In Green Bay, Richard Ryman notes the Packers will "celebrate their 100th birthday on Aug. 11 with free cupcakes, public screenings of the first episode of the team's 10-part 'Legacy' documentary and special Lambeau Field grass seed." The first 5,000 fans to attend the celebration in the Lambeau Field Atrium will "receive free packets containing the seeds of the grass used in Lambeau Field." One in every 50 packets will be "autographed" by Packers players and front-office staff. Fans will also be able to "buy more in the Packers Pro Shop or online for $5 a packet," and proceeds will "go to the American Red Cross" (GREEN BAY PRESS-GAZETTE, 7/16).
BACK TO REALITY: In Atlanta, Steve Hummer writes Atlanta United has not had the "kind of season that invites the fair-weather fan or the faint of heart." A "step back had to happen sometime," but that "doesn't make this any less of a shock to the system" after winning the MLS Cup last season. In the midst of the "middling season, with a new coach and new approach winning few friends, Atlanta's place as America's soccer Xanadu certainly will be tested" (ATLANTA JOURNAL-CONSTITUTION, 7/16).
SUCCESSION SUITS: THE ATHLETIC's Nicki Jhabvala reported the three trustees "tasked with choosing" the Broncos' next controlling owner following the death of Pat Bowlen "filed a new motion in Araphoe County Court on July 1 to dismiss Bill Bowlen's lawsuit." Bowlen, one of Pat's brothers, has until July 22 to "file his objection." The trustees will then "have a period of time to submit their reply brief before the judge rules." Bowlen filed a 21-page petition in October to have the trustees "removed from power." He also "alleged the trustees refused to implement a succession plan that met Pat Bowlen's desire of keeping the team within the family and under the control of his seven children" (THEATHLETIC.com, 7/12).
