The Broncos will play the Chargers on Sunday, August 8,
in Sydney. The American Bowl, which marks the first time
the league will play in Australia, will be one of the first
events at the Olympic Stadium Australia. CT-based Millsport
will be the event's exclusive promoter (NFL). BRANDWEEK's
Terry Lefton reports that Millsport will "handle everything
but domestic TV sales and production. The latter hasn't
been assigned but will go to either Fox or one of the
ESPN/ABC combo" for a primetime broadcast (BRANDWEEK, 9/21).
NEW PROGRAM FOR VETS: In N.Y., Mike Freeman reported
that the NFL is conducting an "experimental program aimed at
keeping" players out of trouble off the field. The league
wants to use a yearly three-hour seminar to advise players
"on how to deal with such issues as domestic violence, drug
use, gambling, anger management, safe sex and managing
finances." The league's "attempt to reach veteran players
on a team-by-team basis would be the first of its kind in
sports." The NFL "has at least six teams committed to
using the seminar this season. If the seminar is successful
-- and most teams think it will be -- it could spread to
every team within several years" (N.Y. TIMES, 9/20).
