Franchise Notes

In Charlotte, Rick Bonnell reported Bobcats Owner Bob Johnson might take the team "off the market" after reportedly being within a couple weeks of a deal with The Postolos Group Owner George Postolos. Bonnell: "I don't think a final decision has been made, but it sounds like Johnson has misgivings, either about whether to sell or what he's been offered" (CHARLOTTEOBSERVER.com, 8/19).

Blue Chip Hospitality Group Shopping Suite For November 1 Vikings-Packers Game

THE SUITE LIFE OF BRETT AND AARON: In Milwaukee, Don Walker reported California-based Blue Chip Hospitality Group has been "shopping a 20-person VIP suite" at Lambeau Field for the November 1 Vikings-Packers game, featuring QB Brett Favre's first return to Green Bay since he was traded after the '07 season, for an asking price of $22,750. Blue Chip President Damian Scribner said that "people around the country had contacted him about the suite," and that it is "safe to say the price of that suite will go up at least another $5,000." Scribner: "Favre has driven the price up" (JSONLINE.com, 8/19). Sources indicated that the Vikings will pay Favre's $12M salary this season in three $4M installments. Favre also reportedly would receive $6M if he were "released before the start of the regular season" (ST. PAUL PIONEER PRESS, 8/20).

RED BULL TAKES YOUR WINGS: In N.Y., Michael Lewis cites MLS sources as saying that the Red Bulls, who have a 2-16-4 record, are "primed to clean house after this abysmal season," which includes firing Sporting Dir Jeff Agoos and coach Juan Carlos Osorio. In addition, a source contends that F Juan Pablo Angel, the team's designated player, is "unhappy with the state of the team and he may not return for next season." An MLS source said of the Red Bulls, "It's a train wreck of a history. It's probably the worst year an MLS club has had" (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 8/20).

WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE: BENGALS.com's Geoff Hobson noted there has been a "huge reaction to the scene" in the first episode of HBO's "Hard Knocks" last week in which Bengals Owner Mike Brown is "sitting in front of a room leading a personnel meeting of coaches and scouts." The clip has fueled "criticism painting Brown as a dictatorial" GM, but Bengals coach Marvin Lewis Monday said that Brown "does ask for the coaches' input." Lewis: "From what I've heard, too much is being made out of that" (BENGALS.com, 8/17).