NFL: In Houston, John Williams writes that NFL Senior
VP/Communications Joe Browne "scoffed" at yesterday's
Hollywood Reporter story that stated the league will award
the 32nd franchise to L.A. at next week's owners' meeting.
Browne: "It's pure speculation, no decision has been made."
Williams also writes that Bob McNair is lobbying for a
proposal whereby the league "would promise" to be in both
Houston and L.A. by 2002, though each city "would have to
reach certain milestones" by then. McNair: "This proposal
is a 'win-win-win' for all parties" (HOUSTON CHRONICLE,
3/10). For more on McNair, see story (#12).
WHO'S THE MCMANN? Collegiate Professional Basketball
League Founder Paul McMann said on "CNNfn" that he is
"trying to position the league a step below the NBA, a step
above NCAA basketball and become the premier college venue
in the country" ("CNNfn," 3/8).
MLB: Pirates Owner Kevin McClatchy, on the first
meeting of MLB's Blue Ribbon Economic Task Force: "I thought
it was a good meeting. A lot of it was an exchange of
information. And part of it was letting the people not
involved in the game know where we are. ... I definitely
believe there's a resolve to improve the system." The panel
will meet again on March 22 in N.Y. (POST-GAZETTE, 3/10).
