Oilers Owner Bud Adams has decided against trying to buy out
the last year of his Astrodome lease, "guaranteeing" the Oilers
will play the '97 season in Houston, according to John McClain of
the HOUSTON CHRONICLE. Sources "close to the situation" said the
team's 5-3 record and back-to-back Astrodome crowds of over
50,000 helped convince Adams that there is no need to pursue a
buyout with Houston Mayor Bob Lanier, Harris County Judge Robert
Eckels and Astrodome USA/Astros Owner Drayton McLane. The Oilers
have a deal to move to Nashville in time for the '99 season --
but nothing in the agreement says they have to move before a new
stadium is completed in '99. The CHRONICLE's McClain notes,
"Right now, the Oilers are planning to move in 1998, but even
Adams has said nothing is guaranteed until 1999, when they are
legally bound to move unless he wants to pay a $117 million
buyout." An NFL source confirmed that the league expects the
Oilers to stay in Houston next season (HOUSTON CHRONICLE, 10/27).
Adams: "I've said all along that we'd probably play here in
1997. For the last 18 months, I've said I'll honor the contract,
but I'm not guaranteeing anything." Adams gave "conflicting"
answers when asked where the Oilers will play in '98, first
saying, "We haven't even planned that far ahead," then adding,
"We'll be somewhere in Tennessee in 1998" (John McClain, HOUSTON
CHRONICLE, 10/28).
ADAMS WITHDRAWS SUPPORT: Following the Oilers loss to the
49ers yesterday, Adams was critical of Houston Mayor Bob Lanier
and his role in allowing Adams to buy out the team's Astrodome
lease. Adams also withdrew his support for a November 5 stadium
referendum. Adams, on Lanier: "Two years ago, I spoke to Mayor
Lanier, and I told him I'd sign a 30-year lease if we got a new
stadium, but he didn't want to listen, so we made a deal with
Nashville. I offered to keep the team here. He didn't want to
hear it." Adams, on the referendum: "It's such a screwed up
mess. I don't vote for screwed-up messes" (HOUSTON CHRONICLE,
10/28).
