GREEN BAY, Wis. -- The Green Bay Packers, twice spurned by Bruce Clark, traded the defensive lineman to the New Orleans Saints Thursday for a first-round pick in the 1983 college draft.
The Packers' move, prompted by Clark's staunch unwillingness to play in Green Bay, had long been anticipated. Reports of a deal with the Saints surfaced late last week.
'We're sure happy we got him,' said Saints coach Bum Phillips. 'He's worth everything we gave up for him and more. Bruce is an excellent player who will help our team.'
Clark was Green Bay's No. 1 draft choice two years ago -- the fourth player taken in 1980 -- but bolted to the Canadian Football League after failing to reach agreement with the Packers.
Among the many bones of contention, Clark said, was coach Bart Starr's plan to play him at noseguard. Phillips is making no plans publicly.
'I don't know where we'll use him,' the Saints coach said. 'We'll take a look at him at a couple positions.'
On a number of occasions since his initial snubbing of the Packers, Clark made it clear he had no desire to return to Green Bay. He did, however, express a desire to play in the NFL, especially after a bitter second season with the Toronto Argonauts.
The Packers still held the rights Clark, forcing the former Penn State All-America to resume negotiations with them upon completing a two-year pact with the Argos.
Again, a deal was far from being struck.
After the 1982 draft in May, Clark was free to shop around the league for the best offer he might find. Three teams nibbled, New Orleans most seriously.
Green Bay had the opportunity to match the best offer, thus retaining the rights to Clark, but chose to trade him instead.
Starr was on a golf outing and unavailable for comment. Bob Harlan, a Packer executive and the man who spent much of the last two years negotiating with Clark's agent, was out of town.
Clark was registered at a New Orleans hotel, but could not be reached for comment.
