In Phoenix, Bob McManaman notes with NFL Cardinals GM Steve Keim's 5-week suspension for a DUI, it is the team that figures to be "hurt the most at the moment." While Keim's actions "surely will sully his reputation moving forward," the team's '18 season "might now be placed in jeopardy and that affects an entire team, its coaching staff, support staff, family and fan base." The Cardinals have a "shrewd, up-and-coming executive" in VP/Player Personnel Terry McDonough. But but can he and other team execs "be good enough in the meantime" to make signings and bring in impact talent before Keim is eligible to return before the team's regular-season opener Sept. 9? That is where Keim's suspension "could cost the Cardinals the most" (ARIZONA REPUBLIC, 7/18).
DIVERSIFYING INVESTMENTS: ESPN.com's Jordi Blanco cited sources as saying that Patriots Owner Robert Kraft is "interested in acquiring a stake" in La Liga club Sevilla. Sources said that Kraft is pursuing an investment through an organization called "Sevillistas Unidos 2020," which is looking to take a 40% share in the club (ESPN.com, 7/17).
NEW DIRECTION: In Buffalo, Amy Moritz noted "everything changed" for the NWHL Buffalo Beauts once they "came under" the Pegula Sports & Entertainment umbrella. Beauts D Jacquie Greco said, "We definitely have more of an organizational structure. ... The extra support the Pegulas have offered this team made us an all-around better team. There's more tools and assets to help us be a world-class team, a professional team." Greco: "We feel we're treated like professionals now more than ever. We don't make millions of dollars, but we're treated as professional athletes" (BUFFALO NEWS, 7/15).
