CBS's Mike Lombardi reported on "NFL Today" that the
NFL will consider a realignment of the AFC at the league
meetings on October 27 in Kansas City. Lombardi proposed
four, four-team divisions, which would be effective next
year for the AFC only. Lombardi added that the AFC Wild
Card playoffs would be reduced from three games to two
games. Lombardi added that when and if Houston and L.A. are
added via expansion, the NFC would realign (CBS, 10/11). In
Baltimore, Vito Stellino details a plan offered by Steelers
President Dan Rooney, which would also create four, four-
team divisions, but differs from Lombardi's. Stellino
writes that Rooney's plan has "little chance of passing,"
as NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue is "likely to create" a
six-team AFC Central division by adding Cleveland (SUN,
10/13). ESPN's Chris Mortensen: "Rooney wants this pushed
because he wants next year -- when they add L.A. or Houston
-- to get four team divisions each way. It's a tough thing
to do, but maybe if he can set a trap for the other owners
... he's got a shot" ("NFL Prime Monday," ESPN, 10/12).
Tagliabue said the league will consider two realignment
plans in K.C. and that the league is "more likely" to remain
with the three-division alignment, "at least for the
immediate future" (AP/CHARLOTTE OBSERVER, 10/12).
KING'S THINGS: CNN/SI's Peter King said he is "almost
certain the Patriots will have to move. My gut tells me
they'll go to Providence, not Hartford." King: "There's no
question Houston is ahead [in landing an expansion team],
but owners around the league want to put a team in L.A. ...
Yet if L.A. became that 32nd team, Houston would have one in
5-7 years" (Jim Baker, BOSTON HERALD, 10/11).
EISNER BACKS COLISEUM? Disney Chair Michael Eisner has
"given a tacit endorsement" to the New Coliseum Partners'
bid to land an NFL expansion team in L.A. by writing an
article in the group's newsletter. Eisner details
renovation at Edison Field and wishes the Partners "good
luck on this outstanding undertaking, which is clearly
guided by the best interests of the citizens" of L.A.
(HOLLYWOOD REPORTER, 10/13).
