Council, Allen Reach Agreement on Lease

King County Council members said they have an agreement in principle with Paul Allen’s group to shorten the Seattle Seahawks’ lease on the Kingdome, a move that could bring Allen closer to purchasing the team.

Council members would reveal few details of the agreement, but said all parties involved would benefit.

“The agreement that has been agreed to in principle as of today actually is a better deal than has been previously thought of before negotiations were concluded this weekend,” Councilman Peter von Reichbauer said.

Councilman Ron Sims said no public subsidies are involved and the county, which owns the Kingdome, will at least break even on the lease.

Allen has said he wouldn’t follow through on his exclusive option to buy the team from Ken Behring unless the county granted him concessions on the Seahawks’ current Kingdome lease.

Allen wants to limit financial losses while he pursues a new home for the Seahawks. He wants the Kingdome to be eventually torn down and replaced with a new stadium.

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New England Patriot starting fullback Sam Gash suffered a sprained left knee in Sunday’s 34-10 victory over the New York Jets and may sit out the rest of the season. Mario Greer and Keith Byars will likely share time at fullback in Gash’s absence.

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Fullback Jeff Cothran returned to the Cincinnati Bengals after serving a one-game suspension for his latest alcohol-related problems.