Patriots Owner Robert Kraft and CT Gov. John Rowland
met Monday "for the second time in four days" to discuss the
team's possible move to the proposed Adriaen's Landing site
in Hartford, according to Christopher Keating of the
HARTFORD COURANT. Monday's meeting lasted "nearly" five
hours and came after Friday's meeting that "also lasted
longer than expected." Keating: "The combination of the
frequency and the length of the sessions has led to
increased speculation among Hartford officials that the two
sides could be getting closer to a deal." Also yesterday,
$7M in federal funds were awarded to the Adriaen's Landing
riverfront project (HARTFORD COURANT, 11/17).
FROM MA: In Boston, Tina Cassidy writes that MA House
Speaker Thomas Finneran "dismissed" Kraft's recent statement
that he would sell the team unless he gets financial support
for a new facility. Finneran: "It doesn't really mean
anything." Asked if he feared the team could relocate,
Finneran said, "I don't know if the NFL wants to act in such
a disrespectful fashion" (BOSTON GLOBE, 11/17). Finneran
also called Kraft's comments on a possible sale "side shows
that seem to crop up every time the performance on the field
is something less than what we hope" (BOSTON HERALD, 11/17).
