Eli Broad "extended a vague overture to rival Michael
Ovitz" and offered to join forces with him on a bid for an
L.A. NFL expansion team, according to Newton & Simers of the
L.A. TIMES. Broad's "offer was unclear on which of the two
men would lead the effort from here. In fact, the offer was
contained in a letter sent to news organizations before
Ovitz had received a copy." Broad reportedly met with Ovitz
partner Ron Burkle on Thursday to discuss "how rivals might
combine efforts." Sources said that Broad's letter was
"motivated by the NFL's continued dawdling" over L.A.
expansion, and while Ovitz said that he shares that
"frustration," he declined to comment on Broad's offer.
Ovitz: "I'm as frustrated as anybody by the NFL process.
But I'm doing what they tell me to" (L.A. TIMES, 5/28).
ON NFL: An L.A. TIMES editorial, on the NFL's expansion
process: "[NFL Commissioner Paul] Tagliabue and the owners
should realize that new public money for the project is out
of the question. The league bosses should pick an ownership
group, set a price for the franchise and get on with it.
Southern Californians love football, but we're getting darn
tired of having our tail yanked" (L.A. TIMES, 5/27).
