NFL Franchise Notes: Ford Fumbles Handoff Of Lions Leadership

Writers Blast Ford For Front Office Moves Following 0-16 Season

FISH TANK: In West Palm Beach, Greg Stoda, responding to the possibility of Dolphins Exec VP/Football Operations Bill Parcells opting out of his deal with the team, writes Parcells "owes the Dolphins more than one year." There is "more for Parcells to do for the millions of dollars it appears he'll receive regardless of what he does next." Dolphins co-Owner Wayne Huizenga, in hiring Parcells last December, "made whatever deal he had to make to land Parcells, who can now hold the Dolphins hostage." Parcells Monday declined comment on the possibility of leaving the team, and Stoda writes "prolonged silence in this instance" will put Dolphins co-Owner Stephen Ross, who is set to gain majority control from Huizenga after this season, in an "uncomfortable position." If it "isn't about the money -- and it shouldn't be -- then the offer Parcells ought to make to Ross is that he'll stick around two more years if he's allowed to then exercise the escape clause" (PALM BEACH POST, 12/30).

ARLINGTON ROAD: A DALLAS MORNING NEWS editorial states with Cowboys Owner Jerry Jones next season "moving his entire show down the road to a billion-dollar palace in Arlington," what he "owes his fans is some reason to believe next season will turn out any better than this one did. Standing pat isn't that reason" (DALLAS MORNING NEWS, 12/30).

TICKETING NOTES: The Falcons next season will increase the average ticket price for home games at the Georgia Dome by 9%. Falcons VP/Sales Dave Cohen said that pricing on 70% of the seats in the stadium "remains the same, and the team is creating more of the popular $25 seats." But that means that the 30% "who will be paying more are in the prime locations" (ATLANTA CONSTITUTION, 12/24)....The Bengals will not change ticket prices next season for home games at Paul Brown Stadium (Bengals).

Print This Article