They’re Not Keen on Oilers

An overwhelming majority of Nashville residents don’t like their football team’s nickname and only about half are glad the Tennessee Oilers came to their city, according to a Vanderbilt University poll.

The Oilers moved to Tennessee from Houston last summer, and their public relations efforts in their new home have been criticized as lackluster.

The poll of 510 Nashville residents found 76% said they want the Oilers to change their name. Only 51% said they were pleased the team moved to Nashville.

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New England quarterback Drew Bledsoe, offensive lineman Max Lane and backup quarterback Scott Zolak, who jumped off a Boston nightclub stage into a crowd last week, were interviewed by police.

One of the patrons, Tameeka Messier, 23, was hospitalized and underwent a three-hour neck operation Monday. She is in stable condition.

A team spokesman said the three players said they didn’t strike Messier.

No charges have been filed.

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Seattle receiver Brian Blades will be sidelined for the season after undergoing hand surgery. Blades broke his left hand in Sunday’s overtime loss to New Orleans. . . . Baltimore owner Art Modell ended two weeks of speculation by saying Coach Ted Marchibroda will return for the third and final year of his contract next season.