Franchise Notes

Marvin Lewis Apologizes For Saying Police Are “Profiling” Bengals Players

In Cincinnati, Mark Curnutte reports Bengals coach Marvin Lewis apologized Thursday to Cincinnati Police for comments he made Wednesday on ESPN Radio’s “The Dan Patrick Show.” Lewis said in a statement, “I gave a radio interview and made some comments that did not illustrate the high regard I have for the Cincinnati Police Department. I apologize that what I said did not reflect my true feelings. ... I do not believe the Cincinnati Police Department is specifically profiling our players.” Lewis said on the program, “I think there’s profiling, no question. (Cincinnati is) a small place. Our guys stand out, and they know that, and you’ve got to do things the right way” (CINCINNATI ENQUIRER, 5/25).

BRIGADE: The AFL Brigade will play at Sprint Center starting next season. Most ticket prices will go up, but the team is “hoping the new arena’s improved amenities will help boost falling attendance.” Front-row season tickets will cost $1,125, up from $890 currently at Kemper Arena, while end-zone season tickets will increase from $192 to $225. Some upper-level seats will remain $68 for the season. The team averaged 15,234 fans per game last year, but through six games this season, the club is averaging just 11,384 fans (K.C. STAR, 5/25). HORNETS: Hornets Owner George Shinn said the team grossed $150,000 from season-ticket renewals during the team’s draft lottery party Tuesday night. In New Orleans, John Reid reported the Hornets are “planning to utilize [G Chris] Paul and several other players in a number of events to increase the team’s fan base in New Orleans.” Paul said that he “plans to work with Saints [RB] Reggie Bush on community-related events” (TIMES-PICAYUNE, 5/24).

MILLWALL FC: Chestnut Hill Ventures’ John Berylson and Demos Kouvaris have invested $2M in English third division club Millwall FC, giving them the option to acquire more than 30% of Millwall Holdings. Berylson said, “We would rather start at the ground level and go up. The Championship (second division) is our near-term goal” (BOSTON GLOBE, 5/25).