Wizards Owner Ted Leonsis said there is "no announcement" pending regarding a possible name change for the team. Leonsis appeared on WTOP's "Ask the Owner" with Bruce Alan on Monday and said, "I like where we are right now. I think that the new uniforms, we want to build a great new team and I think we're in a good position right now. So there's no change being contemplated." The Wizards this summer unveiled new uniform designs, and he said, "That went off really, really well and I think when bloggers are calling it the most beautiful thing they've ever seen and Sports Illustrated uses it as their proxy of the best-looking uniforms, I'm really proud of what we did." Leonsis added, "Going back to the red, white and blue for all our teams has really worked, the fans love it and I can't wait to see those uniforms in the flesh." Leonsis also owns the Capitals and was asked why he is so well-liked by area fans. He said, "I hear what the fans are complaining about. Two years ago I made news by saying that I was going to walk around and make sure all the ketchup dispensers were filled and everyone laughed, but that was an issue. And this weekend, one of the No. 1 complaints was mayonnaise, and it was passionate." Meanwhile, Leonsis said it would be "absolutely fantastic" to host a Winter Classic in DC. He added, "We certainly have the fan base for it and the league thought that it was doable, that the technology was available to keep the ice in very, very good condition. ... It's not just great for the league and for the teams, it's great for the fans and it's fantastic for the city" (WTOP.com, 10/10).
A MAN OF THE PEOPLE: Leonsis wrote on his blog yesterday that some fans "may have noticed last night that we have reprogrammed the main screen in Verizon Center to have new graphics -- some new type faces for print oriented messaging and that we changed the order of the teams to be more consistent with the way media reports scores -- visiting team first at home team, second." Leonsis: "Several folks have resisted the change to the order of teams on the scoreboard and have emailed me to ask if we can go back to Capitals on left side of score board, first, followed by visiting team on right - second. We will consider this change. ... Tell us what needs improving and within reason we are here to help and provide service to you. We want you to be happy!" (TEDSTAKE.com, 10/11).
