NFL owners will meet January 18 in New York to discuss
Raiders Owner Al Davis' charges that an executive deferred
compensation fund was set aside for commissioner Paul
Tagliabue and other top NFL executives (see THE DAILY,
12/6). In Long Beach, Doug Krikorian wrote that "while this
isn't considered a palace revolt among the lodge brothers
that could bring down Tagliabue, it is the first time that
NFL owners have ever met alone to discuss Tagliabue's
deportment and scrutinize his omniscient power." Krikorian
added that there are "several owners who think there might
be credence in Davis' accusations," and that Davis has the
Cowboys, Bills, Bengals, Lions and Dolphins ownership
"aligned with him." While "there are owners who think that
Tagliabue needs to be reined in," Krikorian wrote that it's
"doubtful" Tagliabue is in "serious trouble," as he has 17
owners "firmly in his corner." But owners "straddling the
fence" reportedly include those of the Rams, 49ers, Bucs,
Packers, Vikings, Redskins, Seahawks, Eagles and Jets.
Krikorian concluded that Tagliabue "figures to survive" the
January 18 meeting, but "he might come out of it with some
of his power diminished" (Long Beach PRESS-TELEGRAM, 12/12).
