CFL Commissioner Larry Smith said the league will deal with
the possibility of losing one or all of its U.S. franchises at a
Governors meeting next month in Toronto (CP/ HAMILTON SPECTATOR,
11/16). In Toronto, Steve Simmons writes, "Rumors abound that
Smith will be replaced if the league maintains both Canadian and
American teams, and there are stories circulating ... that he is
gone no matter what form the league takes on" (TORONTO SUN,
11/16)....The CISL's Board of Governors meet today and tomorrow
in San Diego at the annual winter meeting. Topics: player
compensation, length and time of season; alignment; expansion;
league-wide marketing; and the draft. The Board expects to
review at least four new franchise applications (CISL)....The MLS
holds a news briefing Tuesday, November 21, to introduce senior
management and outline national promotions (MLS).... Noting poor
attendance in Washington and Long Island, Dave Fay writes the NHL
"is getting itself into trouble, which is what happens when you
tinker with a product a loyal following loved" (WASH. TIMES,
11/15)....In Indianapolis, Bill Benner examines the dilemma
facing IHL Commissioner Bob Ufer: "While he talked on one hand
about a hard salary cap in the IHL and keeping ticket prices low,
he also spoke of expansion into bigger markets and forging
alliances with NBA teams" (INDIANAPOLIS STAR-NEWS, 11/16).
