Franchise Notes
In Milwaukee, Bob McGinn wrote former Packers President & COO John Jones, who resigned in July, “never measured up” in his position or as a possible successor to team Chair & CEO Bob Harlan. Jones “always was more about image than substance. He talked down to people in the office and community without having the goods to back it up. He lacked the traits generally associated with leadership in a position that demands them.” These problems “led to the $3[M] settlement in full of the final three years on Jones’ contract and brought [Harlan] back from the edge of retirement.” The team is about three months into a search for a replacement and has cut 50 candidates to about 12. McGinn noted candidates include: Packers VP/ Player Finance & General Counsel Andrew Brandt and VP/Administration & Corporate Counsel Jason Wied, Corporate Financial Advisors Managing Dir Joe Sweeney, Ingram Group Chair & CEO and former Titans President Jeff Diamond, Ravens Senior VP/Business Ventures Dennis Mannion, Patriots General Counsel of Player Personnel Jack Mula, Chargers Exec VP & COO Jim Steeg and Dolphins President & COO Bryan Wiedmeier (MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINEL, 10/21).
BILLS STAYING PUT: CBS' Charley Casserly reported Bills Owner Ralph Wilson told him that the team "will absolutely not be moved" despite its desire to play regular-season games in Toronto. The request is an "expansion of their efforts to regionalize the franchise because of the declining population in Buffalo." However, Casserly said when the "Ralph Wilson era is over, the team is going to be sold. ... This would be a great opportunity for the league to orchestrate a move of the Buffalo franchise to Los Angeles” ("The NFL Today," CBS, 10/21).
 |
| Investment Banker Places Orioles Value At $400M |
A BIRD IN HAND: Baltimore-based Moag & Co. President John Moag, whose investment banking firm specializes in sports transactions, estimates the Orioles’ worth at $400M, its highest ever. Moag also said that MASN, which is 90% owned by the team, is worth “at least another $400[M].” Moag: “You have some people out there who would regard the Orioles as a real turnaround opportunity” (Baltimore SUN, 10/21).
PICK YOUR POISON: In Philadelphia, Phil Sheridan wrote that the Patriots and Owner Robert Kraft suing to obtain names of fans who bought and sold tickets to games on StubHub “seems like another case of a greedy team owner trying to squeeze every last penny out of his paying customers. And it probably is.” But when you “compare it to teams and leagues getting into bed with online ticket scalpers, you really have to ask yourself one question: Which is worse?” (PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER, 10/20).
|
