The Board of Trustee's overseeing the Hugh Culverhouse
estate officially put the "for sale" sign over "One Buccaneer
Place" yesterday. Stephen Story, the trustees' spokesperson,
said "outside occurrences have forced" their hand, adding it was
in the franchise's best interest "to expedite the sale of the
team as swiftly as possible." The outside occurrences appear to
be the split between the trust and the Culverhouse family,
including two lawsuits filed by family members against the trust.
Story hinted at a quick sale and was hopeful for local
ownership, "If a new owner is to be in place, that party should
have every opportunity to prepare for the '95 season. ... We all
want very much for the team to stay in Tampa." After the
announcement, "local residents interested in buying the team
started lining up." Yesterday, Story met with a group headed by
Tampa developer Tom Shannon and Outback Steakhouse CEO Chris
Sullivan. Other prospective Tampa buyers include Vince Naimoli,
currently heading Tampa's baseball expansion bid, Gina Pala of
Dixon Ticonderoga, and Yankees Owner George Steinbrenner (Nick
Pugliese, TAMPA TRIBUNE, 11/11). Any new owner would probably
"want renovations made to Tampa Stadium that could cost $60-
$70M," including more club and sky box seating (Pat Yaskinskas,
TAMPA TRIBUNE, 11/11).
BUCS ON THE RUN? Both the NFL and various team owners would
"like to see the team remain in Tampa Bay." But in Baltimore,
Orioles Owner Peter Angelos, who offered $200M for the Bucs
earlier this year said, "Clearly we have an have interest, and
clearly we intend to pursue it" (Jon Morgan, Baltimore SUN,
11/11). Parties in St. Louis, trying to lure the Rams, had no
comment. But "there are several things about a Bucs sale that
might be more appealing for St. Louis. Most notably it could be
cheaper" (Jim Thomas, St. Louis POST-DISPATCH, 11/11). NFL
Commissioner Paul Tagliabue said the league "would very much like
to see a strong and successful team in Tampa." Browns Owner Art
Modell: "I wouldn't be quick to jump to the conclusion that the
Bucs are going to move out of the area. I don't think that Hugh
Culverhouse would posthumously like that." Chiefs Owner Lamar
Hunt said his "preference is for every team to stay where it is."
Hunt: "It probably is a great time to sell. There is a labor
peace, a TV contract in place, a salary cap, and attendance is
strong. ... They have got a fine stadium there and large niche
that market" (Don Banks, ST. PETERSBURG TIMES, 11/11). Saints
Exec VP Jim Miller: "We would prefer to see any team that's
currently in a league city stay in that city" (Baltimore SUN,
11/11).
