Notes on a Scorecard - Sept. 25, 1991

We saw the future of the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum Tuesday and we liked it. . . .

The unveiling of a model of the renovated Coliseum in a tent behind the peristyle end of the 68-year-old stadium was even able to light up the faces of Raider owner Al Davis and USC Athletic Director Mike McGee, who haven’t exactly been all smiles lately. . . .

If everything goes according to plan, the Coliseum in 1994 will resemble Giants Stadium, which is considered the premier venue in the NFL. . . .

The seating capacity for NFL games will be reduced from 92,000 to 70,000, but that actually will mean more local fans will be able to see the Raiders if their offense perks up in three years. The more sellouts, the fewer television blackouts. . . .

USC, which sells out every year for either UCLA or Notre Dame, will maintain an 85,000 capacity. . . .

The preservationists got their way with the peristyle and the stadium exterior, but, fortunately, not with the restrooms. . . .

Among the most significant improvements: 40,000 seats between the goal lines compared to 22,000 today. . . .

“Fans will be able to see well from the first 10 rows, which they can’t do now,” architect Terry Miller said. Protested Davis: “Please, don’t say that; we’ve sold those seats for the 49er game Sunday.” . . .

Davis was wearing his 1984 Super Bowl championship ring. “I wear this or my 1981 ring when I’m around Tom Flores,” he said. “When I’m around John Madden, I wear my 1977 ring.” . . . All those Los Angeles-bashers in San Francisco should consider this: The L.A. chapter of the American Red Cross sent cots, blankets, trucks and $5 million to the Bay Area after the 1989 earthquake. . . .

The best record compiled by a last-place major league team--shared by the Toronto Blue Jays and the Cleveland Indians, who went 78-84 in 1982--is almost certain to be surpassed in the American League West this season. . . .

Last Sunday, the Dodgers played the Atlanta Braves and the Raiders played the Atlanta Falcons. This Sunday, the Dodgers will play the San Francisco Giants and the Raiders will play the San Francisco 49ers. . . .

The Giants probably will waive the no-trade clause in outfielder Kevin Bass’ contract. . . .

Houston Astro outfielder Kenny Lofton once led the University of Arizona in steals--the basketball team, that is. . . .

Highlight of Clipper owner Donald Sterling’s party Sunday was the appearance of recently acquired and formerly disgruntled center James Edwards. He spoke with Coach Mike Schuler and General Manager Elgin Baylor and said he is looking forward to spending the season in L.A. . . .

It would take a lot more than the triple bypass surgery that Lou Duva underwent Tuesday to keep the feisty trainer out of Evander Holyfield’s corner for the Mike Tyson fight on Nov. 8 in Las Vegas. . . .

USC Coach Larry Smith says the Trojans (1-2) are practicing a few minutes longer this week “so we can execute better.” . . .

Is it my imagination or are an inordinate number of personal fouls being called in college football games? . . .

New York Jet Coach Bruce Coslet goofed Monday night at Chicago, but not when he sent in Pat Leahy on first down in overtime to kick what should have been an automatic 28-yard field goal. . . .

What Coslet neglected to do was tell his quarterback, Ken O’Brien, to go down on one knee for three consecutive plays when the Jets had the ball and the lead, 13-6, with under two minutes left in regulation. He could have virtually killed the clock. Instead, O’Brien handed off to Blair Thomas, who fumbled and gave the Bears the opportunity to tie. . . .

Why did ABC insist on showing so many sideline shots of Bear Coach Mike Ditka after it became apparent he was going to spit almost every time? . . .

The New York Giants rushed for 212 yards against the Cleveland Browns, but the most valuable player in the Super Bowl, Ottis Anderson, didn’t carry the ball once. . . .

One key to the success of the unbeaten Saints is the play of defensive end Frank Warren, who didn’t play last season because of a drug suspension. . . .

Bryce Paup, the Green Bay Packers’ unheralded linebacker who was involved in the play that knocked Randall Cunningham out for the season, leads the league in sacks. . . .

How do NFL teams perform the week after byes? Last season, they won 16 games and lost 12. . . .

Three of every four instant replay reviews this season seem unnecessary.