The Flyers are reportedly reviewing their relationship with
WIP-AM radio after radio talk-show speculation on Eric Lindros'
"connection" with reputed mobster Joey Merlino. In response to
allegations in a local magazine, The Fan (published by WIP
personalities), Lindros said through a Flyers spokesperson that
he had met Merlino three times in public places, but denied
having any kind of friendship or "connection" with him. Merlino
has used seats reserved for Lindros at the CoreStates Spectrum,
but the team said Merlino bought the tickets from the team, which
sells players' complimentary seats when they aren't being used.
A Flyers statement said the matter "has been turned over to our
attorneys. We will take appropriate action to protect the
interest of the organization, and we fully support our players"
(Les Bowen, PHILA. DAILY NEWS, 5/30). Columnist Bill Conlin
criticizes The Fan's reporting, and writes, "The beginning of the
end of Eric Lindros's career in this town began on the radio
yesterday" (PHILA. DAILY NEWS, 5/30).
SOX-IT-TO-THEM: Boston's WABU-TV "reacted strongly" to
claims that lower Red Sox ratings and commercial flow have
depreciated the value of the team's TV rights. WABU GM Bob
Gordon denied the station's ad revenue for the Sox is only
$60,000 a game -- or just "over half what's needed" to make its
one-year, $9M deal work. Gordon would not confirm that BU-owned
WABU is up for sale, but he added that they expect to have
"first-shot" at Red Sox rights when bidding opens for next season
(Jim Baker, BOSTON HERALD, 5/29).
