CBSSPORTS.com's Jason La Canfora cited sources as saying that while there are "at least two NFL teams seriously exploring moves" to L.A., only one of them "could actually play at the preferred interim location for any relocating NFL team -- the Rose Bowl." While the Pasadena city government "has enacted changes in recent years that would allow the number of games played at the Rose Bowl to increase as well as secure the necessary infrastructure to house an NFL team on an interim basis, it could not do so for two teams seeking to play there for a few years under such circumstances" (CBSSPORTS.com, 11/23).
MARK YOUR CALENDAR: In New Orleans, Jimmy Smith wrote Dec. 15, 2016, is the day the NBPA will "undoubtedly inform the league it's opting out" of the current CBA, which will "almost assuredly lead to another work stoppage" in '17. NBPA Exec Dir Michele Roberts has "already unsheathed the players' figurative sword and is rattling that sabre as if it's a drop-dead certainty that not long after" the owners' new nine-year, $24B television contract commences, the players "will be seeking their fair share of that cash infusion and all they likely sacrificed during the 2011 lockout in order to get back to work" (NOLA.com, 11/21).
PUCK FLUX: In N.Y., Larry Brooks cited an NHLPA memo as saying that the league and union "have yet to settle discrepancies" regarding '13-14 Hockey Related Revenue, and as such, the "amount and timing of escrow return 'remains in flux.'" The players "are expected to receive a return" of approximately 2% of the 14% deduction from last season’s paychecks "barring a significant change in the revenue calculus" (N.Y. POST, 11/23).
THANKS, BUT NO THANKS: In Winnipeg, Gary Lawless reports CFL BOG Chair Jim Lawson "is not expected to be on the list of candidates for next commissioner but will commit to the league for a long run" on the BOG. Lawson "was asked to consider stepping into the commissioner’s role but to this point has demurred." However, that could change "if the search committee can’t find what they are looking for in a candidate" (WINNIPEG FREE PRESS, 11/24).
