Rams release rookie Sasser due to pre-existing condition

ST. LOUIS (AP) The St. Louis Rams have released rookie wide receiver Bud Sasser because of a pre-existing medical condition.

Coach Jeff Fisher declined to reveal the nature of the problem Thursday, but said the former Missouri star, a sixth-round pick, had failed his physical.

The team and Sasser agreed to terms on a contract on Wednesday and he'll be paid his signing bonus of about $113,000.

Fisher said team medical staff as well as outside physicians recommended Sasser not play.

''We did some extensive studies after the draft, very extensive as you can imagine,'' Fisher said after an OTA workout. ''It was determined and concluded by numerous physicians that he had a pre-existing condition that we don't feel will allow him to play.''

Fisher said the Rams contacted Missouri and concluded that the problem just ''slipped through the cracks.''

Sasser caught a team-leading 77 passes for 1,003 yards and 12 touchdowns last year. He was not invited to the combine, keeping NFL teams from putting him through a complete physical at that time.

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