PRO FOOTBALL DAILY REPORT : NFC : Giants Apologize for Snowball Incident

The New York Giants and the agency that runs Giants Stadium have taken a full-page ad in The San Diego Union-Tribune apologizing for the behavior of fans who threw snowballs on the field at last Saturday’s game against the Chargers.

“The New York Giants and the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority on behalf of the 99.99% of Giants fans who are the best fans in sports,” the ad reads, “would like to apologize to owner Alex Spanos, head coach Bobby Ross, equipment manager Sid Brooks, the players, coaches, staff and fans of the San Diego Chargers for the conduct of an unruly few during our game last Saturday.

“We want to wish the Chargers the very best of luck as they start their defense of their AFC championship crown. The Giants and the NJSEA would like to wish the Chargers and their fans a very happy 1996!”

Brooks was hit near the eye by a snowball during the game and knocked unconscious for 30 seconds.

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The man who was photographed throwing a snowball in the Giants-Chargers game was charged with improper behavior.

Jeffrey Lange, 26, of Bridgewater, posted $250 bail and will appear in Municipal Court at an undisclosed date for a hearing, said state police spokesman John Hagerty. Lange could face up to six months in jail and up to a $1,000 fine if found guilty of throwing snowballs onto the field. Giants officials said 15 people who called the team gave the same identity for the man photographed by The Associated Press.

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Chances of a stadium agreement between Chicago and the Chicago Bears seem even bleaker following team president Michael McCaskey’s reaction on the city’s proposal to renovate Soldier Field.

“It’s dead,” McCaskey told reporters Tuesday.

But at City Hall, Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley’s office said rumors of the plan’s demise were greatly exaggerated.