Anschutz Involvement Unclear

Just what Philip Anschutz’s motives are, if any, is unclear.

A source with interest in football, who has had direct contact with him, says Anschutz, Denver billionaire, co-owner of the Los Angeles Kings with Ed Roski and partner in a proposed downtown Los Angeles sports arena, has decided to play no part in returning football to a new Coliseum and presently does not wish that known to avoid jeopardizing the arena deal.

In addition, Anschutz has informed Roski that he will not be party to any NFL deal, and might buy out his partner’s interest in the arena.

“That’s absolutely incorrect,” said Roski, who has been championing the new Coliseum’s cause with promises of Anschutz’s financial support in visits to NFL owners around the league. “Nothing has changed.

“Right now, Phil and I are proceeding along as always, and I don’t see any reason that it would change. We’ve had our challenges with this arena project and I’m sure that both of us have thought about taking on a new challenge . . . he has never said to me that he is not interested in the football.”

A secretary in his Denver office took a request to interview Anschutz four days ago, but to date there has been no response.

A representative for Roski said he would do what he could in prompting a comment from Anschutz to clarify the situation, but again there was no reply.

Anschutz’s low profile and reluctance to be responsive, in addition to his status as potential absentee owner, could raise questions about his effectiveness in making a Los Angeles franchise successful. Most NFL experts attribute the downfall of the Raiders and Rams in Los Angeles to poor and aloof ownership.

If Roski and Anschutz are still partners in Los Angeles’ effort to win NFL favor, to date Roski has been doing all the work.

Last Monday night, Roski, along with Los Angeles City Councilman Mark Ridley-Thomas, attended the New England-Denver game in Anschutz’s hometown to make contact with team owners Robert Kraft and Pat Bowlen. Anschutz, however, made no appearance.

He also will not be here Tuesday morning when Roski presents a finance plan for the new Coliseum to the NFL’s stadium committee.

Anschutz’s bankroll has impressed NFL owners, and without him most suspect that Roski, while successful in his own right, would be unable to carry the financial load in bringing football to Los Angeles. A number of prospective minority owners have expressed interest in joining Roski and Anschutz, but Roski said this week no one else has been taken aboard at this time.

“We will be very interested in learning more about Anschutz’s involvement or lack of involvement,” said an NFL owner who will be at Tuesday’s meeting. “It’s an answer we have to have to proceed.”