THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Tuesday, March 12, 1996 TAG: 9603120369
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C1 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY JIM DUCIBELLA, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: NORFOLK LENGTH: Medium: 73 lines
East Coast Hockey League owners have endorsed a proposal that has Hampton Roads Admirals owner Blake Cullen considering whether to withdraw his team as a member.
League owners recently voted 15-6 in favor of an oath of allegiance that would restrict teams from leaving the ECHL for two years or from leaving in concert with another team for three years. It is expected to be signed and take effect at the league meetings in May.
Cullen voted against the proposal. On Monday, he reaffirmed his opposition before admitting, ``I may have to eat crow on this one.'' But he added, ``I tell them, `We're the flagship team in this league. If you guys keep making stupid rules, I'll leave for another league.' Believe me, there are lots that would want us.
``I don't want to limit my options. I want the freedom. The league has every right to bind me for one season. I've never had a problem with that. I never will. But I'm uncomfortable locking myself in for more than that.''
Through a league spokesperson, ECHL president and CEO Richard Adams denied The Virginian-Pilot's request for a comment on the proposal.
Cullen says he has not made even the least informal inquiry into leagues the Admirals could join. Financial considerations would make leaving the ECHL a last resort.
``But maybe I have to look at other options,'' he said. ``I've knowingly painted myself into a corner on this. I don't plan to sign and I've said that openly, knowingly. It's a different league from the one I entered seven years ago.''
Cullen did not rule out selling the team. But he made it clear he is not negotiating a sale and has no plans to initiate that process.
``I've always had calls, but am I working out the details of a sale with anyone? No,'' he said.
His alternatives for a new home seem limited. There's the American Hockey League, which requires a $1 million entry fee and whose teams have operating budgets about $750,000 higher than in the ECHL. There was some pressure for Cullen to join the AHL last year, pressure he withstood.
There's the Southern League, a developmental system for first- and second-year players that is expanding rapidly but is considered a step below the ECHL.
``I can't speak for the rest of the owners,'' said former Admirals vice president and general manager Pat Nugent, co-owner of the Southern League's new Macon Whoopee franchise, ``but I for one would welcome Blake Cullen into this or any other league with open arms.''
Much longer shots would be the Colonial and Central hockey leagues, based largely in the Midwest and unlikely to provide a natural rival for a Hampton Roads team.
The ECHL has said its primary reason for seeking a long-term agreement from its owners is so it can implement a long-term marketing strategy knowing its complement of teams.
``I've asked them why three years and they say corporate sponsorships,'' Cullen said. ``I say, `What are those? Did I miss the check on that one? Did something pass by my desk I didn't see? I don't think so.'
``They say they'll get a sponsorship with Bud Light. We can't do that here; we sell Miller. They talk about selling Pepsi. We can't do that here; we sell Coke. These are individual franchises. They should operate as such.''
In addition to the oath of allegiance and leaguewide marketing, strategy, Cullen opposes ECHL policy that allows owners to purchase more than one team.
Cullen says the ECHL has told him if he doesn't sign the agreement, it will terminate his franchise rights in Hampton Roads and assign this area to a new owner.
``I don't think they own the territory,'' he said. ``I think I own this territory.'' by CNB