Tagliabue Will Attend Rose Bowl

The New Year’s Day plans of NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue could hint at the league’s vision for the return of pro football to Los Angeles.

Tagliabue, who has never attended a college bowl game, will be a guest of ABC at the Rose Bowl game.

“I’m going to the Rose Bowl this year just to get up close and personal with the stadium,” Tagliabue said. “So we’re going to keep it under active consideration.”

In the ever-shifting L.A. landscape, the Rose Bowl has emerged as the current NFL front-runner. Earlier this fall, Tagliabue said the league would consider awarding a Super Bowl to Pasadena, provided it be played in a “significantly renovated” Rose Bowl.

The only conceivable way such renovations could take place would be if an NFL team were to make the stadium its home.

In a related development, the San Diego City Council will vote today on whether the city attorney is authorized to talk to Charger officials about renegotiating the team’s Qualcomm Stadium lease, or whether a specially appointed task force will consider the issue later. The Chargers are ready to discuss eliminating the controversial ticket guarantee and the trigger clause that could let them out of their current lease.

“For months, we’ve been trying to engage the city,” said Mark Fabiani, the Chargers’ point man on new stadium issues. “This is probably the last best chance to get those discussions started.”

-- Sam Farmer

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Philadelphia backup quarterback Koy Detmer is making progress rehabilitating his dislocated elbow and might be ready to play this week, according to Coach Andy Reid.... The Tennessee Titans have cleared defensive end Jevon Kearse, and hope the three-time Pro Bowler will be able to play in Monday’s game against New England. Kearse hasn’t played since breaking a bone in his left foot on the second play of the season against Philadelphia.... Tampa Bay safety John Lynch strained his neck during the Buccaneer victory over the Atlanta Falcons and is questionable for this week’s game against the Detroit Lions.... Washington Redskin rookie Patrick Ramsey will start Sunday’s game against the Eagles, the fifth quarterback change this season by Coach Steve Spurrier.... Carolina linebacker Dan Morgan needs surgery to repair his dislocated left shoulder and could miss the final three games of the season.... San Francisco 49er punt returner Jimmy Williams will sit out the rest of the season because of torn ligaments in his left knee.... Washington defensive coordinator Marvin Lewis interviewed for the vacant Michigan State head coaching position and said he will quickly decide whether to take the job.

From Associated Press