In Nashville, Erik Bacharach reported there "weren't any fans in the stands as the Titans practiced at Nissan Stadium" on Friday for the first time this training camp, but "artificial crowd noise was pumped in over the loudspeakers." Titans coach Mike Vrabel: "As far as ... the crowd noise, I thought was OK. I don't know what the levels are. Whatever it's going to be, that's what we'll play with.” Vrabel said that he "didn't think teams would have a competitive advantage if their venue was permitted to host fans." Vrabel: "I'm not sure how loud 15,000 could be, but I guess maybe if there are some sold out, that could be. I haven't really thought in that direction yet" (Nashville TENNESSEAN, 8/23).
INSIDE WASHINGTON'S SHIFT: In N.Y., Belson & Rosman write under the header, "Private Infighting Roils Owners Of Washington NFL Team." Behind the scenes of what "seemed to be a shift caused by societal change," Owner Dan Snyder has "been at war" with FedEx Chair Fred Smith. Smith, Dwight Schar and Robert Rothman collectively own 40% of the club, but they have been "looking to divest for many months." Snyder "took umbrage and several months ago removed them from the board." The three men "asked the NFL to resolve the matter," and the league "appointed an arbitrator in late June." Snyder has "claimed there is an effort to discredit him, presumably to increase the pressure on him to sell." But sources said that Snyder has "no intention of doing so" (N.Y. TIMES, 8/24).
BUBBLE TROUBLE: NFL Exec VP/Football Operations Troy Vincent last week said that the league is "considering" the concept of going to a bubble for the postseason. In Boston, Ben Volin wrote he "wouldn't count on it." Volin: "First of all, Vincent is 'not sure that that’s something we can do legally,' as moving to a bubble would require the consent of the NFLPA. But the NFL also believes in its game-day and facility protocols, and will take a wait-and-see approach before considering something as drastic as a bubble" (BOSTON GLOBE, 8/23).
