NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said that the Broncos are "in compliance with ownership policies and that the league does not have a timetable for the team to select its representing owner among Pat Bowlen's seven children." Goodell: "They’re actually being very well-run. Our membership is very happy with that and it’s consistent with the way Pat wanted it done. Pat outlined that exactly the way it’s operating." Goodell said Bowlen, who is battling Alzheimer's, "planned very carefully for the unfortunate circumstances that we're in" (DENVER POST, 8/4).
BACK IN THE DEN: Panthers interim GM Marty Hurney on Thursday discussed returning to the team for a second stint, saying, “These things don't happen in this league so I still pinch myself a little bit and make sure all this is real, but it's different because when you do step away and this happens, you do bring a different perspective." He added, "It's sort of been ... like riding a bike, but other parts you just have to get caught up." Hurney said of any doubts he had by coming back, “The question I kept asking is, ‘Do I feel I can do this,’ that was the most important thing. It wouldn't be fair to me or anybody else if I didn't feel like that. ... The answer was yes at the end of the day” (“PFT,” NBCSN, 8/3).
EARLY RETURNS: Chargers President of Football Operations John Spanos said the "early signs" of the team's training camp in Costa Mesa, Calif., have been "encouraging." Spanos: "Our first day of camp on Sunday was tremendous. I mean, tremendous. Every seat in that bleacher was packed. Every standing-room area was packed. There was buzz. People clearly were excited. And that’s the general feedback that I personally have received when I’ve been in town throughout L.A." He added, "We have to work hard and earn the community’s respect and earn their trust, and we look forward to doing that." More Spanos: "Part of our strategy coming up to L.A. is getting feedback from the different areas. Not just coming in and trying to shove something down their throats and say, ‘This is how we’re gonna market to you'" (WASHINGTONPOST.com, 8/2).
