RYDER CUP: In N.Y., Clifton Brown writes that some U.S.
players are considering a boycott of the Ryder Cup. Brown
writes that this fall's event "will be the most profitable
event in golf history." September's issue of Golf Digest
reports that it will gross an "estimated" $63M, while the
PGA of America is "expected to net" between $16.5-17.5M.
Players are not paid to compete in the Ryder Cup. David
Duval, on a possible boycott: "It could happen this
September. ... It's imminent. This is just from talking to
the guys. Some of them are fed up" (N.Y. TIMES, 7/28).
Duval: "What are we going to receive for the Ryder Cup? A
stipend of $5,000 each? I just might take that money and
retire. And we're not used?" (BOSTON GLOBE, 7/28).
SUPER BOWL NOTE: In Jacksonville, Michael DiRocco wrote
that the NFL "has a better feeling" about a Super Bowl in
Jacksonville "after a recent visit" by league officials, but
there is "still concern about the area's hotel
accommodations." NFL VP/Special Events Jim Steeg: "The
major concern that we've had is twofold. One had to do with
the idea of using cruise ships of supplementing hotel rooms
and the other had to do with the overall quality of hotel
rooms." The "earliest available date" for hosting the event
is 2004 (FLORIDA TIMES-UNION, 7/27).
