NFL: The NFL distributed applications for ownership of
the Browns on Friday. There will be a full discussion on
the Browns at the NFL meetings May 19-20. After reviewing
applications, the NFL will request an application fee of
$150,000 from those groups that qualify for further review.
One-half of the fee is refundable, with the other half used
by the NFL to invest in youth football and make charitable
contributions in the greater Cleveland area (NFL). In
Akron, Michael Weinreb reported that about 15 to 20
applications were mailed out (AKRON BEACON JOURNAL, 4/25).
NBA: In L.A., Mark Heisler reported that one reason
that Lakers Exec VP Jerry West may leave the team is over
money, as he asked team Owner Jerry Buss to fund an annuity,
but a friend of West's said, "Buss just wouldn't give him
anything, if you can believe that." Heisler also wrote that
the "sexiest rumor around" is that Clippers Owner Donald
Sterling will give West 20% of his team to run it. Many
people -- "including" Sterling's partners, the Fox Group --
"are urging him to do it" (L.A. TIMES, 4/26)....While the
Hornets had an announced attendance of 19,176 for Game One
vs. the Hawks in the playoffs Thursday night, the turnstile
count was 16,179. In Raleigh, Dane Huffman: "[T]here's no
denying that interest in the club has slumped. ... The
answers seem to involve the maturing of the market, and fan
disenchantment with the Hornets in general and owner George
Shinn in particular" (NEWS & OBSERVER, 4/25).
NHL: The Stars chat room on the Dallas Morning News Web
site "was closed down by the FBI after a threat was posted"
directed at the Sharks' Bryan Marchment (SAN JOSE MERCURY
NEWS, 4/25)....With the Capitals failing to sell out Game
One against the Bruins in the Stanley Cup playoffs,
Washington Sports President Susan O'Malley said one problem
is that Washington, DC, sports fans "simply don't know
hockey." O'Malley hopes to rectify the lack of noise and
add excitement at the new MCI Center at Caps games by
opening up the lower-bowl seats to partial-season buyers
next year. O'Malley, on the perception that Washington
Sports Owner Abe Pollin favors the Wizards over the
Capitals: "I understand the perception, and it's our job to
combat that. Does the owner love the Wizards more than the
Caps? I don't think so" (AP/HOUSTON CHRONICLE, 4/25).
