NFL.com's Dan Hanzus noted Seahawks coach Pete Carroll is "not impressed with the intimidation factor at Gillette Stadium." Speaking on ESPN Radio 710 Seattle, Carroll said, "It's not a great place. They weren't nuts. It's because they're so used to winning. There was a time when they kicked their last field goal to go ahead, and it was like a round of applause for a nice effort. Gosh, our guys would be going berserk. We're so hungry for it." Carroll seems to be "implying that Seahawks fans are better than Patriots fans." Hanzus: "I'm sure this will go over well in New England" (NFL.com, 11/14).
RICHTER SCALE: Earthquakes President Dave Kaval said that the franchise is "looking in Latin America as well as Europe" for a new GM. In San Jose, Elliott Almond noted after "failing to make the playoffs for the past four years, the Earthquakes are undergoing perhaps their most important offseason." Kaval said that the new hire "might become" MLS' highest-paid GM. The team has "hired sports executive search firm Nolan Partners" to assist in the search (SAN JOSE MERCURY NEWS, 11/12).
ONLY THE BEST: Las Vegas NHL team Owner Bill Foley has said that the team's new amenities, from locker rooms to its new practice facility, "will be the best" in the league. Assistant GM Kelly McCrimmon said, "It’s critical we make a great first impression with our players." McCrimmon said that with that "kind of support and commitment from ownership it will make his and [GM George] McPhee’s job much easier when trying to convince free agents to play in Las Vegas." McCrimmon: "[Foley] has a great demeanor around our staff. Bill is very successful person, and while he is still learning hockey, he can read people and know if they’re good" (LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL, 11/15).
CHANGE OF DIRECTION: Morgan Lucas Racing will not "field a team" for the '17 NHRA Mello Yello Series. In '14, Morgan Lucas "stepped out of the car as its full-time racer to concentrate on learning the family's business, Lucas Oil Products." Lucas Oil Founder Forrest Lucas also is "among those rumored to be considered for a cabinet post" in the Trump administration. Morgan Lucas said the company is "going to retain" their involvement with NHRA Sportsman Series and race sponsorships (INLAND VALLEY DAILY BULLETIN, 11/13).
