Lawyers for the city of Cleveland argued yesterday that the
Browns are "legally obligated to remain in town through 1998,"
according to this morning's Baltimore SUN. In opening statements
before Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas Judge Kenneth
Callahan, the city displayed "poster-size blowups" of the team's
Cleveland Stadium lease. But Browns attorney Dennis Kelly argued
the lease was with the Art Modell-owned Cleveland Stadium Corp.,
not the city. The SUN's Jon Morgan notes the case "could delay
but not stop the Browns' intended move" (Baltimore SUN, 11/21).
Robert Weber, another attorney representing the Browns, said even
if the team is forced to play in Cleveland, they will leave.
Weber: "What's done is done" (USA TODAY, 11/21). The judge
extended his order barring the Browns from leaving until the end
of the hearing (WASHINGTON POST, 11/21).
BALTIMORE'S CHAMPIONSHIP TEAM: "Thousands" of fans of the
CFL Champion Stallions gathered at Baltimore's Inner Harbor
yesterday to greet the team. Stallions Owner Jim Speros was
cheered when he said, "We're Baltimore's team, and we want to be
Baltimore's team" (Drake Whitam, Baltimore SUN, 11/21). But a
SUN editorial previewing today's meeting between Speros and MD
Gov. Parris Glendening, refers to the "gypsy-like" CFL. The SUN
states: "The CFL Stallions represented Baltimore well, but given
the business realities of professional sports these days, it may
be time to seek greener pastures" (Baltimore SUN, 11/21).
