REDSKINS SALE: On ABC's "Monday Night Football," Al
Michaels reported that Redskins President John Kent Cooke
had "sent a memo to his employees on Friday -- and said 'I
will buy this team. I will be the owner of the team.'"
ABC's Dan Dierdorf: "In talking to John before the game, he
seems to be very confident that he's going to be able to
line up the investors and retain control of the Redskins"
("MNF," ABC, 9/14). The Redskins have teamed with the White
House's national initiative against drug use, becoming the
first team in the NFL to do so (WASHINGTON POST, 9/15).
John Kent Cooke has dedicated the print press box at Jack
Kent Cooke Stadium in the name of late Washington Post
columnist Shirley Povich (WASHINGTON POST, 9/15)
49ERS: ESPN's Chris Mortensen said that if 49ers co-
Owner Eddie DeBartolo Jr. plea bargains to misdemeanor
gambling charges in LA, "maybe [NFL Commissioner Paul]
Tagliabue gives him clearance" to run the team. Mortensen:
"I know the league is going to speak with San Francisco
officials because this is a team that could go up for sale
if things don't get fixed." Mortensen added that team's
"stadium plan is falling apart" ("NFL Prime Monday," 9/14).
On "Monday Night Football," team co-Owner Denise DeBartolo
York, was shown in a box at Jack Kent Cooke Stadium during
the 4th quarter of the Redskins-49ers game. ABC's Michaels,
as DeBartolo York appeared embarrassed as she saw herself on
a monitor inside the box: "Denise is not used to this. She
doesn't enjoy the spotlight." She then ran out of the box.
Michaels: "Denise wants to close the curtain" (ABC, 9/14).
MLB: In FL, former U.S. Senate Majority Leader George
Mitchell said he is interested in joining FL-commodities
broker John Henry's ownership bid for the Marlins.
Mitchell: "John and I have talked, and I'm interested. I
have a high regard for him" (MIAMI HERALD, 9/15).
