Locke Says Lease Could Be Shortened Only If Allen Buys

The Seattle Seahawks could shorten their Kingdome lease to three years from the current 10 if Paul Allen buys the team and promises to keep it here for a decade, King County Executive Gary Locke offered Wednesday.

Locke said his lease reduction recommendation to the County Council would be offered only if the billionaire Microsoft Corp. co-founder exercises his option to buy the team.

Allen has until July to decide whether to purchase the Seahawks from Ken Behring, who wants to move the franchise to California.

Any changes in the Kingdome lease would require County Council approval, Locke noted.

His offer was made public during a news conference and in a letter to council chairwoman Jane Hague, with a copy to Allen.

In another news conference, Allen’s representative, Bob Whitsitt, called Locke’s move “political football.”

Allen paid an estimated $20 million in April to acquire an 18-month option on the team. Whitsitt said Locke agreed verbally a month earlier to shorten the stadium’s lease with no preconditions if Allen bought the franchise.

“If we had gotten this letter last March, we wouldn’t be here today,” Whitsitt said.

Allen has said that if he buys the team and keeps it in Seattle, he wants a better stadium.

Rice finalizes deal

Jerry Rice, the NFL’s career leader in touchdowns, receptions and receiving yardage, now has security, peace of mind and a heftier contract to go with the lofty numbers he’s put up on the field.

The seven-year pact, worth $32 million, runs through 2002 and replaces a contract due to expire following the 1997 season. The deal included a $4 million signing bonus as well as reporting and roster bonuses worth nearly $10 million. Base salaries over the life of the contract are worth about $18 million. The contract is not guaranteed.

Emmitt may play, Salaam won’t

Emmitt Smith, who sprained his left knee 12 days ago in a preseason game against Denver, says he expects to play against Chicago Monday.

And for the Bears running back Rashaan Salaam, who set a club rookie rushing record last year with 1,074 yards, will miss the game because of a hamstring injury.

Smith will stay

Bruce Smith decided to continue playing this season, two days after he threatened to walk out on the Buffalo Bills because of slow contract talks.

The defensive end spoke with his agent, Leigh Steinberg, Bills coach Marv Levy and several teammates before making his decision. He hinted Monday that he might skip practice or the season opener against the New York Giants.