NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue reiterated Sunday that the
league hopes to develop a plan that would finance a new stadium
in Los Angeles. But L.A. politicians over the past week have
responded "negatively' to the league's proposal (Will McDonough,
BOSTON GLOBE, 10/10). Tagliabue maintained the idea has been
discussed for the past "three or four" months and was initiated
by L.A. city and county officials "who were very open to this
kind of idea." But L.A. County Supervisor Yvonne Brathwaite
Burke said Sunday "she doesn't believe that a new stadium would
be in anyone's best interest" (AP/ST.LOUIS POST-DISPATCH, 10/11).
EAST COAST, TOO? Even if the L.A. plan is successful,
Tagliabue said the NFL has no plans to back a similar facility
for the Jets, tenants at Giants Stadium. Tagliabue: "I know it's
frustrating for (Jets owner) Leon Hess to get something done in
the city of New York. The city has tremendous demands on it.
But Giants Stadium is a great facility" (Greg Logan, N.Y.
NEWSDAY, 10/10).
FOXBORO, ONE YEAR LATER: Tagliabue also commented on
conditions at Foxboro Stadium, supporting an "improvement
package, with a public-private partnership that can address those
needs." Areas for improvement include stadium access, restrooms
and concession facilities. Tagliabue suggested stadium
improvements could help "get [the team] in the Monday night
package" (Jim Greenidge, BOSTON GLOBE, 10/10).
