Rose Bowl backers stunned by news

PASADENA

Some of those involved in trying to bring an NFL football team to the Rose Bowl reacted bitterly on Wednesday to news that the league is turning its attention to Anaheim.
The unpleasant emotions of being stunned by the NFL's decision last year to commit $10 million to exploring Carson have been rekindled.
"After we've gotten the discussions back on track, yet again we are faced with the unexpected and unexplained steps by the NFL that's going to cause ourselves and many others to reconsider just how realistic it is to work with the league,' said Bill Thomson, vice president of the Rose Bowl Operating Company.
Pasadena Councilman Victor Gordo lambasted the NFL.
"If the NFL wants to Mickey Mouse around, they can do that. If they want to play serious football, they should refocus right back on Pasadena,' he said. "Anyone who doesn't think the NFL is going to turn over every stone, look under every blade of grass, is kidding themselves. They are shopping around to see if they can get a better deal.'
But, Gordo added, "You can't compare Disneyland, the Coliseum and a dump site to football in the Arroyo Seco on a Sunday afternoon.'
Rose Bowl General Manager Darryl Dunn tried to take the news in stride.
"We have always known all along that we weren't the only site they were talking to,' Dunn said. "Nothing changes.'

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