League Notes

Shanahan Announces His Retirement, May Be In Line For Position With NHL

In N.Y., Mark Everson cites sources as saying that former NHLer Brendan Shanahan, who announced his retirement yesterday, "may be in line for a position with the NHL." It is "uncertain what sort of position the NHL might have in store for Shanahan, although there has been speculation it could involve working with the NHLPA" toward the next CBA. Shanahan was a "central figure in the last lockout, backing a bid for a players' committee for input on rules and procedures" (N.Y. POST, 11/18).

MAKING A DIFFERENCE: In Denver, Mike Klis wrote while there is a bit of a backlash to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell's conduct policy, it "seems to me like it's working." Goodell said he believes players are "not only aware" of the policy, but it is "changing behavior." Klis wrote the "behavioral transformation" of Broncos WR Brandon Marshall "could be viewed as anecdotal evidence that Goodell's strengthened conduct policy has settled into the players' subconscious" (DENVER POST, 11/15).

OVERESTIMATING DEMAND: In L.A., Tom Hoffarth notes billboards in the city for the "past few months ... have trumpeted an upcoming UFL game at Home Depot Center, set for Friday." But the league decided to move the game to Sam Boyd Stadium in Las Vegas, the home field of the Las Vegas Locomotives. The UFL "at the moment ... greatly overestimated its usefulness," because if there was a "curiosity factor for the UFL in L.A., it has curiously disappeared." Hoffarth: "Go ahead and plant a franchise here next year, and we'll tell you right now -- we're not on board" (L.A. DAILY NEWS, 11/18).

NARROWING HIS FOCUS: Ferrari President Luca di Montezemolo said that he is "likely to step down from his role" as Formula One Teams Association (FOTA) President "at the end of the year." Di Montezemolo said that he is "set to quit FOTA to focus on his role as Ferrari and Fiat president" (AUTOSPORT.com, 11/17).