OLIVER STONE's "ANY GIVEN SUNDAY" is "technically
superb, the most realistic version of football's speed and
violence," according to Steve Persall of the ST. PETERSBURG
TIMES, who writes that Stone "glosses over several issues
damaging the sport" off the field. No "player is shown
abusing drugs, or his significant other." The NFL did not
cooperate with Stone on the film and an NFL official said
that no one from his office had reported attending an advance
screening. NFLP Dir of Corporate Communications CHRIS
WIDMAIER said Stone's request for league assistance was one
of many the league receives each year for licensing
permission: "This particular one, we chose not to participate
with. We saw a number of different script treatments. We
just didn't think some of the themes being brought up would
be in our best interests. The vast majority of NFL players
are good citizens. Focusing on the negatives didn't
particularly appeal to us." Stone said that Cowboys Owner
JERRY JONES and 49ers Owner EDDIE DEBARTOLO were "very
helpful" on film production (ST. PETERSBURG TIMES, 12/17).
THUMBS DOWN FROM RUSSELL: Raiders DT DARRELL RUSSELL
worked briefly as a consultant on the film, but was not
impressed with the cast: "People are saying, 'Oh, Oliver
Stone directed it? Great reviews. It's gotta be good.' But
the only good actor I saw there was [AL] PACINO. DENNIS
QUAID hasn't done anything since, what, 'InnerSpace.' And
CAMERON DIAZ? This ain't '(There's) Something About Mary.'
And LL COOL J? That right there kills your movie. This
ain't 1989, and he ain't rapping" (S.J. MERCURY NEWS, 12/17).
