In DC, Bill Miller writes that the "battle" over the
"Redskins" nickname moved to a federal courtroom yesterday,
with a group of Native Americans saying that the nickname "is
a racial slur and the franchise countering that it is a
symbol of success and courage." The team has asked a federal
judge "to set aside a ruling" issued last year by a panel
from the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office that "ordered the
cancellation of federal registration of seven Redskins
trademarks, including the logo" (WASHINGTON POST, 6/30)....In
N.Y., Richard Sandomir writes that Devils GM Lou Lamoriello
"agreed" to remain in his current role with the team "for an
unspecified number of years." Lamoriello: "I feel
comfortable I will have 100 percent final say, as I have in
the past" (N.Y. TIMES, 6/30)....In Toronto, Mike Ulmer, on
the police presence at Shea Stadium for last night's Braves-
Mets game, which marked the return of Braves P John Rocker to
N.Y. after making disparaging remarks about the city: "It was
quite a sight. Imagine a three-decker Dunkin' Donuts and you
get the idea" (TORONTO SUN, 6/30)....In St. Paul, Charley
Walters cites sources who report that the proprietor of the
Wild food/gift shop in McGregor, MN, has spent $150,000 in
legal fees "in his fight over naming rights" with the team
(ST. PAUL PIONEER PRESS, 6/30)....More than 300 gay and
lesbian fans will attend the Lynx-Storm game at KeyArena (see
THE DAILY, 6/23) tonight as part of "Pride Night with the
Seattle Storm," a promo run by team Owner Full House Sports &
Entertainment. Storm Dir of Basketball Operations Karen
Bryant: "We'll pursue any potential fans and we need as
inclusive a fan base as possible" (SEATTLE P-I, 6/30).
