In Chicago, Becky Beaupre writes that Bears President
Michael McCaskey "didn't succeed" in changing any minds of
those opposed to a new stadium in Elk Grove Village, IL.
The "handful of residents" who attended a recent private
meeting with McCaskey said that it "only strengthened their
resolve" against the facility (CHICAGO SUN-TIMES, 12/9).
BROKEDOWN PALACES? Three Rivers Stadium execs Jim Sacco
and Mark Schneider said that fans caused the stadium's wall
to collapse -- by continuously kicking it -- during Sunday's
Patriots-Steelers game. But Steelers President Dan Rooney
said in a prepared statement, "While certain fans were a
contributing factor to the collapse of a retaining wall this
past Sunday, it is extremely unfair to place all the blame
... on the activity of Steelers fans. We believe we have
outstanding fans, the best in the NFL. We consider this an
isolated incident" (PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE, 12/9).
...Philadelphia Mayor Ed Rendell said that despite the
railing accident at Saturday's Army-Navy game, "he was
confident, based on partial inspection" that Veterans
Stadium is safe (PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER, 12/8).
