Hawks’ Behring Confirms L.A. Interest

Despite some verbal tap-dancing, Seattle Seahawks president David Behring confirmed Saturday that team ownership has examined the possibility of moving the franchise to Los Angeles.

The occasional accusation that the franchise has suffered from Mickey Mouse ownership may be prophetic, since the Disney Corporation appears to be a player in franchise development in Southern California.

The Seahawks’ lease with King County runs until 2005, but the two parties have not made substantive progress on negotations to upgrade the Kingdome. A measure to increase county taxes to fund those improvements goes to voters Sept. 19.

“I have stated all along that our primary objective is to remain in Seattle for a long-term basis,” Behring said between Seahawks practices Saturday. “In regards to the (Los Angeles Times) report that came out this morning, there have been feelers put out by different groups in Southern California to probably eight, nine or 10 different teams across the NFL that have current problems with their stadium. We happen to be one of those teams.”

Behring, son of majority owner Ken Behring, said they did not initiate contact and no actual negotiations have taken place.

“My father went ahead just to see what the opportunities might be,” David Behring said. “We are continuing to work with the county, but what we have to remember is that for a period of seven or eight months, we received virtually no response from the county regarding upgrades to the Kingdome.

“My father is a businessman and if someone calls him up with an opportunity, he’s at least going to listen.”

Team officials announced that the franchise operated at a $5 million deficit last year.

New head coach Dennis Erickson, who accepted a lower salary offer from Seattle because it was an opportunity to come home, was unfazed by the headlines of a possible move out of the Northwest.

“Nothing surprises me in the headlines anymore,” said Erickson, who has been in his share recently. “I’m just glad it’s not about me.”

Emtman pitch

Erickson gets a second chance to make a recruiting pitch to Steve Emtman. And he hopes he does a better job this time around.

Emtman, a former No. 1 draft choice, was waived by the Indianapolis Colts and is shopping around for a new club. He was scheduled to arrive in Seattle Saturday night for a visit today.

When Emtman was a senior at Cheney High, Erickson was in his first year at Washington State and pushed hard to land the player who would go on to be the nation’s most dominant lineman his junior season at the University of Washington.

The difference in the sales pitch to Emtman?

“I guess we can pay him this time,” Erickson cracked.

Because of the presence of first-round draft picks Cortez Kennedy and Sam Adams at defensive tackle, Emtman would be used as an end, Erickson said.

“He’s a football player; he would play where he has a chance to start and contribute,” Erickson said.

And as for his surprising availability?

“We can all thank Indianapolis for that,” Erickson said. “Steve Emtman is a self-made football player with tremendous work-ethic; that’s what makes him very special.”

Blades not so sharp

Brian Blades, who has been charged with manslaughter in the death of his cousin, sat out Saturday morning’s practice in sweats, but participated in afternoon drills.

Problems with his back and hamstrings were the reason for the light duty.

“It was good that he was here; our players were happy to see him out there and Brian was happy to be out there,” Erickson said. “They’re very protective of him, which, to me, is a sign of a lot of closeness on this football team. They want to do what they can to help make it better for him.”

Blades, who set a team record with 81 catches last season, looked quick, but was unable to pull in a pair of passes that were overthrown in his direction during team drills.

Team officials said it might be weeks before Blades will address the media concerning his legal situation.

Ouches

Of the players coming back from injuries, several are clearly not back to full speed.

Tackle Ray Roberts, who underwent extensive surgery to repair broken bones in his lower leg, was very ineffective in drills.

“Ray got kicked in the morning practice, which was why he was probably a little slower,” Erickson said.

Nate Odomes, who missed all last year after knee reconstruction, is also gimpy. “Nate wears 87 braces on that thing, so he’s carrying a lot of extra weight,” Erickson explained.

Eugene Robinson, coming back from lateseason Achilles tendon surgery, only practiced in the afternoon, but looks surprisingly well considering the extent of his injury.

Quick kicks

Impressive sight: Adams and Kennedy sprinting across the field for their first drills of camp. Consider that an unprecedented display of enthusiasm.

New backup quarterback John Friesz had several impressive completions, including a morning effort when he rolled to his left, threw across his body and completed a high-velocity, 18-yarder to the sidelines.

Top draft pick Joey Galloway showed he can get deep in a hurry and create a cushion on defenders. But no quarterback was able to get the ball to him all day.

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