Baltimore's "lucrative offer" to lure the Rams remains
intact, "but it's apparently a limited-time offer." Mark
Wasserman, secretary of MD's Department of Economic and
Employment Development, said Gov. William Donald Schaefer's
message to Rams President John Shaw was, "Don't leave us on the
hook forever." Wasserman said Schaefer "wanted some sense for
how this process will play out, and Mr. Shaw indicated rather
clearly that he hoped to arrive at some sort of decision within
4-6 weeks." Sources in St. Louis "aren't sure if Shaw will
decide that quickly, but nonetheless expect a decision before
Thanksgiving" (Jim Thomas, ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH, 9/25). On
NBC's "NFL Live," Jim Gray featured the courting of the Rams.
Gray noted the St. Louis offer is the most "solid," but Baltimore
is "clearly the leader." Gray noted that last week Orioles Owner
Peter Angelos sought "advice" from Raiders Owner Al Davis on
moving franchises and decided "litigation now would simply be an
inconvenience." Angelos also said that while Redskins owner Jack
Kent Cooke "might not like it ... I'm convinced legally he can't
stop it" (NBC, 9/25).
ST. LOUIS UPDATE: FANS Inc., the local group trying to lure
the Rams, "is putting the final touches on a seat-licensing
program that probably will be instituted to coincide with any
Rams announcement that they are moving here" (Jim Thomas, ST.
LOUIS POST-DISPATCH, 9/24). In a related development, FANS Inc.
is suing Fran Murray, one of the founders of the partnership that
was formed to head up St. Louis' bid for NFL expansion. The suit
asks the court to declare that Murray owns no stock in the St.
Louis NFL Corp. and has no ownership interest in the corporation
and that he has no "existing right to acquire any such stock."
FANS is prepared to protect the Rams from any potential Murray
lawsuits. "The Rams have indicated to FANS that this would
satisfy their concerns" (POST-DISPATCH, 9/24).
DOME-WARD BOUND: St. Louis' 70,000 seat stadium/ convention
center addition is 43% complete. The completion date remains
October 25, 1995. FANS Inc. "has let it be known that perhaps
the stadium could be completed ahead of schedule -- say in
August -- meaning the Rams could play the entire 1995 regular
season in the dome if they moved here" (Jim Thomas, ST. LOUIS
POST-DISPATCH, 9/24).
HARTFORD: CT Gov. Lowell Weicker is not optimistic about
the Rams moving to Hartford (AP/Baltimore SUN, 9/25).
