In Boston, Chad Finn writes the Patriots have long since "seized the title as the most popular team in New England," and if the Red Sox are "not careful ... they’ll seize" the summer spotlight as well. The Red Sox are "not a boring team" but the absence of David Ortiz has "left a void." The difference is that while the Red Sox "have a lot going for them," the Patriots have "everything going for them" (BOSTON GLOBE, 7/12).
GREENER PASTURES: Golden Knights Owner Bill Foley said that the team's CMO Nehme Abouzeid left the franchise to "pursue 'personal consulting.'" When asked why Abouzeid left the Golden Knights, Foley responded, “Wanted to do some personal consulting in the areas he had been handling" (LVSPORTSBIZ.com, 7/10).
HERE TO STAY: Hockey HOFer and Red Wings assistant coach Chris Chelios was a "surprise instructor" at the team's development camp at Traverse City this weekend. Chelios had left the Red Wings to "pursue a position" with the NHLPA. Chelios said, "I took a leave of absence so I could talk to the (players association), talk to players and see if there’s anything that might be able to find something I might want to do." He added, "I’m still with the Red Wings organization and I plan to be unless something comes up that interests me more" (DETROIT NEWS, 7/10).
COST OF SUCCESS: The NFL Panthers said that they are charging $5 per ticket for this year's Fan Fest because of "an increased demand and precautions for fan safety." In Charlotte, Katherine Peralta noted all proceeds for Fan Fest will be "donated to the team's charitable arm, the Carolina Panthers Charities" (CHARLOTTE OBSERVER, 7/11).
