Palm Beach millionaire George Lindemann said Monday he made
an undisclosed offer to the three-man trust in charge of selling
the Buccaneers, and was turned down. This was the first official
offer for the franchise. Lindemann would not reveal the amount
of the proposal, but "suggested it might be similar to the $137
million offer he made earlier this year for the Dolphins." The
Bucs trust was unavailable for comment and Lindemann said he is
considering whether to make another bid for the team. It is
believed that at least two other local buyers will make offers
within a week, including a group from Outback Steakhouse and
Orlando pencil magnate Gino Pala. The new activity in the sale
is in response to Orioles Owner Peter Angelos' expected bid of
$200M to buy the team and move them to Baltimore. Groups wishing
to keep the team in the Tampa area are unlikely to match Angelos'
offer, as it remains "uncertain what the Bucs might be worth in
Tampa as opposed to Baltimore" (Stebbins, Kaufman, Henderson,
TAMPA TRIBUNE, 12/20). For news on improvements to Tampa
Stadium.
MARYLAND GOVERNOR APPROVES MOVE: MD Gov.-elect Parris
Glendening said he would urge Redskins Owner Jack Kent Cooke to
approve of the relocation of any NFL franchise to Baltimore.
Glendening: "I would do whatever possible to bring an NFL team to
Baltimore." He also said the state should help finance a new
football stadium near Baltimore's Camden Yards, should they get a
team (Leonard Shapiro, WASHINGTON POST, 12/20).