Pro Football HOFer JOHN MADDEN is "recovering from December heart surgery, and that will keep him from attending a pair of events this week in which he is the guest of honor." The Legends for Charity dinner in S.F. tonight will "honor Madden as this year's recipient of the Pat Summerall Award, named after his former broadcast partner." Tomorrow's Pro Football HOF luncheon "also will honor Madden." He will be represented at both events by his sons, MIKE and JOE (SAN JOSE MERCURY NEWS, 2/4).
POLICY POINT: SI.com's Don Banks profiled Former 49ers President & CEO CARMEN POLICY, who these days "wears the perpetual smile of a man who hit the jackpot, and knows it." He "loves to show off the grounds of the vineyard he purchased" in '03 to visitors, as well as the "spacious and stylish home" he and his wife, GALE, have on the property. While his boutique winery business "occupies some of his time, Policy, at 73, remains an avid NFL fan who also happens to have impeccable ties within the league and its team ownership groups." He still "feels strongly about the game and the NFL’s place in the bay area" (SI.com, 2/3).
NAMES: Panthers coach RON RIVERA and Chip Ganassi Racing co-Owner FELIX SABATES are "longtime friends," and Sabates will be "sitting near the 50-yard-line, 14 rows up," at Super Bowl 50 (USA TODAY, 2/4)....Denver Mayor MICHAEL HANCOCK is "seeking guidance" from the city's Board of Ethics on "plans to pay for his family's trip to watch the Broncos play in the Super Bowl." After facing an "ethical dust-up two years ago over the issue, Hancock will rely on city funds to pay for his airfare, lodging and meals as well as costs for two staffers and two security officers." A spokesperson said that his wife, MARY LOUISE LEE, and daughter, JANAE, purchased airfare using the family's money and will stay in the mayor's hotel room" (DENVER POST, 2/4)....Panthers S ROMAN HARPER is "opening his home in Charlotte" via a listing on Airbnb for $5,000 on Sunday night. Harper's house "includes a 70-inch TV" and an "outdoor junior Olympic-sized swimming pool." The posting states that the proceeds will "support Harper's Hope 41 Foundation, a charity that bills itself as preparing 'today's youth for tomorrow's challenges.'" The listing adds that Airbnb will "match the proceeds" (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 2/4).
