NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue is interviewed by USA
TODAY's Larry Weisman and talks on off-the-field issues
facing the league. On revenue sharing, Tagliabue says
"there's a growing feeling that we need to look at a
stronger league role in making the preseason schedule, both
from a competitive standpoint and in terms of the economics
of the preseason. That's something that puts some clubs $1
million to $2 million behind in revenue before you've even
started the regular season." Tagliabue feels the Bills are
"making progress" toward a new agreement with Erie County,
NY, but that the team "might have to reach out" to both the
Toronto and Rochester markets. Tagliabue, on the franchise
relocation and stadium issue: "We really have spent a lot of
time on the stadiums. Just trying to get that franchise
stability back has been a major priority. ... We've made the
case that we need stadiums to remain competitive with the
other sports and other entertainment. That's what it boils
down to. Everyone's building arenas except one sport. You
can't live with that situation" (USA TODAY, 7/30).
