Houston attorney Wayne Fisher, who represents Astrodome USA,
owned and operated by Astros Owner Drayton McLane, said it makes
no sense for the Oilers to continue to stay as a lame-duck team
if Houston intends to seek another franchise after the team moves
to Nashville, according to the HOUSTON CHRONICLE. Fisher says
small crowds would discourage NFL officials from considering
Houston, and it could cause fans to sour on the sport. Fisher's
comments came after a hearing before U.S. District Court Judge
Lynn Hughes as city and Harris County officials attempt to keep
the Oilers in town through '97. Houston Mayor Bob Lanier said he
believes the city should "make a statement" about forcing pro
teams to abide by their contracts. Lanier added the city would
only allow the Oilers to leave if the NFL promised to give
Houston another franchise. John Williams also notes NFL owners
may be anxious to see the Oilers go ahead and move so they can
get the shared revenue from paraphernalia sales and ticket sales
(HOUSTON CHRONICLE, 12/20).
OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS? Cowboys Owner Jerry Jones said Wednesday
the team might consider occasionally playing one of its
exhibition games in a vacated Astrodome, but he added the team
will not change its name to reflect the fact it will be the only
team in Texas (DALLAS MORNING NEWS, 12/21).
