NFL spring meetings underway

By Alex Guzman | Tuesday, May 24, 2005 | ( 0 )

Got something to say?

The annual NFL spring meeting began Tuesday in Washington DC. One of the most significant issues that will be discussed is the impending sale of the Minnesota Vikings to an investor group led by Zygmunt Wilf. The group, formerly headed by Reggie Fowler, is expected to pay $625 million to wrest control from current owner Billy Joe "Red" McCombs.

A proposal under consideration would permit the defense to recover the ball if replays showed a fumble occurred before the runner was down by contact. The recovery would have to be immediate and clearly evident on replay, and the defense would not be permitted to advance the ball. Under the current rule, if an official blows the whistle, the play ends and is not reviewable.

The Competition Committee will decide whether to eliminate "horse-collar" tackles by deeming them a 15 yard infraction for unsportsmanlike conduct. Such tackles arise when a defender grabs the ball carrier inside the back of the shoulder pads and drags him down. An example of such a play occurred when Dallas Cowboys safety broke the right leg of Philadelphia Eagles receiver Terrell Owens late in the 2004 regular season.

The 2009 Super Bowl will be awarded to either Atlanta, Miami, Houston or Tampa.

Also being considered is a stadium project in Los Angeles, California. The Rose Bowl in Pasadena, the Los Angeles Coliseum and a proposed stadium in Anaheim are vying to host a future franchise in the US's second largest market.

Got something to say?