PRO FOOTBALL / DAILY REPORT : AROUND THE NFL : Pardee Gets Support From Owner

Bud Adams, the owner of the Houston Oilers, dismissed as “ridiculous speculation” reports that Coach Jack Pardee will be fired in the wake of a 1-3 start. In a brief statement, Adams gave his coach a vote of confidence one day after his team lost, 28-13, to the Rams.

The latest loss prompted outraged fans to jam phone lines at sports talk shows, many demanding Pardee’s ouster. The Oilers’ flagship radio station, KTRH, reported that two phone lines were knocked out by the volume of calls. Columnists for both major Houston newspapers also called for Pardee to be fired.

Meanwhile, the Oilers reported that cornerback Darryll Lewis suffered a torn knee ligament during the loss to the Rams, but it is not known if he will need surgery or how long he will be sidelined.

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Connecticut lawmakers made a bid to lure the New England Patriots to Hartford, authorizing $252.1 million in bonds to build a football stadium. After nearly five hours of debate, the state House of Representatives voted, 88-54, in favor of the proposal.