Anaheim to Hire Outside Lawyers

With negotiations between the NFL and Anaheim approaching a critical stage, the City Council voted Tuesday to spend as much as $495 per hour for outside attorneys experienced in working with the league.

City Atty. Jack White said the city needed to retain such attorneys to negotiate on even footing with the NFL as the two sides translated deal points into contract language for presentation to the council and the league.

The city hired the firm Allen Matkins, including lead attorney Tony Natsis.

According to a biography provided by the firm, Natsis previously “negotiated with the NFL regarding the anticipated relocation of a

-- Bill Shaikin

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Alcohol won’t be sold during Monday night’s game between the New York Jets and New England Patriots at Giants Stadium in an attempt to quell rowdy fan behavior. The ban comes after nine fans were arrested during the Jets’ home game with New Orleans on Nov. 27.

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San Diego left tackle Roman Oben was put on injured reserve because of a foot injury.... Arizona quarterback Kurt Warner was put on injured reserve, even though his knee injury apparently isn’t as severe as feared. Warner’s agent said the injured ligament won’t need surgery.

From the Associated Press