Cowboys Owner Jerry Jones believes that an NFL-owned stadium in L.A. "would work," according to Sam Farmer of the L.A. TIMES. Jones said of the idea, "That certainly should be considered." He added, "There are several financial structures that would fit a league-ownership position. Not just one. All of them are plausible and good business. I want to emphasize that the energy behind going back to Los Angeles will transcend business. It will be about having the game and having the support of our sport in Los Angeles." Jones said that one of his goals is to "increase the visibility of the Hall of Fame in places such as Southern California, and echoed the sentiments of some people who think L.A. could be a West Coast hub" for the HOF. Jones: "We've considered Canton ... that's the Vatican. That's the Sistine Chapel. ... But then have what it represents tangibly represented where we have millions of people in the markets. So yes, Los Angeles could be one of the great places to show materially what the whole thing is all about and the collection of all the things that make the Hall of Fame what it is." Farmer noted Jones was "vague" regarding whether there will be an NFL franchise in L.A. within the next five years, but "hinted at some type of impending decisive action by the league." Jones: "I'd say within the next year we will have proof that there will be a team or teams here within the next five years" (L.A. TIMES, 7/28).
L.A. REALLY NEEDED? Chargers President Dean Spanos said of the NFL building a stadium in L.A., "It’s an idea that has been floated before. There’s nothing new to it. For the past 20 years we’ve been hearing about it." Spanos said of L.A., "It’s the second-largest market. But on the other side of the coin, the league has been successful without a team there and so has L.A. There are a lot of issues. And you have to sell 24 of the 32 owners that it’s a good investment. It’s a ways down the line, and I’m not sure it has the votes." In San Diego, Nick Canepa wrote L.A. "doesn't deserve another franchise." Plus, in "no way do the Chargers want another franchise in L.A." Spanos: "From our perspective, 25 percent of our business comes from Orange County and L.A. A team going there would have a big impact on us. That may sound self-serving, but we’re a business" (UTSANDIEGO.com, 7/25).
