MEMPHIS: Despite a report in USA TODAY which had the
Hamilton Tiger-Cats possibly moving to Memphis, David Williams
advises Memphis football fans not to get too excited. CFL Chair
John Tory: "The [USA TODAY] article is stating conclusions that
haven't been reached yet and reported on deals that haven't been
done." Tory did not rule out a move, but said Hamilton will get
a chance to keep its team. If the Tiger-Cats move to Memphis,
they might not be able to play in the Liberty Bowl because the
William Dunavant-led group that pursued an NFL franchise has the
lease rights to the Liberty Bowl through 2000. Steve Ehrhart, a
Dunavant associate: "We're still trying to make a determination
of what is the best type of football for Memphis." The Dunavant
group has not ruled out the CFL but a "higher priority" is a new
pro football league to compete with the NFL (Memphis COMMERCIAL
APPEAL, 10/20).
EDMONTON: The Eskimos are asking the city of Edmonton for a
$1M annual subsidy from the city -- "or muscle into control of
profits from Commonwealth Stadium." Under the current
arrangement with the city, the Eskimos get Commonwealth Stadium
rent free, as well as a share of ad revenue and any stadium
concessions profits generated by football operations (EDMONTON
JOURNAL, 10/20).
