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Texans Owner Bob McNair Talks Goodell, Raiders To Vegas, International Expansion

Texans Owner Bob McNair sat for a Q&A with the HOUSTON CHRONICLE's John McClain as training camp is about to start, and he touched on a variety of NFL and Texans-related topics. He believes NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has "done a good job" in his 10 years in the position, though he is sure there are a few owners "who aren't happy with some of his decisions." McNair said, "He's got 32 bosses. ... He's got to do, in his opinion, what's in the best interests of the league." McNair also believes Deflategate became a "mountain out of a molehill." He said, "It was completely overplayed. All the parties could have handled it better." McNair noted the Raiders are not "making much progress" on a new stadium in Oakland and said Las Vegas "might be a good spot for them." He said, "We have to look at everything there. ... You've got gambling all over the country now. It seems like every street corner has a lottery." He also touched on the possibility of expanding internationally, saying, "I'm not as excited as a lot of other owners are. There are a lot of logistical problems. If we can make the logistics work, I'm not opposed to it." Forbes recently valued the Texans at $2.5B, and McNair said, "Seeing what franchises are worth today is unbelievable." However, he added, "That doesn't enter into it unless you're selling or buying a team, which we're not. We plan to keep the team in the family. so the value is sort of immaterial." Meanwhile, McNair, who beginning in late '13 had a 10-month ordeal in which he battled two forms of cancer, said of his current state, "I'm getting a clean bill of health when I go in. I'm starting to play better golf. I'm not where I was before I went through the cancer treatments, but I'm pretty close" (HOUSTON CHRONICLE, 7/27).

HOUSTON, WE HAVE LIFT OFF: McClain reports McNair is "confident the Texans have their best team" in the franchise's 15-year history. McNair: "We've gotten to the point where we're always competitive, and I think we'll remain competitive. As long as we're in that position, we've got a chance to make the playoffs. Once you make the playoffs, it's a new season." Super Bowl LI will be played at NRG Stadium this season, and McNair said, "The Super Bowl would be the ultimate achievement of this endeavor. ... The city has been very supportive of my efforts. I think Houston represents so many of the traits that we like to see in a community. We have great sports fans. They haven't had the opportunity to experience a Super Bowl champion, and they're deserving of that opportunity. I'd love to see it happen" (HOUSTON CHRONICLE, 7/27).

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