In Buffalo, Tim Graham cites sources as saying that L.A.-based Doubleline Capital Founder & CEO Jeffrey Gundlach "wants to buy the Bills." Sources said that Gundlach "not only is exploring a purchase, but also has approached" Pro Football HOFer Jim Kelly about "forming a group." Despite Gundlach being based in L.A., he "wouldn't move the Bills there" (BUFFALO NEWS, 7/10).
MORE OF THE SAME: In Phoenix, Nick Piecoro notes the D-Backs entered this season with a payroll of more than $110M and D-Backs President & CEO Derrick Hall said that he expects a "similar figure next season." However, the roster as currently constructed already "appears to be pushing up against that number." The recent trades of P Brandon McCarthy and P Joe Thatcher "probably are just the beginning" of trying to clear some salary. Hall said, "Based on the injuries and the results, we're not even close to reaching our financial goals going into the season, and naturally we're trying to make some changes now and adjust on the fly. The end goal is for these changes to benefit us as early as next season" (ARIZONA REPUBLIC, 7/10).
UP IN SMOKE: In Orlando, Tenorio & Limón Romero reported Orlando City SC is "cracking down on supporter groups after fans were arrested during a road game against the rival Tampa Bay Rowdies Sunday." Sixteen fans were "ejected and four men were arrested after setting off smoke bombs" during the match. The Ruckus and the Iron Lion Firm, the "most vocal supporters" of the incoming MLS club, came under fire "earlier this season for the use of foul language during games." Orlando City SC Owner & President Phil Rawlins issued an open letter to fans yesterday admonishing "a small portion of our fans" for the incidents (ORLANDOSENTINEL.com, 7/9).
