49ERS CAPOLOGY: In S.F., Matier & Ross write that 49ers
VP John York reported to the NFL "possible ... salary cap
violations" committed by the team "dating back" to '97. A
source said York "noticed something that could be considered
an irregularity, so in good conscience they turned it over
to the NFL" (S.F. CHRONICLE, 7/23). CNN/SI's Vince Cellini:
"In a strange twist, these alleged moves came under the old
Niners regime of Eddie DeBartolo and Carmen Policy and were
reported by new 49ers Owner Denise DeBartolo York and
husband John York. Why? Perhaps evidence of wrongdoing by
her brother Eddie would strengthen DeBartolo York's hold on
the team" ("Sports Tonight," CNN/SI, 7/22).
NFL: In Richmond, Paul Woody, on Redskins Owner Daniel
Snyder firing 25 team employees two days after taking over
the team: "When you're dismissing loyal, long-term
employees, that is not change for the better. It is change
simply for the sake of change, and it does not speak well
for perspective on or studied reflection of the team's
problems. ... The people who did their best to put a
positive spin on an organization spinning in the wrong
direction have been fired" (RICHMOND TIMES-DISPATCH, 7/23).
...In Boston, Tina Cassidy writes that CT AG Richard
Blumenthal "has already obtained documents from a variety of
sources, including 'participants in the discussions,'"
regarding the Patriots' stadium deal in MA. Blumenthal, on
his evidence: "We have evidence that would support a number
of theories that could lead to legal claims against the NFL,
the Patriots, and others. But we're not at this point
ruling out any defendants or claims or confirming any."
Blumenthal said that he "may seek 'more than $2 million' in
damages from the team" (BOSTON GLOBE, 7/23)....In Nashville,
Jeff Legwold writes that former Vikings Senior VP Jeff
Diamond "will be in Nashville today to meet with Titans
owner Bud Adams and is expected to take a job with the
team." Adams and Diamond "are expected to attend a formal
announcement this afternoon." Diamond would oversee the
team's operations (Nashville TENNESSEAN, 7/23).
MORE NOTES: Miami's WNBA franchise has reached 1,250
season-ticket deposits, the last 13 coming from Heat players
P.J. Brown, Voshon Lenard, Jamal Mashburn, Duane Causwell
and Mark Strickland, "who bought them for themselves and
their daughters." The team needs 5,500 deposits at $50
apiece by October 15 to retain the franchise (MIAMI HERALD,
7/23)....NEWSDAY's Steve Zipay writes that NBA and MLB
attorneys have been "reviewing" the YankeeNets merger "for
more than a month." MLB CLO Bob Dupay: "We're moving along
very quickly. We've found no problems and it could be
approved anytime. September is the extreme outside
scenario" (NEWSDAY, 7/23)....In Calgary, Tom Brennan writes
that if Triple A Calgary Cannons Owner Russ Parker sells the
team to U.S. interests, Portland "is a logical destination."
Parker: "I expect to hear from them" (CALGARY SUN, 7/23).
