Khan pointed to his business deals and investments all over the world as he discussed the Wembley purchaseGETTY IMAGES
Jaguars fans are "filled with angst about their team possibly playing extra games in London or relocating across the Atlantic Ocean" following team Owner Shad Khan's plans to buy Wembley Stadium, but Jaguars President Mark Lamping "reiterated Khan's commitment to the Jacksonville market," according to a front-page piece by Ryan O'Halloran of the FLORIDA TIMES-UNION. Lamping said, "I absolutely can understand it because fans in this market were subjected to a number of years where there were constant threats of the team relocating. What I would remind people: All of that pre-dated Shad's purchase of the franchise (before the 2012 season). I would ask fans to judge us on our actions, not on what possibly their fears might be." He added, "Jacksonville drives the Jaguars, not London." O'Halloran noted Khan was "equal parts defiant and passionate" during a press conference tied into the team's first-round draft pick. He said of the Wembley announcement, "I can't understand why it was a bombshell. I have business deals and investments all over the world. So I don't understand. Every time there's a transition, it has visibility; and you folks start connecting dots that shouldn't be connected." O'Halloran notes the Jaguars' annual game in London "will generate even more revenue because Khan will get all of the food/beverage and suite receipts and hosting around 30 events per year will further line Khan's figurative pockets" (FLORIDA TIMES-UNION, 4/27).
GETTING THE BENEFIT OF THE DOUBT: In Jacksonville, Gene Frenette writes since Khan bought the Jaguars, his actions have "consistently been about improving the viability of making NFL football work in one of the league's smallest markets." Every annual State of the Franchise presentation by Lamping has "hammered home that point." When Khan's purchase of Wembley "becomes official in eight weeks, and more revenue streams start pouring in to help the team's financial portfolio, Jaguars fans should applaud." Khan owning an "iconic stadium" in London is a "good thing for the long-term health of the franchise in Jacksonville" (FLORIDA TIMES-UNION, 4/27). NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said Khan is "committed to Jacksonville, and he thinks actually this is going to help solidify and stabilize the Jacksonville franchise by having one or two games overseas." He added Khan owning Wembley gives the league "more flexibility on scheduling" ("NFL Draft Countdown," ESPN, 4/26).
NOT BUYING WHAT'S BEING SOLD: USA TODAY's Nancy Armour writes Khan, the NFL and local officials can "spin it any way they like, but this move is exactly what it appears: Khan is positioning the Jaguars to be the league's first permanent team in London." By buying Wembley, Khan "solidifies the Jaguars' favored position in London" (USA TODAY, 4/27). THE MMQB's Albert Breer wrote under the header, "By Buying Wembley, Is Shad Khan Setting The Stage For A Jaguars Move To London?" (SI.com, 4/26). In N.Y., Tariq Panja writes this is a move that "offers perhaps the clearest signal yet that the NFL is increasingly poised to establish a semi-permanent franchise in Britain after years of visits to the city" (N.Y. TIMES, 4/27). The WALL STREET JOURNAL's Robinson & Beaton note Khan "wouldn't be the first NFL owner with a London soccer stadium in his portfolio -- that would be" Rams Owner Stan Kroenke. But Khan is the "only one who considers London to be his team's home away from home" (WALL STREET JOURNAL, 4/27).
