"Once better positioned than any other professional sports
entity to rocket into the new millennium," the NFL holds its
annual meeting in Palm Beach, FL, this week "with the thrusters
apparently stuck on retroglide and several owners threatening the
underpinning of the league's universe," according to Len
Pasquarelli of the ATLANTA CONSTITUTION. Leading the agenda are
votes to approve the Oilers' move to Nashville and the Browns'
move to Baltimore. Also expected to be discussed, the Seahawks'
proposed move to L.A. and the latest lawsuit against the league
by Raiders Owner Al Davis (ATLANTA CONSTITUTION, 3/10). Other
issues to be discussed: instant replay, revenue-sharing, cross
ownership, reassignment of the '98 and '99 Super Bowls, and rules
changes (Rick Stroud, ST. PETERSBURG TIMES, 3/10).
FRANCHISE FREE AGENCY: In Baltimore, Vito Stellino writes,
"Even league officials say they have no game plan for solving the
problem as they lurch from one crisis to another" (Baltimore SUN,
3/10). In S.F., Larry Stone writes, "The current state of the
NFL, it seems, can be summed up in three words: relocation,
relocation, relocation" (S.F. EXAMINER, 3/10).
INSTANT REPLAY: Any chance that Redskins GM Charley
Casserly had of getting either of his two instant replay
proposals passed "was dramatically reduced" yesterday when
Cowboys Owner Jerry Jones voted against them in the Competition
Committee (ATLANTA CONSTITUTION, 3/11). Jones: "I'm a soft no,
but still a no" (WASHINGTON TIMES, 3/11). A poll of coaches
found 26 of 30 in favor. A change would require 23 owners in
favor, and Casserly claims a poll of front-office execs came up
25-5 (USA TODAY, 3/11).
OILERS TO NASHVILLE: Houston Mayor Bob Lanier will attempt
to convince owners that his city meets the league's nine criteria
for keeping a team. Oilers Owner Bud Adams follows Lanier with
his own presentation. A vote is expected Wednesday. Lanier and
Harris County Judge Robert Eckels are expected to offer the NFL a
deal: They will let the Oilers leave before '98 in exchange for
a Cleveland-type deal (John Williams, HOUSTON CHRONICLE, 3/10).
HUIZENGA: Owners will hear a report from the Finance
Committee on cross-ownership. Dolphins Owner Wayne Huizenga is
the only NFL owner who holds interest in more than one pro sports
franchise -- currently against NFL policy. But, according to
Armando Salguero in Miami, that policy "might be altered" (MIAMI
HERALD, 3/10).
SUPER BOWLS: The 49ers will update owners on the '99 Super
Bowl issue, with team President Carmen Policy calling it an
"informational presentation." Policy said they plan to set up a
meeting between the city and the commissioner and that he expects
the issue to be addressed fully at the May meetings in Charlotte.
It is "possible," according to the S.F. EXAMINER's Larry Stone
that San Diego, which is set to host the '98 Super Bowl but is
having its own stadium renovation problems, will be given the '99
Super Bowl instead (S.F. EXAMINER, 3/10). South FL will compete
for either game should venues be changed (MIAMI HERALD, 3/10).
