In Salt Lake City, Eric Walden writes there are "plenty of interesting details to consider" about prospective Jazz Owner Ryan Smith. He is just 42 -- which equals him with Grizzlies Owner Robert Pera for youngest in the league -- and a "lifelong fan of the Jazz." Additionally, history has shown that new team owners "typically come in very aggressive and eager to take things to the next level." This era with Smith at the helm "holds so much promise" and Jazz fans "should be excited" (SALT LAKE TRIBUNE, 10/30).
CASE CLOSED? Former NHL Panthers GM Dale Tallon has been cleared of "any wrongdoing after an independent investigation found it could not substantiate claims he made inappropriate racial, religious and ethnic comments." The NHL "received an anonymous report in August of Tallon using racially derogatory language while in the Toronto playoff bubble and had in the past made openly racial, religious and ethnic comments." The investigation "showed the allegations were 'neither corroborated nor substantiated and are inconsistent with Tallon's past actions and his affirmative efforts in support of diversity and inclusion initiatives'" (AP, 10/29).
PRESIDENT SEARCH: Gateway Management Group and the Single-A Midwest League Beloit Snappers "have hired Marquee Search to perform a nationwide search to select a company president." The new president of GMG "will lead the Beloit baseball franchise as well as all operations at the new Riverbend Stadium." Marquee Search has "worked with more than 60 sports and entertainment businesses across the NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL, MLS, and minor leagues in recent years to find and hire talent for high-level positions" (BELOIT DAILY NEWS, 10/27).
