Oilers Coach Jeff Fisher has told his team they should not
be distracted by all of the news surrounding Owner Bud Adams'
looking into moving the team to Tennessee, according to this
morning's HOUSTON CHRONICLE. Fisher: "As a team, we can't dwell
on it" (HOUSTON CHRONICLE, 8/14). But the off-the-field moves
continue. A weekend wrap-up:
PUT IT IN WRITING: Adams took the occasion of this
weekend's exhibition game in Knoxville to reach a 70-day
exclusive negotiating agreement with Nashville Mayor Phil
Bredesen, and to sign a similar agreement with TN Gov. Don
Sundquist, according to John Williams in the HOUSTON CHRONICLE.
Bredesen said he is "almost certain" state and local officials
will support a deal for a stadium worth between $200-300M, and
that pledges would be made by businesses and fans to fill luxury
boxes and club seats. A buyout of the Oilers' two remaining
seasons at the Astrodome "would have to be arranged" (HOUSTON
CHRONICLE, 8/13).
REACTION IN HOUSTON: Community leaders "opined" everything
from skepticism to surrender to Adams' demand for a new stadium,
according to T.J. Milling and Julie Mason in the HOUSTON
CHRONICLE. While Houston Mayor Bob Lanier said he hopes the team
stays in Houston, he reiterated his promise not to build a
publicly-funded stadium for the team. Meanwhile, Houston Metro
Board Chair Billy Burge noted, "If we lose the Oilers, we're not
going to get a new team without a new stadium" (HOUSTON
CHRONICLE, 8/12). Oilers guard Bruce Matthews (whose four-year,
$10.3M contract is one of the reason Adams is looking for more
revenue) said, "I'll kick Bud back a couple of grand if he'll
stay in Houston" (John McClain, HOUSTON CHRONICLE, 8/12).
