Raiders file papers to move to Las Vegas
The Raiders filed their paperwork to relocate to Las Vegas, the league announced Thursday.
The team’s relocation must be approved by three- fourths of the NFL’s team owners. The vote is expected to take place at the NFL owners meetings in Phoenix on March 26- 29.
“The application will be reviewed in the coming weeks by league staff and the stadium and financing committees,” the league said in a statement.
Raiders owner Mark Davis first made public his interest in moving to Las Vegas last spring. Influential owners such as the Cowboys’ Jerry Jones and the Patriots’ Bob Kraft seemingly have shown public support for the move.
The proposed 65,000- seat domed stadium with natural grass the Raiders want to play in ( and share with UNLV) is expected to cost $ 1.9 billion, including $ 750 million in hotel- tax revenue, $ 650 million from billionaire casino owner Sheldon Adelson and $ 500 million from the Raiders and the NFL.
Bears’ new assistants official
The Bears announced their coaching- staff changes. Offensive line coach Dave Magazu, outside linebackers coach Clint Hurtt and assistant secondary coach Sam Garnes are out. And running back Stan Drayton leaves to become the assistant head coach at Texas.
Jeremiah Washburn, the Dolphins’ assistant offensive line coach under former Bears offensive coordinator Adam Gase last season, will replace Magazu. Curtis Modkins, the 49ers’ offensive coordinator last season, will replace Drayton. Roy Anderson, the 49ers’ assistant defensive backs coach last season, replaces Garnes. The Bears have not yet replaced Hurtt.
Phillips named Rams’ DC
Wade Phillips will be the Rams’ new defensive coordinator.
Phillips will enter his 40th NFL season with his 10th franchise. He was a head coach with the Cowboys, Bills and Broncos, and he served as an interim head coach with the Saints, Falcons and the Texans.
The Bills agreed to terms with Rick Dennison to be their new offensive coordinator. He has 22 years of NFL coaching experience, including the last two running the Broncos’ offense.
Ex- Jets star has health issues
Former Jets sack- dancing star Mark Gastineau said he’s suffering from several health issues caused by years of playing football.
The 60- year- old Gastineau said that he has been diagnosed with dementia, Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease.
The Jets’ career sacks leader was known for his entertaining dances after taking down quarterbacks from 1979 to ’ 88.
Injury news
The Packers’ Davante Adams missed a second day of practice with an ankle injury, and the receiver might not know until warmups before the NFC Championship Game on Sunday whether he’ll be able to play against the Falcons.
Falcons All- Pro receiver Julio Jones missed his second day of practice with a sprained left toe. Jones is confident he will play.