Devils Owner John McMullen said yesterday, "I was very
affected by the rally. The rally definitely had an effect."
McMullen also said the state and the Devils are unlikely to reach
an agreement before a scheduled court hearing today, "But we're
holding out hope," according to the Bergen RECORD. The RECORD's
Pennington & Fitzgerald note McMullen indicated he is still
"disappointed" that the state refuses to let the Devils take over
management of Byrne Arena (Bergen RECORD, 7/11). Richard
Sandomir writes that Nashville "is fading fast as the potential
future home" of the Devils. Sandomir, on those who are
speculating that a deal is done, "They're way ahead of themselves
if they're saying that" (N.Y. TIMES, 7/11). Larry Brooks writes,
"Again, until it is done, it is not done, until the Devils or NHL
announce a home schedule for the Meadowlands, there is no way to
know for sure" (N.Y. POST, 7/11).
TOO BUSY FOR BILL? Only nine members of the Devils made the
trip for a reception at the White House with President Clinton,
according to the RECORD. Lenn Robbins notes the players who did
not attend cited a combination of "short notice and prior
commitments" (Bergen RECORD, 7/11).
