The "game-day excesses" have gotten out of control at
NFL games and the WASHINGTON POST's Michael Wilbon applauds
the NFL's recent $20,000 fine against the Redskins for
excessive noise. Wilbon: "It's way past time all the leagues
began policing their teams because it's becoming increasingly
difficult to tell the difference between game day in the NFL
and NBA and the WWF" (WASH. POST, 10/30). NFL Commissioner
Paul Tagliabue: "More traditional, older fans talk to me and
tell me they think some of it is excessive, more Hollywood-
driven. The younger fans seem to love it. Different people
have different tastes. So you've got to strike a balance"
(WASHINGTON POST, 10/30). Redskins Senior VP/PR Karl Swanson
argues the stadium "should have an air of excitement. At
kickoff it should be football. But leading up to kickoff,
there should be a flair. And during the game, we think there
is room for music and some other things." Swanson, on the
possibility of changing their game-day operations: "During
the season you're definitely flying by the seat of your
pants. But it's educated flying. If people don't like it,
we'll change it" (WASHINGTON POST, 10/30).
CUTTING BACK: In DC, Mark Maske wrote that Redskins PA
announcer Bruce Kelly has been replaced as the pre-game, on-
field, announcer, but will remain the PA announcer during the
games, after his alleged "Ravens fans suck!" comment on
October 15. Swanson, on the future of on-field announcers:
"The original idea was to use local celebrities. We're going
back to that" (WASHINGTON POST, 10/28). The Redskins will
not be fined by the NFL for their management of the PA system
on October 15 (WASHINGTON POST, 10/29). Meanwhile, Redskins
President Stephen Baldacci sent a letter to Ravens President
David Modell after negative comments Modell made to local
press. The letter said in part, "In the future, if issues
arise, I would appreciate it if you would simply pick up the
phone and call me and we will address them quietly and
directly" (N.Y. TIMES, 10/29).
