In San Antonio, Baugh & Orsborn in a front-page piece report the city "isn't out of the hunt" for the Raiders yet. City Manager Sheryl Sculley yesterday said city officials are "still in conversations” with the team, despite reports to the contrary. Sculley said that Raiders execs will "be in town and plan to attend" the Arizona-UTSA football game tonight. Councilmember Ron Nirenberg said of reports of a stadium deal in Oakland, "It appears to be a textbook response from a community that is under fire for not getting their stadium situation figured out. Until we are told that San Antonio is no longer an option for the Raiders, I believe we still have to line up all the elements that would make an NFL deal possible here" (SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS, 9/4).
CENTER OF ATTENTION: In West Palm Beach, Andrew Abramson notes past off-field issues for Dolphins C Mike Pouncey "haven’t hurt his reputation within the team," as he now has been "officially recognized as a locker-room leader." Pouncey was one of "more than a dozen players named by coaches to the team leadership council." Pouncey was chosen "despite being cited in the NFL bullying investigation" last season. In addition, he was "subpoenaed last year in Massachusetts to testify" in the Aaron Hernandez murder case (PALM BEACH POST, 9/4).
HONORING A LEGEND: In Detroit, Josh Katzenstein notes the Lions outside the club's HQ have "subtly honored" late team Owner William Clay Ford Sr. since he passed away in March. There are "three flagpoles outside the Allen Park facility," and the blue team flag "remained at half-staff in remembrance of the owner." Within the next couple of weeks, the flag will "become a more permanent way to honor Ford." Instead of a blue flag with the team logo, the third flagpole will "hold a blue flag with the initials 'WCF' and the background of a football and two pillars representing the Lions logo during the 1960s." The flag will look "much like the patch players will wear this season." A similar flag "will fly outside Ford Field this season," beginning with Monday night’s opener against the Giants (DETROIT NEWS, 9/4).
CHARMED LIFE: In Baltimore, Jeff Zrebiec notes a statue for former Ravens LB Ray Lewis was unveiled today in Unitas Plaza outside M&T Bank Stadium. Sculpted by Frederick Kail, the statue is next to one depicting Pro Football HOFer Johnny Unitas. The statue depicts Lewis in a "pose of exultation." Ravens Owner Steve Bisciotti "announced plans for the statue following the 2012 season and the team hired Kail, who also sculpted the Unitas statue." Lewis and the Ravens "met with Kail and provided their input" (Baltimore SUN, 9/4).
IF YOU'RE GONNA PLAY IN TEXAS: In Houston, Ken Hoffman noted Texans fans will "find several new stores in NRG Stadium selling innovative team 'merch' including a Battle Red Boutique for women." Victoria's Secret also is "partnering with the Texans to offer specialty team wear for women," as the team's fan base is 50% female. The club
also will offer a new "Platinum Jersey Line." Meanwhile, the Texans are "stepping it up big time at the food concessions." Among Houston "favorites in the stands" are Bernie's Burger Bus, Demeris BBQ, Genghis Grill, Menchie's Frozen Yogurt, Berryhill Baja Cantina, Goode Company and Prince's (CHRON.com, 9/3).
