Rams Void Gooch Deal After Physical

ST. LOUIS (AP) _ Jeff Gooch failed a physical and will not join the St. Louis Rams. <br><br>The Rams acquired the 26-year-old linebacker from Tampa Bay this week for a fifth-round draft pick. But the deal

Friday, March 23rd 2001, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

ST. LOUIS (AP) _ Jeff Gooch failed a physical and will not join the St. Louis Rams.

The Rams acquired the 26-year-old linebacker from Tampa Bay this week for a fifth-round draft pick. But the deal was contingent upon Gooch passing a physical.

Gooch underwent groin surgery this offseason. Rams coach Mike Martz said the team's medical staff would not approve Gooch because of a gap in the bone in the groin area.

Gooch returns to Tampa and the Rams get their fifth-round pick back.

He had been penciled in as the Rams' starting weakside linebacker. St. Louis was expected to renew interest in free-agent linebacker Darrin Smith of New Orleans.