At the NFL Owners Meetings in Charlotte, ownership is
"moving closer" to approving a new policy permitting cross-
ownership of other major sports teams, according to the this
morning's CHARLOTTE OBSERVER. A change is needed in the current
prohibitive policy to accommodate the Dolphins' Wayne Huizenga
(also owner of the Panthers and Marlins) and likely Seahawks
partner Paul Allen (also of the Blazers). A full vote could come
up before the meetings end today. Also, NFL Commissioner Paul
Tagliabue "made a strong move" to avoid another season marred by
franchise free-agency when he issued a league-wide gag order.
Tagliabue said no team will be permitted to discuss moving to
another city "either publicly or in private negotiations until
after the 1996 season." Such talk would be considered "conduct
detrimental to the league" and would be subject to fines as high
as $500,000 (Charles Chandler, CHARLOTTE OBSERVER, 5/22).
49ers President Carmen Policy said there likely will be
provisions "for an NFL owner to own a franchise in another sport
in the same market or in a market where another NFL franchise
does not exist" (USA TODAY, 5/22).
