MD Gov. Parris Glendening responded to Orioles Owner Peter
Angelos' request to "sweeten his lease at Camden Yards to make it
equivalent to the deal" made with the Browns. Angelos cited a
"parity" clause in his lease with the MD Stadium Authority that
allows him a better deal in areas of rent, parking and
concessions. His announcement "dismayed some legislative leaders
trying to ensure" General Assembly approval of the project. In
his letter, Glendening said the Authority "is prepared to begin
arbitration" with the Orioles to prevent "prolonged debate."
Authority Chair John Moag, who has said the Orioles "actually
stand to lose money if there lease is brought into parity with
the Browns," declined comment (Thomas Waldron, Baltimore SUN,
1/24). ESPN's Bob Ley noted the state of MD "is beginning to
realize the numbers in its Modell lease may not add up and they
have to change the sports lottery designed to pay for it all"
("SportsCenter," 1/24). In Philadelphia, Michael Sokolove writes
Angelos' "very public posturing is about the last thing [Browns
Owner Art] Modell and proponents of the Browns move need"
(PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER, 1/25).
