.’’ St Louis Coajch Phillips was wrested for drunken driving in June whileon probation for an attack on a fanner gMfticnd last M. A year ago, he was suspended far six games during his junior season. Officials in Nebraska have said they probably would seek to revoke Phillip8' probation ifhe is found guilty on the dnmken driving charge, which would mean an automatic 30-day jail sentence. Phillips is to appear in court Wednesday, four days Wore the sea son opener in St. Louis against Cin cinnati. But the Rams, and Phillips’ attor neys, are confident that if he is sen tenced, his jail time won’t cbme until after the season. Phillips thinks he’ll avoid jail. Starting in training camp, the Rams took pains to keep Phillips from making any more false steps. Besides workouts and meetings that take up most of his day, the team has four ex 66—~~ The players will wrap him up in their cocoon, and he’ll be on the straight and narrow.” - • • 5 ^ £ 1 JohnnyRoland St Louis offensive coodmator Nebraska players on its roster. r “We have a close-knit group, a fam ily-type situation,** Offensive Coordi nator Johnny Roland said. “The play ers will wrap him up in their cocoon, and he’ll be on the straight and nar - '"T'-'r Former CornhUsker guard Zach Wiegert, who is enferh^ lus second season ndtb the Rams, said he was ifonfideiBt Phillips could become suc cessfulin the NFL. “Any time you have a running back that plays at a big school— taking30 carries a game and doing as well as he did— that’s going to prepare you for about anything you’re going to see,” Wiegert said. “Physically, his tools are all there. It’s just lesming the system and get ting comfortable in the backfield. But he’ll definitely be a big asset to this team.” Phillips is counting on big num bers, like the 165 yards he gained against Florida in the Fiesta Bowl, to put his shaky past to rest. “I hope me playing well and doing the things I have to do will be enough for the fans,” Phillips said. “Everybody has an opinion and not everybody is going to like you. “But ifyou’re worried about every-. thing that’s said, you’d spend your whole life trying to defend yourself” * - , i g T\f Prpti foutrfeutfd to this report* • ■$%,.> ■ MERGE When we all work together, great things can happen. MDPir Muscular Dystrophy Association 1-800-572-1717 _ Free Night Service Between East and City Campus Monday - Thursday "1 6:15 p.m.-10:35 p.m. ^ GET ONUNE FOR A PRICE THAT'S MUNE YOUR BUDGET... NAVIX UNL PLAN. :',f ’’K'3s3,gii!iC- . Navix Internet Access faculty and staff forjust $10 a month with 40 hours each! What’s more, there’s no installation fee. .> irrto the full powerofthe Net There’s even a local ■ Help Desk if you need assists