The Buccaneers sold out their December 7 game vs. the
Packers, marking the earliest sellout in their 22-year
history (TAMPA TRIBUNE, 8/13)....AAA Ottawa Lynx Owner
Howard Darwin said Tuesday he will sell the International
League team at the end of the season. He said he has "no
idea" whether a new owner would keep the team in Ottawa
(OTTAWA CITIZEN, 8/13)....T-Wolves F Kevin Garnett turned
down a 6-year, 103.5M contract extension offer on Tuesday.
In MN, Gov. Arne Carlson commented on salaries driving the
sports fan "to the farthest corners of the stadiums and
arenas they fund." Carlson: "This endless drive for money
has to be curbed" (Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE, 8/13).
...Patriots Owner Robert Kraft "said Tuesday he will sell to
Cleveland or other interests if his search for a stadium
fails." Kraft: "We're one of the few teams eligible. We
have no lease we'd be breaking" (USA TODAY, 8/13).....The
Jets have drawn 25,600 and 23,067 to their two preseason
home games so far -- two of the five smallest crowds in the
league through the first 34 preseason games. Jets President
Steve Gutman: "I think you have to be realistic about what
it is you're asking people to do and when you're asking them
to do it" (Bergen RECORD, 8/13)....Disney's ownership of the
Angels was examined by Bill Shaikin of the ORANGE COUNTY
REGISTER under the header "Enchanted Kingdom." Shaikin:
"[I]n one of the biggest upsets of the baseball season,
Disney might get Employer of the Year. The perks are nice,
but a commitment to winning is nicer, and Disney has won
over an Angels clubhouse long skeptical of the company's
intentions." Angels OF Tim Salmon, on Disney: "They've
mellowed out. Last year, when they were experimenting with
all those things, you were always aware of Disney owning the
team. Now they've been broken of that" (ORANGE COUNTY
REGISTER, 8/12). After being charged with possession of
cocaine, the Angels announced that OF Tony Phillips will not
be in the lineup pending the outcome of his meeting with
doctors representing MLB and the MLBPA. The team will make
a determination of his status after the meetings (Angels).
