Missouri’s legislative budget leaders said they oppose spending taxpayer money on a new St. Louis football stadium, casting serious doubts on whether supporters can cobble together enough money for the facility before an approaching NFL vote on whether to relocate the Rams.
House Budget Chairman Tom Flanigan sent a letter Wednesday to Gov. Jay Nixon warning that he will block any effort to put money in the state budget for payments on a new stadium unless the Legislature or voters first approve the additional debt. And Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Kurt Schaefer told The Associated Press he doesn’t believe there is legislative support for using taxpayer money for a new stadium.
Their reluctance further complicates an already fragile plan that requires buy-in from a number of public and private entities to pay for the estimated $998 million stadium, a counterproposal to efforts by Rams owner Stan Kroenke to move the team to the Los Angeles area.
Falcons sign Grossman
Rex Grossman, who hasn’t thrown a pass in an NFL game since 2011, signed a one-year deal with the Atlanta Falcons. Grossman, 35, will compete with T.J. Yates and Sean Renfree to be the primary backup behind three-time Pro Bowl selection Matt Ryan.
League, union in court
The NFL Players Assn. remains at odds with the NFL regarding Adrian Peterson’s suspension, despite the resumption of the running back’s career with Minnesota. NFLPA and NFL lawyers traded arguments in front of U.S. District Judge David Doty on a contempt-of-court motion the union filed in May. The union argues Peterson should be paid back the millions he lost during what amounted to a six-game suspension.
Raiders sign Mays
The Oakland Raiders signed free agent safety Taylor Mays, reuniting him with defensive coordinator Ken Norton Jr., who was an assistant coach at USC when Mays played there. Mays, released by Detroit last week, has played 66 games the last five seasons for San Francisco and Cincinnati.
Umenyiora retires
Two-time Pro Bowl defensive end Osi Umenyiora announced his retirement, signing a one-day contract with the New York Giants so he could retire as a member of the team with which he won two Super Bowls. He played 12 NFL seasons, the first 10 with New York and last two in Atlanta.
Etc.
Jadeveon Clowney, who had microfracture knee surgery in December and didn’t practice with the Houston Texans until last week, is expected to play in the season opener Sept. 13 against Kansas City, Coach Bill O’Brien said. . . . Brandon McManus regained his job as Denver’s kicker when the released Connor Barth to make room for two-time Pro Bowl guard Evan Mathis. . . . Cleveland quarterback Johnny Manziel probably will sit out Saturday’s exhibition game at Tampa Bay because of persistent elbow soreness. . . . Washington linebacker Junior Galette injured his left ankle in practice is unlikely to play Saturday against Baltimore. . . . New England traded an undisclosed 2016 draft pick to Detroit for tackle Michael Williams, a seventh-round draft pick in 2013 who has not played in an NFL game.
