The Redskins open training camp this week in Richmond, Va., "amid renewed calls for scrutiny of their economic performance under incentive agreements" with the city and the state, according to Michael Phillips of the RICHMOND TIMES-DISPATCH. While the team "has profited from holding camp in Richmond, the city is likely to fail to cover its costs for a third consecutive year, in part because prime revenue-generating opportunities were ceded to the Redskins in the contract." The city "still is working to pay for its share of the Bon Secours Washington Redskins Training Center on West Leigh Street through means including the sale of 'Legacy Bricks,' a $99 memento embedded in the walkway to the facility." Virginia state Sen. John Watkins said, "I’m disappointed that the economic benefits to Richmond have been less than stellar." Watkins "raised concerns over a reduction in open dates at the training camp." But Redskins President Bruce Allen said that the reduction in days that fans can attend "was because of the way the team’s preseason schedule lined up" (RICHMOND TIMES-DISPATCH, 7/26).
INSULT TO INJURY? In Boston, Ben Volin writes the Redskins' "plan to deliver injury news to season ticket-holders before it goes to the NFL, media, and regular fans ... is, frankly, pathetic." It is "a cheap ploy to get fans to download the team’s mobile app, and presents potential gambling issues with certain fans getting inside information before everyone else." Volin: "But what else would we expect from Dan Snyder and Co., who a decade ago gave a hard sell on a $125,000 luxury suite to former offensive lineman Ross Tucker (making $300,000) while he was trying to make the team" (BOSTON GLOBE, 7/26).
