By Bernie Miklasz
ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
Thursday, Oct. 09 2008
Dave Checketts, owner of the St. Louis Rams?
When Checketts, the Blues' CEO, made a guest appearance on my KSLG (1380 AM)
radio show Wednesday, I asked him if he'd be interested in purchasing the Rams.
Rams Chairman Chip Rosenbloom has said he's in no hurry to sell and would like
to keep the team. But if Rosenbloom had to sell, he told me he would try to
place the franchise in good hands and wants the new owner to be committed to
keeping the team in St. Louis.
Could Checketts be that candidate?
If given an opportunity, would Checketts step up and attempt to make a deal
with Rosenbloom?
"The answer is absolutely," Checketts said. "We love St. Louis. It's a great
NFL franchise. There are some real hurdles ahead with it. I'm more interested
in doing the right thing for St. Louis than I am necessarily being the owner of
the Rams.
"I think Chip's having discussions with a lot of different people. I don't
think he's decided exactly what he wants to do, but if and when he decides to
sell I hope I get a call."
As Checketts indicated, there would be obstacles.
The Rams' sale price would probably fall between $800 million and $1 billion.
If Stan Kroenke retained his 40 percent ownership share, the new majority
partner would have to fund 60 percent of the purchase price. Yes, a new owner
could recruit partners, but under NFL rules the lead owner must control at
least 30 percent of the franchise.
Though Checketts' personal worth is unclear, it's doubtful that he has the kind
of financial clout required to own an NFL franchise. In theory, Checketts could
put together a group headed by a "silent" majority partner — a big-money
investor who has little interest in being the front man for the franchise.
And in that setup, Checketts would fit as the chief executive. He's operated
successful sports businesses, including the NBA Utah Jazz and New York Knicks.
Under Checketts' leadership, the Blues are quickly rebuilding their fan base
and popularity. When Checketts ran Madison Square Garden in New York, the arena
prospered. Checketts also started up the profitable MSG sports network.
NFL rules barring cross ownership wouldn't apply to Checketts. He owns a pro
soccer franchise, in Utah, Real Salt Lake. But since there is no NFL team in
Salt Lake City, Checketts is cleared to be an NFL owner in St. Louis. It's the
same reason Paul Allen can own the NFL Seattle Seahawks and the NBA Portland
Trailblazers; the Blazers do not compete with an NFL team in Portland.
Kroenke, however, has a problem. The NFL won't...
-10-09-2008, 04:27 AM
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