L.A., State Warned on NFL

Assemblyman Mark Ridley-Thomas (D-Los Angeles) on Tuesday cautioned that the latest effort to return the NFL to the Coliseum could be stalled by a disagreement over legislation designed to help finance future infrastructure improvements in the Exposition Park area.

Ridley-Thomas said that “issues that separate the city and the state can be resolved,” but that any delay could send “the wrong signal to the NFL, thereby blowing this deal again.”

The city and the state have not reached an agreement on the issue. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa has emphasized, however, that he does not support the use of public money when it comes to bringing an NFL team to L.A.

Timing is an issue in the push to put a new or relocated NFL franchise in the Coliseum. The NFL has set a late October deadline for all competing L.A.-area stadium sites to have ready-to-sign deals in place. The league has indicated that, if it selects the Coliseum proposal, it would build a $500-million facility inside the historic stadium’s existing walls.

Though no public money would be used to build the football stadium, proponents of the plan argue that a redevelopment district should be empowered to provide lower-cost funding to help reduce the cost of widening roads, installing water mains and making other infrastructure improvements. The district also would have the power of eminent domain.

The disagreement turns on whether a city resolution introduced by Councilman Bernard C. Parks in support of the redevelopment district safeguards the state’s economic interests. A staff report by the California Infrastructure and Economic Development Bank suggests that the redevelopment district’s economics won’t pencil out if an existing California team were to be shifted to the Coliseum, because an intrastate transfer wouldn’t create revenue.

A spokesman for City Atty. Rocky Delgadillo said the city is “working with all the parties on the issues.”

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-- Greg Johnson and Sam Farmer

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Kansas City Chief backup running back Larry Johnson turned himself in to face an assault charge after an altercation with his girlfriend at a bar.

Kansas City, Mo., police spokesman Darin Snapp said Johnson was cited Monday on suspicion of domestic abuse assault. He posted bond and was released, with a court date set for Tuesday.

Chief Coach Dick Vermeil said the incident would not affect Johnson’s standing with the team.

The Chiefs did get some good news. The injury situation is much brighter than they had expected after four starters went out during Sunday’s victory over the New York Jets.

Cornerback Patrick Surtain and fullback Tony Richardson probably will play this week at Oakland, Vermeil said.

But especially encouraging was the report on the hamstring injury to left tackle Willie Roaf. After an MRI exam, what was feared to be a tear turned out to be a strain, meaning it is possible Roaf might play this week.

The only long-term injury could be to defensive tackle Ryan Sims, who also left the game because of a foot injury and will have further tests today.

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Tampa Bay cornerback Torrie Cox was jailed early Tuesday after being charged with driving under the influence, his second drunk driving arrest in nine months. Cox was arrested by Tampa, Fla., police after he refused a blood-alcohol test. The third-year player also was arrested on a DUI charge Dec. 4. It could not immediately be determined if that case is still pending.

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Experts will have to clean and decontaminate the Louisiana Superdome before the stadium’s future can be determined, according to Superdome officials who toured the facility.

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Indianapolis activated safety Mike Doss from the reserve-suspended list and waived rookie offensive lineman Matt Ulrich.... Seattle signed veteran defensive end Rodney Bailey and released wide receiver Jerheme Urban.... Chicago agreed to terms with offensive tackle John St. Clair and waived offensive tackle Marc Colombo.... Pittsburgh signed quarterback Charlie Batch and released wide receiver Noah Washington.... Kicker Nick Novak signed with the Washington Redskins, who also cut kick returner Antonio Brown.... Cincinnati signed fullback Nick Luchey.