Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando
The Yahoo.com headline reads, "Source: Rams up for sale". The headline on the Rams' team site reads, "Rams not for sale". The team's story cites owner Chip Rosenbloom as its source while drawing conclusions beyond what Rosenbloom says in a statement released today. For example, Rosenbloom never said anything about the Rams not being for sale in the statement:
"It has only been four months since my mom passed away. Her passing immediately caused speculation that we were selling the team. When a team is passed from one generation to another it becomes to some a calling card that the team must be for sale. So to reply to this article: Nothing has changed since my mom's passing. We've been approached by several people. We plan on using the season to show that the performance on the field will be exciting and to honor my mom. And while we deal with her estate I can assure you we have every intention of keeping the Rams in St. Louis and will have no further comment on this article."
The Rams, like every franchise, do not want their fans thinking the team stands on unstable ground, or is not committed to them. So, like any franchise might, they issued a statement reiterating their commitment. The team's owners still might face long-term challenges. And so far, Rosenbloom has said nothing that would make him a liar if he were to sell the team.
The story on the Rams' site begins, "Contrary to reports that are circulating the internet, the Rams are not for sale, according to a statement from new owner Chip Rosenbloom on Tuesday afternoon." Rosenbloom's statement mentions having "every intention of keeping the Rams in St. Louis" without disputing the basic premise of the Rams being for sale. Stay tuned.
