Following Wednesday's announcement that GE's NBC and
Time Warner's Turner Sports were "moving forward toward the
creation" of a new professional football league, there has
been nationwide speculation speculation as to where the
league would place franchises. In St. Louis, Jeff Gordon
writes that NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue's "knee-jerk
'leadership'" has left U.S. markets like L.A., Houston, San
Antonio and Portland, along with international markets such
as Toronto, Vancouver and Mexico City "unexplored." Gordon:
"The NFL's expansion policy, such as it is, revolves around
undoing previous errors. ... That has left doors ajar"
(POST-DISPATCH, 5/29). In Houston, David Barron reports
that "preliminary checks by the networks have included a
call about the availability of the Astrodome." Astrodome
USA President Mike Puryear: "There has been contact. ...
They just wanted to know about the facility, who to contact,
would we be interested in entering into a lease with a team.
... We are always willing to talk to anybody and would be
willing to talk to (NBC/Turner)" (HOUSTON CHRONICLE, 5/29).
In San Antonio, Jerry Briggs reports that city is also
"being considered" for a team in the new league. Briggs
reports that "preliminary discussions have already taken
place between league officials and operators of the city-
owned Alamodome" (SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS, 5/29).
TAX BREAK? Chicago Mayor Richard Daley said a new
league would help existing NFL cities, and taxpayers in
those cities "being threatened" by the NFL. Daley: "If you
have two teams -- if you have a public stadium, you cut the
cost down. ... I'm excited about [the prospect of a new
league] ... it strengthens the American taxpayers' hammer"
(Spielman & Potash, CHICAGO SUN-TIMES, 5/29).
