NFL: In Minneapolis, Vikings GM Tim Connolly said that
the sound in the Metrodome "was turned down" 20% last night
during the Eagles-Vikings game after the team received
complaints from season-ticket holders (Minneapolis STAR
TRIBUNE, 8/27)....In Seattle, Percy Allen wrote that the
Seahawks may not return to Eastern Washington Univ. (EWU)
next year for training camp even though they have one year
left on their three-year contract with the school. EWU is
"seeking" a long-term deal, but Seahawks coach Mike Holmgren
"remains noncommittal" about the team's future plans
(SEATTLE TIMES, 8/26)....Total attendance at the Cowboys'
training camp in Wichita Falls (TX) this summer was 48,000,
down from more than 90,000 who attended last year's camp
(DALLAS MORNING NEWS, 8/26)....In Pittsburgh, Mark Belko
wrote that Steelers team buses received police escorts from
Allegheny County sheriff's deputies this week on the way to
practice so the team could "become acclimated to its new
training site" (PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE, 8/26).
MORE NOTES: In Ottawa, Tara Tosh writes that a
potential lawsuit filed by Senators fan Len Potechin on
behalf of Senators' season-ticket holders against Senators C
Alexei Yashin for holding out might include Yashin's agent
Mark Gandler. Potechin's attorney Arthur Cogan: "If it is
determined (Gandler) is inducing (Yashin) to breach his
contract, then he's not beyond being a defendant in the same
lawsuit." Gandler, when asked about the case: "I don't
comment on lunacy" (OTTAWA SUN, 8/27)....The Padres
announced yesterday that they had a net operating loss of
$6.9M last season despite making it to the World Series.
Padres Owner John Moores: "I guarantee you it will get
worse. Again, the only thing Joe Sixpack cares about is
competitive balance. That's the root of the problem" (AP,
8/27)....Italian Serie B soccer club Sampdoria has
"confirmed" a 12-year equity investment by German media
group UFA Sport worth a reported $50-60M (FIN. TIMES,
8/27)....In Orlando, Dan Tracy reports that Ogden
Entertainment/Goodings Hospitality Service "was the top
choice" of an Orlando City Hall committee to sell
concessions at Orlando Arena, the Florida Citrus Bowl and
Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre this fall. The contract
"could be worth" as much as $10M a year (SENTINEL, 8/27).
