Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Report: Vikings Stadium Deal Close

The Minnesota Vikings are reportedly on the verge of securing a brand new stadium in Arden Hills, according to the Star Tribune.

According to a report on the paper's website, stadium negotiators on Wednesday dropped the cost of the $1 billion proposed project by nearly $200 million and the Vikings had upped their contribution from $407 million. Also part of a revised deal is a resolution on who would own and operate the Ramsey County facility.

The Star Tribune says an official announcement on an agreement could come later Wednesday.

Lester Bagley, Vikings vice president for public affairs and stadium development, said earlier this week that stadium negotiators were close and the project could be ready for state legislators to discuss as part of the state’s $5 billion budget deficit.

“I think we’re close enough so [if] we were advised to wrap it up, we could sit down and hammer out the final agreement,” he told the paper.

Despite a deal being close, a Vikings stadium deal wouldn't become official until the legislature comes together for special session and signs off on the plan. Minnesota is on the cusp of a government shutdown that would begin Friday and a special session hasn't been scheduled. Gov. Mark Dayton, who is a stadium supporter, said there is still a lot of ground to make up on a budget compromise in order to avert a shutdown.

The good news for Vikings fans, a stadium deal looks as good as done. The bad news, now the wait is on to make it official.

Sunday, June 26, 2011

Report: Terrell Owens Tears His ACL

Free agent wide receiver Terrell Owens will likely miss the upcoming NFL season after he reportedly tore his anterior cruciate ligament in one of his knees, according to ESPN. NFL Insider Chris Mortensen broke the story and confirmed through sources that the surgery on Owen's knee was performed by noted orthopedist Dr. James Andrews and it occurred within the past month.

According to the ESPN report, one source said Owens tore the ACL during a personal workout. Owens' agent Drew Rosenhaus was not avilable for comment. However, Rosenhaus' brother and partner in the agent business, Jason Rosenhaus, said, "I don't like to deny stories or confirm or deny anything. It's really something for Drew (to address)."

Owens, who's 37 years old, tore his meniscus in his left knee late last season. An ACL injury typically requires roughly six months of rehab.

Owens had planned on playing a 16th season in 2011 after signing a one-year contract with the Cincinatti Bengals last season. Owens caught 72 passes for 983 yards and nine touchdowns for the Bengals. Owens would have been a free agent once the lockout was lifted.

Owens ranks second in all-time receiving yards, trailing only Jerry Rice and he's third behind Rice and Randy Moss in receiving touchdowns.