Franchise Notes
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Dolphins Owner Has Been Unable To
Convince Bon Jovi To Invest In Team |
In Miami, Armando Salguero reports Dolphins Owner Stephen Ross "continues to search for more so-called stars that might join his group and might add to the diverse nature of the Dolphins' appeal to fans." Ross, who already has added Gloria and Emilio Estefan as minority owners, has "reached out to" musician and AFL Soul co-Owner Jon Bon Jovi about a stake in the team, though a source said that Ross has "not been able to convince Bon Jovi to invest in the Dolphins." Salguero also writes, "Do not be surprised when, not if, Ross finds a black partner to join his ownership group." Sources indicated that Ross has "reached out to at least one 'rap artist of considerable wealth,' as he's trying to round out the diverse nature of his group and team's appeal." Meanwhile, it also "wouldn't surprise if Ross approaches some black former athlete such as" former NBAer Alonzo Mourning about buying a stake in the team (MIAMIHERALD.com, 6/25).
COME ONE, COME ALL: In DC, Thomas Boswell writes to some, the capacity crowds at Nationals Park for this week's Red Sox-Nationals series have been a "heart-lifting sight," though for others the scene has been an "embarrassment for loyal local fans of the Nats, who watch as zealots of the visiting Red Sox occupy one-half of the seats." But in terms of the "view from the owner's box," opposing fans "sure do make the turnstiles spin." Boswell notes home series against the Phillies, Orioles and Mets since mid-May have moved the Nationals up to 27th in MLB in attendance, and by the end of the Red Sox series, the Nationals will "likely jump past four teams to 23rd" (WASHINGTON POST, 6/25).
LEAVING A LEGACY: Canadiens President Pierre Boivin said outgoing Owner George Gillett and his family "did a magnificent job as owners over the last eight years and I'm saddened to see them leave." Gillett is in the process of selling the team to a consortium led by the Molson family, and Boivin said that he was "relieved the bidding for the iconic franchise was over and he was happy for the Molson family." Boivin: "This is the third generation of the Molson family to own the team and there's a great tradition there." Boivin said that reaction to the sale from other teams was "positive, but noted that it will take six to eight weeks for the league to conduct its due diligence" before the BOG "gives its approval" (Pat Hickey, Montreal GAZETTE, 6/25).
FROM THE FAN'S PERSPECTIVE: The Minneapolis Star Tribune this summer has sent staff members to various sporting events and asked them to write about their experience. One staffer attended the June 12 WNBA Storm-Lynx game at Target Center and wrote the Lynx provide a "family-friendly pro sports experience: affordable, entertaining and G-rated." A lower-bowl seat for the game cost only $10, and the staffer "immediately scored a freebie -- a small soda ($3.75 value) for signing a designated-driver form." The Lynx also held a free postgame concert in addition to "pregame fun across the street." Meanwhile, fans were "polite," but that "did not equal silent." The kids and parents in attendance "cheered loudly and steadily, creating a vibrant atmosphere" (Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE, 6/25).
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