In DC, Aaron Torres wrote nothing around the NWSL "can compare to the home support" given to the Portland Thorns as, who are averaging 16,430 fans through five home games. Timbers President of Business Mike Golub, whose club owns the Thorns, said, "It’s a combination of a few things. First, we have a great, rich soccer history here. Second, we have a really, really special venue. ... But what it really comes down to is you have a city who loves their team." Thorns coach Mark Parsons said, "It's real support, it's not just numbers sitting in the stands. They are singing nonstop all around the stadium" (WASHINGTON POST, 6/25).
DO YOU BELIEVE IN MAGIC? In L.A., Bill Plaschke wrote "despite early skepticism" toward Lakers President of Basketball Operations Magic Johnson's first few months on the job, he has "turned" around the franchise's outlook. Lakers GM Rob Pelinka said, "There’s just a renewed energy around here. We feel it in the offices every day. ... The organization is taking on the positive joy that he seems to live with every day." Plaschke wrote if the last four months are "any indication, Johnson will succeed by being a man of his word." Johnson said, "I can sense the buzz. ... I’m not crazy, I know it’s going to take us a while to build. But we’re going to get the right people in here" (L.A. TIMES, 6/25).
TIME TO LEARN: In Las Vegas, Michael Gehlken noted the Raiders recently "devoted three days to a rookie transition program in which all first-year players were exposed to topics and tips designed to prepare them for life during and after football." Raiders Dir of Player Engagement Lamonte Winston "helped lead the program." The seminar "largely was held" at the Raiders’ training facility in Alameda, Calif. An "exception" was the team's visit to Facebook HQ in Menlo Park, Calif., which "focused on branding" (LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL, 6/26).
