A representative of Microsoft Co-Founder Paul Allen met this
week with King County Exec Gary Locke and other officials "to
discuss who would be responsible for upgrading the Kingdome
should Allen buy the Seattle Seahawks," according to the SEATTLE
TIMES. Bob Whitsitt, GM of the Allen-owned Trail Blazers and
former GM of the Sonics, to Locke that Allen "would be willing to
put some money in but doesn't want to be the only one." The
meeting is the "strongest indication that Allen is seriously
considering" buying the team (Schaefer & Smith, SEATTLE TIMES,
2/22). MEANWHILE, BACK IN L.A.: A survey of 600 L.A. County
residents, conducted by the Center for the Study of Los Angeles
at Loyola Marymount, revealed citizens would support an NFL
franchise, but not with public funds. According to the L.A.
TIMES, while the study indicated 57% would support the effort to
get an NFL team, football ranked 13th on a list of 13 social
issues confronting local residents. On the Seahawks, 49% said
they would "definitely or probably support" the move. But if
given the choice between an existing team and expansion, 48%
preferred a "fresh start" and 27% wanted a relocated team.
Anaheim Stadium beat out the L.A. Coliseum, the Rose Bowl and
projected Dodger Stadium and Hollywood Park projects as the "site
of choice." Center Dir Fernando Guerra: "People have a hard time
visualizing a new stadium and are fearful they might have to pay
for that stadium" (T.J. Simers, L.A. TIMES, 2/22).
NO FINE, SAYS HAWKS: A spokesperson for Seahawks Owner Ken
Behring denied that NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue had
threatened fines of up to $500,000 if he doesn't keep his team in
Seattle (WASHINGTON POST, 2/23).
