This is my first
blog, so please let me know how I did!
One of the saddest
commentaries in U.S. sports is how the city of Los Angeles, the nation's second-largest television
market, doesn’t have a franchise in the NFL. Abandoned by both the Rams and the
Raiders in 1994, the city of Los Angeles and the NFL have been going in circles ever
since. Every week, it seems, a report appears about a new stadium proposal; the
L.A. Coliseum will be renovated, Chavez Ravine is an option or Anaheim is in the running. The NFL will fly
executives to Los
Angeles
to scout out sites, announce that none meet their criteria and the game begins
again.
Two pro sports
franchises leaving town the same year should have caused an uproar. When Cleveland lost the Browns to Baltimore, owner Art Modell was vilified and received
death threats. When the Raiders and Rams departed in 1994, Los Angelinos yawned
before going surfing. To add insult to injury, there was recent news of Canadian
Football League officials talking about the possibility of an NFL team moving
to Canada. CANADA?! While the NFL has no current plans for
expansion, several existing teams are believed to be potential candidates for
relocation, including the Buffalo Bills, Minnesota Vikings, Jacksonville Jaguars
and New Orleans Saints.
Of those
franchises, the Bills seem most likely to move in the short-term; given that
89-year-old owner Ralph Wilson has publicly declared the team will be sold to
the highest bidder after his death. The Buffalo market will be too small to generate the
revenue needed to offset an NFL franchise purchased for current value. While
the NFL insists putting a team in Los Angeles is its top priority, why are we talking
about Canada?
What team wouldn’t
want to relocate to Los
Angeles?
L.A. offers plenty of advantages; the region is
home to a number of Fortune 500 companies, the population of Los Angeles County alone tops 10 million, and the weather is
generally good year-round.
In my opinion, there are two primary reasons L.A. doesn't have an NFL team. First, the
taxpayers are being asked to pay for a multi-million dollar stadium. Why should
the people of any city be forced to pay for stadiums when the people of the
city will receive no benefit from the team's presence? Let's see, we pay
for the stadiums, then they charge us anywhere between $100-$200 bucks a
seat. So the owners get a free stadium then get to charge the people who
paid for the stadium outrageous amounts of money to watch games in the stadium
they paid for? Uhhh…I don’t think so! Second, I think the NFL has been
using Los
Angeles
as a bargaining chip to help other franchises get new stadium deals. In the
event a franchise isn’t satisfied with their current stadium lease, and what
team is, the owner(s) can say, “Well, I’ll just have to look elsewhere if I
can’t get a new stadium.” And where is the first place they’ll look? Yep. L.A.
The stories will
continue to be posted, but the bottom line is this: Los Angeles is as close to landing an NFL team as Paris
Hilton is to having a clean driving record.
Thanks for reading and please post comments. I’ll get back to you right away!
CAT youve had 2 teams in LA that i can think of.. the LA rams and the LA raiders. I don't know why they left but I think it had something to do with FAN support and the all mighty dollar. Be thankful you have pro sports. Being in Montana the closest things I have are Denver (boo) and Seattle (Yea!)
Very nice read though and welcome to fox blogging
mtmarinerfan
Last edited by montanadan on January 16th at 4:01 PM.
Welcome to the blog site. Good post by the way but I have to agree with montanadan. If you already had two teams what makes you think that a third team could survive there?
Thank you both for the welcome! I think it boils down to the stadium. The NFL wants a brand new stadium and L.A. wants to use the Coliseum or maybe the Rose Bowl. Why pay for a new stadium if what you have would work?
Guys you know the NFL wants to be here. I want a team I can call my own. I know L.A. fans are fickle, but we'd support a team.
Good Article. Something to remember is that the Los Angeles teams weren't originally from LA either. The Cleveland Rams moved to LA in the 1940s and the Raiders from Oakland in the early 80s. Most of the LA pro teams are teams that moved from other cities.
The NFL was smart to use LA as leverage to get new stadiums built in cities that needed new stadiums. I don't see LA getting an expansion team and I don't think the owners will allow a team to move there until some of the remaining stadium issues are resolved in other cities. At least SD is pretty fun to watch now.
Hi StreetCred. Thanks for the comments. I agree with you that the NFL wa smart for using us as a bargaining chip. But, I didn't like it, and neither do my fellow Los Angelinos. I hope you're wrong about us not getting a team, but as each year passes, the more I think you may be right.
Welcome to the wonderful world of Fox Sports blogging!
You are obviously very knowledgeable on the LA sports scene. Los Angeles certainly does deserve an NFL franchise and I understand the stadium issue. Holding a municipality up for a stadium is old hat when it comes to pro sports. It's the nature of the beast and why potential owners stand in line to get a franchise.
The story of the Rams goes a lot deeper than they simply moved away. Carrol Rosenbloom owned the team and died under mysterious circumstances while swimming in the Pacific Ocean (something he'd done everyday at the same time for years). His widow, Georgia, took over the team and made one bad move after another finally leading to her moving the team to her hometown, St. Louis. If you aren't aware of all the shenanigans that went on from 1979 to the move check it out. This was a debacle.
LA has supported USC and UCLA with great fans over the years. The NFL messed up big time when they let the Rams leave. Al Davis enriched himself in LA and then bailed. Is it any wonder the people of Los Angeles won't be held hostage for a stadium?
Hi Dwindy1! Thank you for the welcome! My daddy told me a lot about the Rams. He's so sad that they moved away. You're absolutely right about USC and UCLA, they are the closest thing to real football we have. I appreciate the information about owner, I didn't know he died like that. Georgia is a dirty word here in L.A., we know all about her.
Catrina, welcome aboard. You answered your own question: the sports fans in LA just don't care. San Antonio (which already has a pretty nice stadium) will get a relocating team a long time before LA does.
Hi GoPurple6933! Thanks for the welcome. But don't say that about us not getting a team! Don't you want to see L.A. have a team? It would be good for the NFL, and even better for L.A. Hope you're wrong but thank s for commenting.
Hi klvalus! You're so sweet! Who did you mix me up with? I love the races but as you know, there aren't many out here. That's a good idea about writing a story on Jimmie - he's my man!
I will say hi to MoonDog for you - it's so weird calling him that - I know his real name. He told me if I tell anyone he's going to come out her and spank me. Yea right!
JOKERSWILD - Thank you for the welcome! I'm keeping my hopes up, but you're right about the stadium thing. If we can't get that settled, we'll probably never get an NFL team.
It seems bizarre to think of any pro sports league not having a team in Los Angeles. It is almost as if the league is making an example out of Los Angeles for not caving in on a new stadium. Oddly enough, another part of the problem is that the league probably wants to add one team to each conference and there isn't really another market to go to other than perhaps San Antonio or maybe Portland.
CatrinaF
The reason why there are no teams in LA is because the fans can no longer stand be duped by the owners and the NFL alike. Along the way you've been taken for money than you'd to care think of.
And as for the NFL now wanting to lure a team there. Are you all now willing to have another team at taxpayers' expense ?
Because in the end that's what it'll amount to. And I do believe that the most naive of you know this.
That's just may take on it though but I'll leave it up to you to consider what I'm saying.
Dudski - thanks for the compliment. You're right that the NFL wants to hold us hostage until they get a stadium out of us. It's not like the fans in L.A. have a voice. We can't boycott anything.
But we are the second largest city in the U.S. and we don't have an NFL. Bizarre is absolutely right. Thanks for visiting me!
tophatal: this is too weird - I JUST posted at your blog! My friend Moondog said you were really good. You're right about the NFL not giving us a team until the taxpayers foot the bill for a stadium. I don't see that happening though. It's so frustrating.
Thanks for commenting and I'll be sure to come by your blog often.
Of course the NFL is going to bring not one but two teams here, I too live in long beach and alot of the talk has been in the Telegram about putting a facility by the Queen MAry and having a team right there, I doubt it will happen, but anyone who says a team cant survive in LA is foolish, its the second largest market in the US, and football is the most popular sport, the NFL will have teams here most likely the next two expansion teams. The saints tried to make a move here and I am glad they didn't I hope that when we get two teams they are expansion not someone elses trash like the rams and raiders were.
Great scribble and welcome aboard, scribble as much as you can, answer the comments left on your blog, respect your readers and go comment on a bunch of blogs and you'll be a wizard and a true star...best fishes...
Catrina, good maiden blog. Welcome to this portion of the blogosphere. My question is: why does the NFL want to force a team in LA when the fans don't care? LA is a USC, Lakers, and Dodgers town (contrary to the three LA Angels of Anaheim, Orange County, California, United States, Western Hemisphere, Earth, Solar System, Milky Way Galaxy, Universe fans) I used to be a Rams fan when they were in LA, but when they moved, I became a Carolina Panthers fan. I don't want to see a team in LA for a number of years up and move again.
A few years ago, LA had a chance to get that 32nd team but the politicians there showed NO leadership. They messed up a GOLDEN opportunity to let an expansion team go into LA by hemming and hawing and losing the team to Houston.
Last edited by jon_464 on January 16th at 7:39 PM.
Welcome to the wonderful world of Fox. Most here are pretty nice but you will find the jerks. All I can say is have fun and enjoy. As for no NFL in LA, that will change. Way too big of a market. I was a Rams fans since I was very little but when they went to St Louis it hasn't been the same. Nice reading you.
I don't know if LA wants them, but if San Diego doesn't get their collective heads out of their collective behinds, the Chargers may head your way. At this time, I really think they will move into the county of San Diego (Chula Vista), but there is still a lot of research to do as well as a vote to take in 2009.
Build it and they will come! You've got to face it, it's the way of pro sports. The city that has the team benefits tremendously. See the Arlington Cowboys... or rather "Dallas". The City of Dallas and the taxpayers wouldn't foot the bill, so Jerry took his ball to nearby Arlington (home of the Rangers). The stadium is state-of-the-art and will be the premier stadium in the country when it opens. And there's enough room around for new mixed-use development that will bring more money to the city. And the people of Arlington feel they are front and center of the NFL world. The seats/suites will be very expensive but most tickets at these new venues are bought by corporations these days. They can afford it.
You may end up with a team in Anaheim to go with the Angels. You need more room than just for the stadium itself. I would love to see a team there again one day. The Cowboys need to be playing out there every now and then... well... maybe not, we need TONY to FOCUS!!
L.A... we love it!!!
Last edited by NoWhereElseButTexas on January 16th at 9:41 PM.
Excellent job with the first post. I recognize a lot of the people posting here. Make frequent posts, visit and comment at other blogs, and ultimately start your own web site. Sounds familiar.
Hi stopbeingdumb! You're in LB too? How Cool!! I don't know about two teams, but I'd like to see one for sure. I glad the Saints didn't move here either. I want our own team! Thanks for commenting.
Hi jon_464! Your avatar looks like a Fresno State Bulldog. Are you in CA? I think the fans do care, especially since we haven't had a team in so long. Absence makes the heart grow fonder, you know? I agree though that the city of L.A. feel asleep at the wheel a few years ago, but it was still about taxpayers money for a new stadium. At least they left us with plenty to talk about.
degraff: Hi and thans for the welcome! I was a Rams fan too. My daddy was a HUGE Rams fan, and he's been sad ever since they've left. I don't even watch the St. Louis Rams, makes me mad every time I hear that.
Hi Bolt Backer 21! Thanks for the welcome! I've been rooting fot the Chargers since we don't have a team. I don't know about getting the Chargers here in L.A., but anything is possible. I hear the people in SD are much like us. They don't want to spend the money for a new stadium. Sounds like another soap opera down there too.
NoWhereElseButTexas: Hi! You may be right. I think that is the only way the NFL is going to give us another team. I just don't think the taxpayers are going to give in.
Hi Moondog! I feel so strange calling you that! You were right about everyone being nice. I'm so glad you talked me into this! Thank you for the compliment. I'll talk to you later today.
Welcome to blogging Catrina,
Everything I have read here pretty much covers the reasons for no NFL in LA. The chances of an established team like the Saints moving there are diminished by the no new stadium and no pay outs from the state. You may not know that the owner of the Saints rec 25 million dollars a year from the tax payers of Louisiana as well as free use of the superdome and all the perks of parking and consessions that go with it. I don't see Arnold signing a law supporting that any time soon. Your only chance is an expansion franchise and while the owners talk about it every year, it never goes anywhere. All new franchises require a new stadium nowadays. Tho I don't think it's written in stone you can bet its part of the deal. The last franchisee paid over 700 mil for the team alone. The next will pay a Billion or more. Coming up with 700-900 million for a stadium would be a little too much to expect. All that said, LA fans have always been a little hesitant to support the NFL. Sure times have changed the last 14 years but a 2 Billion dollar investment is a lot not knowing if anyone is going to show up.
Good first blog.
Catrina,
I asked my mon'ami Moondog about you on his website and he told me you do bussiness together at times. That's cool and he's one of the funniest and nicest people I met here at fox. Not to mention we are both SEC homers. Also what alsports101 said about Tom Benson and the Saints is all to true. I was born and raised in the wonderful city of New Orleans and still live here to this day. We kind of over pay for this team but we love them. I also think that they was never a real threat to leave but was more like what you said L.A. was used as a barganing chip to get a new deal and promise of future stadium talks. Have a great day sweetie.
CatrinaF
Either one of two things'll happen. The California Legislature in conjunction with the NFL will do something about it. Or a team will want to make the move there. But it'll be dependent upon how the franchise goes about it.
Nice blog, Kat. As to getting a team in LA, I imagine it will happen. but I can understand their relunctance. If the second largest city in the country can't hold onto two different teams, why should they risk it a third time?
Being from San Antonio, I feel your frustration. We are the 8th largest city in the country, have the world champion basketball team (4 times) but we can't convince the NFL that we could support an NFL team. We have a stadium, which now would have to be updated, and a city of avid sports fans.
When the Saints played three games in SA after Catrina, they sold out all three games very quickly.
Of course SA is Cowboys country and Jerry Jones will not want to lose that. That is why he has training camp in SA every summer, to consolidate that tie.
I iamgine there are other cities who feel they could suypport a team.
Another problem is whether to expand the league or move an existing team. The league is too big now.
catrina, all of these nice male commentors, and they failed to tell you how smokin hawt you seemingly are. I hope that's your real pic. Consider yourself honored to have brought me out of hibernation with that pic for a comment. College Football is over, and I'm back into my cave till August.
Hi alsports101! Thanks for the compliment. The costs are terribly high and you're probably right. It's all going to depend on whether the taxpayers want to spend the money. I don't think it's going to happen.
See Ya!
Hi StormCharger! You're a new blogger too? Cool! I hope for San Diego's sake they keep the team. I want a team badly but I don't want it at another city's expense.
Hi gambitxx! That's so nice of you to say about Moondog. I always feel strange about calling him that because I know his real name. I saw his web site today and he posted those pics for you? You're right about the NFL using us to help keep the Saints in New Orleans. That wasn't right. I'm glad they got to stay there.
Cat, good work in the blog and in the comments section. All kidding aside, I do think that the NFL is missing out by not having a team in LA, but if the fans there really cared they would have one by now. If the politicians sense that it isn't a priority for their constituents, they are going to act accordingly, and the NFL will go to cities (like Houston) that do make supporting a pro football team a priority.
Cygnus, we are trying to have a big more class than that. Besides, you butter up the hot female better by telling her how smart she is... ;-)
Welcome to the blogosphere Cat. I was raised in LA county (Paramount) and tho I've been gone a couple of decades I think I still understand the SoCal mindset, and it pains me to hear people who know squat (obviously not you) about LA stating the reasons why Los Angelinos have no Pro team, mostly saying that the people of SoCal don't care about Pro Football. Not so, we're just a little cynical. When Carrol Rosenbloom died under mysterious circumstances, and his money-grubbing wife inherited the team, we were su####ious. Then the first thing she does is fire the only knowledgable person on the staff, Carol's son Steve? Rosenbloom. Then to top it all off she moves them to Anaheim and still dares to call them the Los Angeles Rams. Of course the fans stopped coming, we hated her and what she did to OUR team. They went from a team with nicknames like "Fearsome Fousome", "Deacon", and "Hacksaw" to a team ran by a money grubber with no love of the game.
As far as the Raiders, LA ain't like Dallas; in Dallas a team like the Stars can come to a non hockey city and be an immediate success just because they hang "Dallas" in front of their name and change their name from Northstars to Stars. In LA the Raiders were still the OAKLAND Raiders to us; given time I'm sure they would have grown on us but Big Al bailed. Like I said, were a cynical lot, you got to prove your credentials before we support you with our hard earned $$$$'s. That's my story and I'm sticking to it!
Last edited by UltTroyDos on January 17th at 12:56 PM.
Hi tophatal: If a team relocated here I wouldn't mind IF they paid a partial amount for a new stadium. Otherwise, I just don't see L.A. spending the money for a new stadium.
Hi YeeMum! I think I saw your name at Moondog's web site? Thanks for the welcome and compliment. Moon is my bud - he's a nice man and he told me I would really enjoy this. Everyone here has been so nice! Do you have a blog here? Let me know so I can come read it.
Hi everyone! My name is Catrina, and I'm a student at Long Beach State University in Long Beach, California. I work part-time for the Port of Long Beach and a very nice man I speak to everyday told me about his blog on Fox. I LOVE sports and he suggested I write a blog too.
I know I look like the typical California girl, but I'm not stuck-up, shallow or most importantly, stupid. I love the Dodgers, Lakers and Galaxy. Since we don't have a football team in L.A. (Boo NFL!), I cheer for the Chargers.
