NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue's "surprise decree"
regarding talk of franchise relocation "stunned" Bucs Owner
Malcolm Glazer and team GM Rich McKay, according to Nick Pugliese
of the TAMPA TRIBUNE. Tagliabue threatened owners with a
$500,000 fine for discussions during the '96 season about
relocation. But under a deal approved two months ago and "partly
negotiated" by NFL President Neil Austrian, the Bucs are allowed
to talk to other cities and discuss a backup plan in case Tampa
does not approve a new stadium. Tagliabue said yesterday the
Bucs are not allowed to speak with either Cleveland or L.A. as
those markets are being managed by the league, but one league
source said the Bucs have had substantial discussions with
representatives from Hollywood Park. Tagliabue will speak with
Glazer today "to clarify his stance" on a possible move within
FL. Pugliese writes it is "unclear" the policy "would be just as
enforceable as the league's relocation guidelines, or if he
simply was rattling a saber to show Congress he means business
about anchoring teams" (TAMPA TRIBUNE, 5/22).
HOUSTON: The cross-ownership vote could hurt Padres Owner
John Moores' pursuit of an NFL team for his hometown Houston,
according to John McClain of the HOUSTON CHRONICLE. Moores would
likely have to sell the Padres to land a team in Houston because
by owning an MLB team in San Diego he would be considered in
competition with the Chargers. Tagliabue said he has talked to
Moores about the rule, but that he hasn't been "too specific."
Moores said he has no plans to sell the Padres, and that he
doesn't understand the NFL's logic behind the measure (HOUSTON
CHRONICLE, 5/22).
