The NFL "is considering" a plan that "would give
Michael Ovitz and Ron Burkle exclusive negotiating rights to
improve and consummate" the deal that state negotiator Bill
Chadwick has been working on for the past six weeks,"
according to T.J. Simers of the L.A. TIMES. Simers notes
the plan "would eliminate Eli Broad, an NFL irritant because
he wants to drive a hard bargain" in bringing a team to L.A.
Simers: "There is no one more despised in NFL circles than
someone unwilling to pay whatever it takes to have a
football team" (L.A. TIMES, 7/28). Meanwhile, NFL owners
"got an early taste" of what L.A. reps "plan to disclose
today" regarding the city's progress on its bid for an
expansion team, as Chadwick "attended a 'pre-meeting' with
the finance and stadium committee Tuesday night." Chadwick,
on the meeting: "I answered a lot of questions, and
economics are the key issue to the state as well as the
owners. ... I didn't have an agenda. I don't know that we
accomplished anything." Chadwick, on his role in the talks:
"My job is basically to come up with a lease that protects
the state's interests. After our presentation ... I'll have
a better idea of what they want. I still have to see if
it's feasible for me to make a recommendation [to CA Gov.
Gray Davis] to do it or not" (HOUSTON CHRONICLE, 7/28).
HOUSTON ON THEIR MIND: In Houston, John McClain writes
that "several" NFL owners "were outspoken this week about
their growing frustration" with L.A.'s "lack of progress."
Chargers Owner Alex Spanos: "We've given them the
opportunity. ... If they're not there, I'm all for Houston.
I'm ready to see Houston get the team." Bills Owner Ralph
Wilson: "If L.A. can't come up with a credible plan, them
I'm for it (Houston)" (HOUSTON CHRONICLE, 7/28). But
Cowboys Owner Jerry Jones said, "I thought the Los Angeles
position was DOA six weeks ago, and now it's breathing. ...
My personal opinion is Bill Chadwick has accomplished an
awful lot from where we were six weeks ago" (PRESS-TELEGRAM,
7/28). Broncos Owner Pat Bowlen, on L.A.: "There's a slim
chance of making it happen now" (L.A. TIMES, 7/28)
LOOKING FOR FRIENDS: In L.A., Mike Downey writes that
Ovitz sent him an e-mail saying, "L.A. could use the help of
an influential columnist to let the NFL and the state know
that we are serious players and that football needs the L.A.
fan base." Downey: "This thing has just dragged on and on,
with the NFL's position pretty much being Yes No Maybe Yes
No Yes. All I ever hear from people here is that they don't
care if we get football or not" (L.A. TIMES, 7/28).
