In Denver, Nicki Jhabvala wrote given Broncos Exec VP/Football Operations & GM John Elway's "stature with the franchise and the state of Colorado, and given his unmatched track record while in the front office," the question of his re-signing is "not so much about whether a deal will get done, but how and when." As talks "drag on -- and the sides have maintained dialogue recently -- the general assumption is there's discord or tension." But a source said that is "not the case" (DENVER POST, 7/14).
HAVING A BALL: In L.A., Tania Ganguli wrote the Lakers are "hoping the positive momentum they are building" at the Las Vegas Summer League "carries over into the fall." Lakers fans "helped cause the first sellout ever" for the league for a game against the Celtics (L.A. TIMES, 7/16). THE VERTICAL's Chris Mannix noted rookie Lakers G Lonzo Ball "spoke to reporters packed around him four deep." Mannix: "And this is summer league" (SPORTS.YAHOO.com, 7/14).
READY TO SOAR: Falcons Owner Arthur Blank said the team is "in a great position" for '17. Blank: "I look forward to this year and many years to come. It's not about the one-trick pony or the one-year wonder. It's about creating a sustainable organization, and we've done that." On the new Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Blank said, "We are thrilled with it. I've found a lot of new definitions of the word 'iconic' in terms of times, schedule, costs, schedule and structure. But it’s going to be a spectacular stadium. A spectacular center really for Atlanta, both for the Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United, our soccer team, for many years to come" (ATLANTA JOURNAL-CONSTITUTION, 7/16).
