Sports Radio Service


		York won't rule out L.A. if no Bay stadium is built By David Zizmor August 29, 2007

	SAN FRANCISCO--At the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce luncheon at the Hyatt Regency, which was held today, even if you have a season media credential for the 49ers, only selected members of the media were getting into the ballroom area to interview keynote speakers and players to this event. Amongst the dais members was Senator Dianne Feinstein, Mayor Gavin Newsom, John York, Denise DeBartolo and 49er players. Feinstein was made available later and made mention after the luncheon that under no circumstances that she and Mayor Newsom would stand by quietly and allow the 49ers to leave San Francisco under any circumstances. She also made it clear that she had said that San Francisco had made the offer that either Candlestick Point or the Naval Shipyard is the most viable areas and practical areas to build a new stadium. Nothing has changed on the York's side of the ball since then and John York made his voice known after digesting on lunch at the Hyatt that whether the City plays ball in his court or not the 49ers want to build in Santa Clara at the Great America location. "I feel strongly that the 49ers are a San Francisco team. That's what the 49ers legend is all about." said Feinstein. Newsom stated that the 49ers have been a larger part of the city since 1946 the team's inception and there's no turning back now as the 49ers are as big as the City culture in of itself which was really established when York's brother in law Eddie DeBartolo took the 49ers through a historic resurgence during the glory days of the 80s winning five Super Bowls. Those days helped put the 49ers on the NFL map from their woe days in the 60s and 70s. Senator Feinstein also said she will not and cannot standby for a Santa Clara move and that the City will not lose the 49ers and that even to force sale of the team to find someone who would keep the team in the City. That last one won't be easy as John York has no intention of doing the latter. Feinstein for good measure is throwing in legislation that would block a move for the team to leave the City. The York's have made it clear that they have no intention of staying in San Francisco and that Santa Clara is their only other alternative in the Bay Area. And if John York doesn't get his stadium built in Santa Clara due to a legislative block in Washington or the voters of Santa Clara vote it down? York had stated that Los Angeles has no football team, they are the number two TV market in the nation and stay tuned doesn’t rule that possibility out. The luncheon was engaging by the way both the York's and Feinstein kept it socially friendly but each side made it clear where they stand and this one could go to the mat meaning a court battle if they can't figure it out when the push comes to shove. 49ers spokesperson Lisa Lang made it clear that the York's full intention is to move to the Great America location near the 49ers offices in Santa Clara with a brand new park. Included in that is a ballot measure that would go in front of the Santa Clara voters as early as February 3rd during the Presidential primary or the State election on June 3rd. Scheduled is a counter proposal by Feinstein to block a 49ers move with legislature in Washington that the team cannot leave San Francisco without first seeking options including finding a new owner that is willing to buy and keep the team in the City. Asked about the latter proposal John York made it clear he wasn't selling. So the next thing you should hear regarding this matter is the gavel dropping. All set for San Diego in pre season game #4: It hasn't been ruled out yet but the 49ers are considering using their 1980's throw back uniforms for the season. The Niners used their 80's attire last season for a few games and it was a hit with the players and to some degree the marketing department who explores what is selling and what is not when it comes to the old uniforms and the new ones. The newer ones have pretty much ran their cycle bringing back the old ones will be a new thing in a way since their 20 years removed and more than likely they'll be the rage on opening day on Monday night on September 10th against Arizona at Candlestick. The one other big reason to bring them back was to dedicate the season to the late 49er head coach Bill Walsh. The comparisons are already talked out: Although Alex Smith will get the call again the talk around the water cooler on Sunday morning after the near miss at Solider Field on Saturday night was "did you see Dilfer". Lucky thing for Smith that this isn't a quarterback camp try out as Smith missed many of his first half reads against the Chicago defense and got either ruffled or found himself running with the ball with no target to throw to. The 49ers were stomped in the first half as the Bears took a 31-13 lead going back into the locker room at half time. Dilfer who pretty much has the duty of taking Smith under his wing since both have been assigned to each other said that first downs is something that need to get accomplished. Smith sitting next to Dilfer in the locker room during practice said nothing to the pointed reference. Smith did not accomplish a single first down in the first half. Dilfer who has been teaching Smith a tip or two about quarterbacking in the NFL in the last few years thought that Smith could have at least could have found the line of scrimmage on a few second downs and a few yard plays had Dilfer shaking his head. Dilfer went out in the second half with the Niners down by 18 points, threw for two touchdowns, completed nine passes in 12 attempts for 99 yards, and got the 49ers within three points of tying the ball game up. Dilfer and everyone knows this is pre season but of all people Alex Smith your starting quarterback should accomplish the first down. Another test will be to see if Smith can do that against the Chargers in San Diego at Qualcomm. The Chargers one of the top AFC teams at least that is the way Marty Schottenheimer left it until he was fired after the playoffs last season will be a true offensive test for Smith. Either they will keep him running or he will get back on track. 49ers last pre season game at San Diego a 7:00PM PDT at QUALCOMM Thursday night. David Zizmor covers 49ers football with Pearl Lo and radio analysis with Tony the Tiger on 1690 KFSG Sacramento.