In Detroit, Joe Falls, on Lions Owner William Clay
Ford's return to Detroit in a new stadium: "He is coming
back to town not for any civic reasons ... the Lions are
coming back [to Detroit] for money and not because they want
to make Detroit a better place to live. Ford had that
chance more than a quarter of a century ago and put his
interests ahead of those who truly own the franchise -- the
people" (DETROIT NEWS, 11/23)....In St. Paul, Charley
Walters reports that Portland, OR, is "quietly continuing
its pursuit" of the Twins (ST. PAUL PIONEER PRESS, 11/23).
...ESPN's David Aldridge reported that "sources indicate
that earlier this month" the Nets "offered an executive
position with basketball oversight to" NBA VP/Operations Rod
Thorn. Aldridge: "It is believed that Thorn would have
taken over many of the responsibilities of current Nets GM
John Nash. Thorn ... turned down the offer" (ESPN,
11/22)....In Boston, Jim Baker reports that AFL Commissioner
David Baker called the possibility of Boston landing an
expansion team to play at the FleetCenter in 2002 "highly
likely" (BOSTON HERALD, 11/23)...."South Park" creators Trey
Parker and Matt Stone "have allowed" the NHL Kings to
"incorporate characters" from their show into scoreboard
messages at Staples Center (CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 11/23).
