In Toronto, David Shoalts reports that while developer
Steve Ellman and partner Wayne Gretzky say that they have
the bank loan in place to complete their acquisition of the
Coyotes, "they still face obstacles to completing" their
$575M plan for an arena complex at the Los Arcos Mall in
Scottsdale. With additional city approval needed, Shoalts
notes that Ellman now faces "a different city council from
the one" that approved creation of a stadium district last
spring, as only one council member who voted in favor of the
deal has "retained his seat" (GLOBE & MAIL, 11/16).
CROCE ADDRESSES CONTRACT ISSUE: In Philadelphia, Phil
Jasner reports that 76ers President Pat Croce is "willing to
wait" on talks over a new contract. Croce "felt compelled
to meet with reporters after an [Philadelphia] Inquirer
report indicated there could be a rift somewhere among"
Croce, Comcast-Spectacor Chair Ed Snider and 76ers coach
Larry Brown. Croce called the fact this his "handshake
agreement" with Snider expires this spring a "non-issue."
On his future with the team, Croce said, "If we win it all,
I might leave. That was my goal" (PHILA. DAILY NEWS, 11/16).
