Health care businessman Richard Burke "faces a daunting
economic dilemma and a stressed political landscape" in moving
the Jets to Minneapolis, according to Jay Weiner of the
Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE. Public officials and others were
responding to news that Burke is "on the verge of owning the
Jets" and may seek public financial support. Metropolitan Sports
Facilities Commission Chair Henry Savelkoul said he wouldn't
"advise" MN Gov. Arne Carlson "to get out front on this thing."
And Dana Warg, who manages Target Center for Ogden Corp., said
the chances of the Jets playing there in '96-97 are just "50-50."
Burke is "days away from signing a final agreement" with Jets
Owner Barry Shenkarow to buy the team for $67M, and the team
could move once Shenkarow "detaches himself" from Winnipeg. NHL
Commissioner Gary Bettman will reportedly visit the Twin Cities
on October 11 to "whip up support for the Jets move." But
despite Ogden's plan to "waive" rent and share concession
revenues at the Target Center, there are still questions whether
there would be enough cash for Burke "to prosper." Savelkoul:
"At this point, we are working to keep baseball" (Minneapolis
STAR TRIBUNE, 9/20).
