The upstart Pacific Pro Football is "purposefully modest in scope," but the concept of the league is still "rather bold," according to Tom Krasovic of the SAN DIEGO UNION-TRIBUNE. The league's plans include "four teams in Southern California, small venues like those at the University of San Diego or Southwestern College, a season spanning July and August, and $50,000 in compensation to each player on 45-man rosters." Instead of "scooping up NFL castoffs," Pac Pro will "target players near the front end of the pipeline." It "seeks players who otherwise would attend college, or ascending collegians who would forfeit remaining NCAA eligibility to spend a few months or more in the PPF, in anticipation of bettering their NFL prospects." Pac Pro Founder Don Yee said that he considers the league as "complementary to the college game, not a threat to it." Yee's league also will "avoid huge expenditures on travel." Teams will bus to games, and the proximity among San Diego, L.A. and Orange counties "may avert an overnight hotel stay." Yee: "The biggest obstacle is getting the proper amount of financing, as well as financing that is highly, highly credible." Already in place is a "sponsorship deal with Adidas." Yee said the league also is "moving toward a media partnership." But it is "not clear if the league will kick off this July" (SAN DIEGO UNION-TRIBUNE, 10/5).
