JT chat, 6/10

Rams chat with Jim Thomas

http://sports.live.stltoday.com/Event/Rams_chat_with_Jim_Thomas_92?Page=0

This gal from LA that’s on the radio is convinced the Rams are going to announce they moving to LA. Does she have any credibility or she just some loud mouth?
by STLRamMan 2:03 PM

You can’t believe everything you hear on the radio.
by jthomas 2:03 PM

Jim, I think the roster is defensivly light at linebacker which may also effect special teams. Run down the position and guess your best 5 to make the 53-man roster.
by s868957 2:03 PM

Still a little light at LB, but not as light as it has been in recent years with the addition of Akeem Ayers. You have Ogletree at weak side, Laurinaitis in the middle, and Ayers at strong side. Jo-Lonn Dunbar will back up Ayers on the strong side and possibly compete for the starting spot. Dunbar can also back up the middle and the weak side. Bates will make the roster based on his strong special teams alone. That’s five players right there. That leaves Toomer, McFadden, and newcomer Hager as the “favorites” for what could be only one additional LB spot.
by jthomas 2:07 PM

I must have missed the memo this off-season. I have never been able to find out why Casey Phillips left for Tampa. I saw a joke-type comment online that the Rams upgraded, but surely she didn’t get fired. Casey seemed to have a great rapport with players and a strong work ethic. Did she not get along with someone at Rams park? I don’t care to know who, but just if she got fired or quit. I’m a Texas fan but I’ll bet a lot of St. Louisians liked her as well (no disrespect to Dani).
by texdavid 2:10 PM

I think she had some relatives in the Tampa area. And not every employee at Rams Park is excited about a potential move to LA.
by jthomas 2:11 PM

Jim, who will fill the void at WR With Sasser gone?
by Chuck 2:11 PM

Don’t know that there’s really a void minus Sasser. The team kept only five wide receivers last year, and all five of those WRs are back this year.
by jthomas 2:13 PM

Hello Jim. The latest I’ve heard from la is that Kroenke’s potential relocation money will go to SD and Oakland so they can get stadiums built in those 2 cities. So, let me get this straight. The other owners are going to allow Kroenke to get richer by moving his team AND they are going to let SD and Oakland have all of the relocation fee. Does this make the slightest bit of sense to you?
by Gerald Reynolds 2:18 PM

Haven’t heard that.
by jthomas 2:18 PM

Are you aware of any precedent for an NFL majority owner to refuse to engage with his paying customers or local community about a stadium situation (or anything else, for that matter)? I don’t understand why the NFL allows the dead silence and makes wonder if a Kroenke ownership of Rams can be workable and salvaged even if they are forced to stay.
by ArborDay 2:19 PM

I think it’s pretty unprecedented.
by jthomas 2:19 PM

Hi Jim. Was wondering if there would be enough cap space to sign Evan Mathis from Philly to shore up the O-line, or is there something going on behind the scenes that makes him undesirable to the Rams…
by Andy in Charlotte 2:19 PM

Not unless he going to play for a lot less than he did in Philly.
by jthomas 2:19 PM

I keep hearing how Bradord is still gimpy. Do you think the rams dodged a bullet getting rid of him? Do you think they knew he wasnt close to recovery before the trade?
by kevinb 2:19 PM

His rehab’s gone a little slower than expected, but he has been taking part in 7-on-7 drills during Philly’s OTAs.
by jthomas 2:20 PM

As it seems every year the biggest questions for Rams are offensive line and then the health of the quarterback which seem directly related to the play of the offensive line. I know it’s very early but what are your impressions so far of the group? Do you think they’ll be at least decent this year?
by jay 2:20 PM

Way to early to tell. There have been 3 OTA practices open to the media. No pads. Nothing close to full contact.
by jthomas 2:21 PM

Do you think Fisher will ever believe in George Allen ‘s “the future is now”?
by misterh 2:21 PM

Doubt it.
by jthomas 2:22 PM

Jim, Hollywood Park has been closed down only for two years. The grandstand could’ve stayed idol for many more years. Don’t you find it more than coincendental that it is demolished now, within the time frame for the construction of SK’s stadium project?
by RR 2:22 PM

Stan wants to build a stadium there. No big surprise here.
by jthomas 2:23 PM

Over under week 5 before we see TG in the field?
by cook 2:23 PM

Under.
by jthomas 2:23 PM

Jim,
I keep hearing that Spanos has the votes lined up to block Kroenke. This coupled with the positive press about Carson bring more NFL and super bowl friendly than Inglewood. Having more parking and more about the football experience and less about condos or shopping …leads me to believe it’s only a matter of time that Stan realizes this and starts showing a heavier interest in the riverfront project to save face.
by Terry 2:23 PM

We’ll see.
by jthomas 2:23 PM

Carmen Policy seems to have it figured out that a California solution is the best answer to a California problem. With he and Spanos and Davis at the helm of the Carson project, do you think they have enough votes to block a Kroenke move?
by DM Rossi 2:24 PM

I’ve said it for months. I don’t think Kroenke has the votes at this point.
by jthomas 2:24 PM

Are you favorably impressed by Havenstein thus far? How about Brown?
by texdavid 2:24 PM

Too early to tell.
by jthomas 2:24 PM

Have the Rams signed all the rookies to contracts? If so how much cap room is left to sign an experienced lineman?
by Jimbo 2:24 PM

No. They haven’t signed any of their rookies yet, as has been the custom since Fisher came aboard.
by jthomas 2:25 PM

Your best guess as to our starting OL?
by TomS 2:25 PM

LT _ Robinson; LG _ Saffold; C _ Jones; RG _ Brown or Reynolds; RT _ Havenstein.
by jthomas 2:26 PM

Hi Jim. another LA rumor is that Kroenke will have Chargers as a tenant in Inglewood while also giving some funding to OAK in order for them to stay (the keep all owners happy theory). Not looking for validity of the suggestion, just looking for your opinion on if you really think Spanos would really be ok with being a ‘tenant’ in LA
by stl hopeful 2:26 PM

I’d have a hard time seeing Spanos team up with Kroenke.
by jthomas 2:26 PM

Odds Rams stay in the lou?
by Thomas James 2:27 PM

Still at 43 to 57.
by jthomas 2:27 PM

Over under week 1 for quick?
by cook 2:27 PM

I believe he’ll open the season at WR.
by jthomas 2:27 PM

What are your thoughts on the lawsuit the 6 representatives filed after losing their fight while the House was in session? Does it have any legs?
by DM Rossi 2:27 PM

I’m no lawyer, but it seems like a nuisance suit to me.
by jthomas 2:28 PM

Weren’t you at 40-60 for a while?
by Thomas James 2:28 PM

No, have been at 43-57 for a while.
by jthomas 2:29 PM

Do you think Chargers and Raiders have the votes to move to LA, if St. Louis has stadium plan in place and San Diego and Oakland are not able to finalize a plan?
by RamsFanOnHold 2:29 PM

I think Spanos is more widely respect in the league than Kroenke. And I’d heard long ago, that the league would prefer a “California solution” to the LA problem.
by jthomas 2:30 PM

Two stadiums in 25 years how can anyone say no to that
by Boon 2:30 PM

It would basically be unprecedented.
by jthomas 2:31 PM

So Jim, is Barksdale out of the Ram’s plans now do you think? His price must be reasonable by now.
by Greg 2:31 PM

He has signed with San Diego.
by jthomas 2:31 PM

Just something to consider…
by Superjim 2:31 PM

Couldn’t disagree with you more. Do fans in Houston still root for the Titans? Do fans in Cleveland still root for the Ravens? Do fans in Baltimore still root for the Colts? And if LA had gotten a team after the Raiders and Rams left, I don’t think many would be rooting for the Rams today. St. Louisans are fiercely loyal to their hometown teams. Why should they continue that support when the team abandons your town? I’m sure some fans here will continue to root for the Rams should they move to LA, but not many.
by jthomas 2:35 PM

I keep hearing that the August owner’s meetings are going to reveal some very big news. Do you believe this and if so, what do you think the meetings will tell us?
by vern 2:35 PM

To my knowledge, the purpose of the meeting is simply to further discuss moving up the timetable for potential relocation.
by jthomas 2:36 PM

Hi Jim. Do you think our secondary is talented enough?
by Rampage99 2:36 PM

I still wonder about the cornerback position.
by jthomas 2:36 PM

Do you think the Rams will try any of our corners at FS with McLeod. Seems to be a logjam at CB.
by jack 2:36 PM

Don’t think so.
by jthomas 2:36 PM

Jim – It would seem time is of the essence for Austin to prove that he wasn’t overdrafted. Are you optimistic that the new OC will finally be able to utilize him in a more meaningful fashion?
by McGarrett 2:36 PM

We’ll see. It’s not just up to the coordinator. It would help if Austin got open more often and did more with the opportunities he had.
by jthomas 2:37 PM

What do you make of this rash of 49ers “retiring” early?
by TomS 2:38 PM

Well, Justin Smith was up there, age-wise. But I do wonder if there is some kind of disconnect with the new head coach.
by jthomas 2:38 PM

Hi Jim, What is your confidence level on a scale of one to ten that the OL you project will be a solid unit and not a liability this year? Thanks!
by Tom 2:38 PM

Four
by jthomas 2:39 PM

Of the players whose contracts expire after this year, who will the team make a priority to resign?
by RamsFaninTX 2:39 PM

Interesting question, because there are a lot of them. I’d say Zuerlein, and probably McLeod and Jenkins. As to Quick, it depends on what kind of season he has. With Hayes and Sims, it might depend not only on how this season progresses for them but also how some of the youngsters progress behind them _ particularly Westbrooks.
by jthomas 2:42 PM

if rams start off strong this year will they pay foles/
by ramwrap 2:42 PM

I wonder if they let more of the season play out before they decide on Foles.
by jthomas 2:43 PM

My thought has been if STL, Carson, and Inglewood continue to positively progress as they have been and meet their goals (funding, land, etc) the end result will be Rams in STL and Chargers/Raiders in Carson. Am I being to optimistic?
by stl hopeful 2:43 PM

That’s one possible scenario, for sure. Progress in Carson undoubtedly helps STL.
by jthomas 2:44 PM

Jim, I’m convinced that the only scenario that will save the Rams is the Carson Project with 2 teams. If the Chargers stay in SD, then only 1 team is going to LA. Can’t see 3 teams in SoCal. Your thoughts?
by STL45Fan 2:44 PM

I agree with your basic premise.
by jthomas 2:45 PM

Do you think it’s wise for Jay Nixon to put his faith in Roger Goodell and the NFL acting “honorably”?
by Thad 2:45 PM

Does he have any other choice.
by jthomas 2:45 PM

Hey Jim, given that 7th rounders are generally about 50/50 to make the roster, isn’t hard to believe not one of 32 teams took a chance on Collins? Seems less risky than, say, Mike Sam. Is there something more to that the league isn’t saying. That whole thing was fishy.
by averagej 2:45 PM

Yeah, I certainly would’ve risked a seventh-rounder on the guy. But I think it was more the timing of the thing than anything _ the fact that all this happened so closely to the draft.
by jthomas 2:46 PM

Good afternoon Jim, any idea if the results from the focus groups and surveys were given to the task force or if they will be made public? I participated in both and am curious if the sentiment in the room matched the overall results. Thanks.
by ilramsfan 2:46 PM

I think the task force has been given a summary of the findings, and that’s all the task force will be receiving from the NFL. The NFL is not making the entire survey results public. David Hunn of our staff has been working to try to get that information. I think a recent blog by Bernie Miklasz generally summed up the findings _ that the fan support is there, but the league thinks the corporate support is a little soft. Here’s the link: http://www.stltoday.com
by jthomas 2:52 PM

As always, thanks for these chats. After actual games, they’re highlight of the week. How’s Foles turnover game been doing? Has he looked the guy that threw only two interceptions in 2013 or more like the 2014 version tha tthrew almost as many interception as TDs?
by bfulton 2:52 PM

He’s thrown a couple of INTs, been inconsistent on his deep ball. Looked sharper Tuesday than he did last Thursday and Friday.
by jthomas 2:52 PM

Hi JIm, I think the hiring oh Garcia as an assistant may have more dividends than was obvious at first. He is stated to have been throwing to the receivers giving them more of an idea of what the qb is looking for. Being our receivers are so young, this may be something that was missing with Sherman, no disrespect to Sherman. I think this may be a underrated hire and maybe help the lightbulb kick on for our young receivers.
by Youngblood 2:53 PM

You could be right. The idea of teaching a still young WR corps about the passing game through a QB’s eyes is intriguing and should help these guys grasp the big picture. Here’s a link to a story I wrote on Garcia last week. I think it’s the only interview he’s done since getting hired here: http://www.stltoday.com
by jthomas 2:57 PM

I’d like to ask our London based poster how many people he thinks we’re fans of Wimbledon FC that still support the Dons since the move to Milton Keynes?
by Thad 2:57 PM

Huh?
by jthomas 2:57 PM

I see too many big questions and potential problems with the offense this coming season. The only position that seems somewhat set is TE. Do you agree?
by STL45Fan 2:58 PM

Running back should be solid, maybe much better than solid if Gurley is healthy and retains his college form. I think the WRs should be OK _ maybe better than OK if Quick picks up where he started 2015. The “ifs” are QB and o-line. And if those “ifs” are answered satisfactorily, I think the Rams can seriously compete for a playoff berth.
by jthomas 3:05 PM

So if the Rams leave where does that Leave St. Louis for the future as an NFL City?
by Chip Clark-Brunelle 3:05 PM

Unless the league coaxes Oakland this way, it could be a long long wait for another shot at the NFL.
by jthomas 3:05 PM

Why would it possibly matter to anyone if STL would support the Rams if they leave? Is being subjected to a 10 year stretch of horrible football, while getting screwed over by an owner, yet staying loyal to a team some sort of badge of honor? If I was in la 20 years ago, I would have quickly dismissed the Rams especially considering how much their then owner Georgia was hated.
by Gerald Reynolds 3:06 PM

I hear you.
by jthomas 3:06 PM

In that case, wouldn’t it make sense for Fisher to bring in Blalock or some other experienced vet on the OL who can actually play well?
by Tom 3:06 PM

Perhaps. But we’re talking Blalock, not Will Shields.
by jthomas 3:06 PM

If San Diego and St. Louis both have stadium plans in place, any thoughts on what might happen in this scenario?
by RamsFanOnHold 3:06 PM

I don’t think it’s happening with San Diego. But if it does, that means its curtains for Carson, and that’s not good for StL.
by jthomas 3:07 PM

Not to sound cold because I feel aweful for Sasser, but might the Rams get a compensatory pick for him since it was a pre-existing condition?
by averagej 3:07 PM

Not a chance.
by jthomas 3:07 PM

I heard some recent rumblings about Todd Hewitt’s lawsuit versus the Rams, do you have any info?
by Gerald Reynolds 3:08 PM

What did you hear? It’s been a long time since I’ve talked to Todd.
by jthomas 3:08 PM

Hi Jim, here’s something to ponder. If LA will not support public financing, what happens down the road if the owner/owners of one of these stadiums asks for public financing when the stadium becomes old?
by Lawllaby 3:08 PM

If Stan gets the stadium built by himself (largely), don’t think he’ll be worried about public funding in the future.
by jthomas 3:09 PM

If stadium finances get approved, what odds do you give the Lou to be an NFL city in 2016?
by Keith 3:09 PM

Let’s wait till (or if) it happens.
by jthomas 3:09 PM

You think stan knows or cares that if he moves the team after the city /state comes up with a viable stadium plan, that he’ll be the most hated man in Missouri sports history?
by cook 3:10 PM

Don’t think he cares about that.
by jthomas 3:10 PM

Jim – Given Fisher’s commitment to pounding the football, how surprised are you that he seems to be very cavalier in his approach to the offensive line?
by McGarrett 3:10 PM

They drafted four O-linemen and signed another (Reynolds) in free agency. So I wouldn’t call that cavalier. Obviously, you can argue that they should’ve drafted higher or spent more in free agency. I think the idea is to give these youngsters reps and see how they fare early in camp _ maybe even early in the preseason _ until you think about bringing in vets.
by jthomas 3:12 PM

Other than population size, why does LA deserve to receive two new teams when they have shown in the past that they won’t support just one?
by Dave O 3:12 PM

Couldn’t agree more.
by jthomas 3:12 PM

Jim, I’ve always thought – in contrast to many other fans – that Bradford would be terrific if he had good talent around him. So, if it turns out that Foles does not work out, Fisher will have basically traded a starting QB for one pick this year and possibly a second rounder next year. Could backfire, don’t you think, especially if Sam plays well in Philadelphia?
by Tom 3:13 PM

Yeah, it certainly could. But let’s see if Bradford can stay healthy.
by jthomas 3:13 PM

Who do you see stepping up this year? Who is going to break? And on the flip side, best guess on who will disappoint?
by jiffy jeff 3:13 PM

Wow. Those predict-the-future questions are always tough. Can I at least watch a couple weeks of training camp first, maybe a preseason game or two?
by jthomas 3:14 PM

If rams go 6-10 this year is fisher gone?
by ramwrap 3:14 PM

I don’t sense that that will be the case.
by jthomas 3:15 PM

when its all said and done…. do you think there will be a team in L.A. in 2016
by lafan 3:15 PM

Yes.
by jthomas 3:15 PM

What happened with Tj mcdonald?
by Mark 3:15 PM

Believe he has a leg injury.
by jthomas 3:15 PM

If either the Raiders or Chargers get shut out of LA (with the Fightin’ Kroenkes in Inglewood partnered with one) do they consider St. Louis, or do they stay in California and play in the worst stadia in the NFL (you know, because California is so darn special)?
by Thad 3:16 PM

That’s the question isn’t it.
by jthomas 3:16 PM

Thanks Jim for your time and answers…Question…So the task force gets a “summary”..whatever value that is… and the Rams would get the entire survey results..Wow..isn’t that a surprise? 🙂
by CILSTLfan 3:16 PM

I’m not sure if that’s the case. (I’m saying it’s possible the Rams just got the summary.)
by jthomas 3:17 PM

I’m going to take a leap of faith here and say that no matter what Kroenke plans to do with his property, that the old granstands at an old former racetrack had to be torn down.
by Tom Bateman 3:17 PM

Well, I don’t think they were staying up as a museum piece.
by jthomas 3:18 PM

Any idea what it means when Rams players say that the new OC is bring new wrinkles to the offense? Just more running plays, more passing plays or more trick plays? Or just talk?
by bfulton 3:18 PM

We’ll try to find out in the coming months.
by jthomas 3:19 PM

It must be great to have Demoff’s job security. I know he doesn’t coach or draft, but the guy has not been a part of a winning team. Basically, Kevin is just a puppet for Kroenke. Will Kevin ever speak to the fans again, or will he go down as a liar in the St. Louis community.
by Steven 3:19 PM

He’s in a tough spot in all of this. He has given some interviews lately.
by jthomas 3:20 PM

Players looking fine conditioning wise or have there been some issues?
by Charlie 3:20 PM

I don’t want to pretend to speak for 89 players, but conditioning doesn’t seem to be an issue.
by jthomas 3:20 PM

Do you think that Stan Kroenke’s silence and lack of engagement with St. Louis is a direct factor in slightly soft corporate support of the Rams? Will the NFL take that into consideration, or are the numbers just what they are?
by Thad 3:20 PM

Certainly. You’ve got to cultivate these CEOs a little. Invite them to your suite for a game, or out to the park for practice, etc. I think the NFL should take that into consideration, but I can’t tell you that they will.
by jthomas 3:22 PM

Does the NFL buy into the fact that Kroenke considers the team a free agent? Why have we not heard anything on a national level on Kroenke not abiding by the guidelines and making an effort to make it work in STL? Although we keep hearing that the NFL takes their guidelines serious
by Deutche 3:23 PM

Because I think it’s a sexier story nationally if the Rams move to LA than if they stay.
by jthomas 3:23 PM

I your eyes, does it make any sense to take the Rams away from STL and bring in another team, say the Raiders?
by Deutche 3:23 PM

Sure it does. This is a good football town.
by jthomas 3:24 PM

As for play calling and in-game adjustments, do you think the new OC will be an upgrade over the previous one.
by Carolina Ram 3:24 PM

We’ll find out.
by jthomas 3:24 PM

To clarify from earlier: a soccer team in England was moved by the owners from Wimbledon to Milton Keynes because they believed that the new stadium would increase the value of the team and bring in lots of fans. It didn’t. It blew up in their faces big time.
by Thad 3:24 PM

Thanks for clearing that up.
by jthomas 3:24 PM

Does Fisher ever strike you as either complacent or arrogant? It seems he has no sense of urgency, as if he can continue at 6-10 or 7-9 forever. Perhaps because the owner is ok with where the Rams are at this point?
by Tom 3:25 PM

Maybe Kroenke has told him he wants Fisher to guide the Rams through the relocation process to LA (because he’s done it before with Houston/Tennessee).
by jthomas 3:25 PM

Art Modell never returned to Cleveland after he took the Browns/Ravens to Baltimore. Would you recommend the same course of action for Stan Kroenke if he takes his team west?
by The Ghost of Jason Sehorn 3:26 PM

I don’t think Kroenke spends much time in St. Louis as it is.
by jthomas 3:26 PM

thanks for the chats Jim, I dont ask many relocation questions bc the entire situation infuriates me but if the land deal is finalized/given what youve been told by sources, Does that push your staying in STL % over over 60%? over 70% or have less of an impact? Thanks
by willywawa 3:26 PM

You’ll have to wait and see. (I’m trying to build the suspense!)
by jthomas 3:27 PM

Hey Jim, thank you for this chat, I look forward to it every week, and am disappointed when you’re busy. My question that nobody seems to have addressed is that Mr Kroenke likes to own the dirt, and the riverfront stadium is going to be publicly owned. Doesn’t that make it a No Go from the start? Thanks again!
by Ken 3:27 PM

Well, I’m sure the task force would be more than happy to let him buy the land and build the stadium, if that’s what Stan wanted to do.
by jthomas 3:28 PM

The Rams are as good as gone. ESK has acted like a spouse who’s wanted a divorce for a long time.. We should just grant him his wish & stop begging for him to stay. After a while we look pretty sad.
by Mike Brogan 3:28 PM

Who’s begging? If anything, I think Peacock and Blitz are making him sweat a little.
by jthomas 3:28 PM

Which is more true: Stan wants LA, he doesn’t care what team he does it with or Stan wants the Rams in LA? I think he wants LA, the developing rights and eventually the $$$ from the increase in value of an NFL team, I don’t think he cares which team it is. If the LA solution gets really complicated, does that create options for the Rams staying in STL as long as Stan gets something from the NFL in return?
by Uncle Leo 3:29 PM

Again, it’s hard to rule out any scenario at this point.
by jthomas 3:30 PM

From what little yoou’ve seen of the OTAs has anyone in the new class stand out?
by AzRamsFan 3:30 PM

Can’t really say that after 3 practices.
by jthomas 3:30 PM

Did you attend coach Fischer’s softball game. It was entertaining seeing the various personalities of the players. It would be a shame if the area would lose the diversity that the Rams bring to the St Louis professional sports scene. I wonder if your editorial board has ever had this discussion.
by ramsfan 3:30 PM

I was there for most of it. I think you make a good point, especially when you factor in all of he community service the team does.
by jthomas 3:31 PM

Hate to say it, but you guys in STL are just plain WRONG that LA didn’t support the Rams. It was a case of a stupid owner moving them out of LA, running them into the ground, and then moving as her only way out. Give me a break!! I climbed the Coliseum fence as a kid more times than I can remember to get in games that were sold out!!
by Tom 3:31 PM

I saw the empty seats, covering several LA Rams games in 1994. How many games did you attend in ’94?
by jthomas 3:31 PM

I didn’t think Nick Foles had any more of a reputation than Bradford for being a vocal QB and locker room leader? He seems to have amped up his QB personality in STL, marching orders from Fisher or this is how he was in PHILA as well?
by Uncle Leo 3:32 PM

I don’t know if he’s amped up his personality. The point of my story was more that he was trying to build relationships here, and that this was just as important as learning the playbook, etc., in terms of any future success for the offense and the team. In that sense, I think the headline was a little strong: Here’s the link to the story:http://www.stltoday.com/sports/football/professional/foles-already-vocal-leader-for-rams/article_0315c057-661b-57f4-b79b-54bbde050d4b.html
by jthomas 3:35 PM

Do you know the domes policy on signs that can be brought into games? I assume no profanity is an obvious one, but will they let you bring in signs that are critical of the No-show rat faced POS owner?
by willywawa 3:35 PM

Judging by the tone of your remarks below, I’d doubt that your sign would make it through an entire game.
by jthomas 3:37 PM

over/under…Donald gets 12 sacks
by kevinb 3:37 PM

Under.
by jthomas 3:37 PM

That Hewitt doesn’t have to appeal to the NFL (as the NFL has said he would), he could use an independent 3rd party arbitrator. This was ruled in Missouri and also would affect any NFL player in Missouri who would want to appeal a suspension or fine.
by Gerald Reynolds 3:38 PM

Interesting. But are you sure it would apply to NFL players that way?
by jthomas 3:39 PM

do we have a 1,000 yard reeiver this year?
by kevinb 3:39 PM

No.
by jthomas 3:39 PM

Any chance that we could see Stan and Mrs. Kroenke in future episodes of ‘Real Housewives of Inglewood’?
by L.A. Troll 3:39 PM

Why?
by jthomas 3:39 PM

If Kroenke is allowed to relocate, will all owners now have to provide their own funding for new stadiums or improvements just like he did?
by Tom Bateman 3:39 PM

I don’t think it sets a good precedent. Particularly since it allows an owner to abandon a market to enrich himself even when a market is making a sincere effort to build a new stadium. In fact, as Bernie Miklasz points out, it would be unprecedented.
by jthomas 3:41 PM

name the 3 most valuable players currently on the team
by kevinb 3:41 PM

Tough to come up with 3. Robert Quinn, Aaron Donald, James Laurinaitis.
by jthomas 3:44 PM

@GeraldReynolds Because I am a fan of the players like Quinn and JL55 who have played their @$$es of for a bad team. And I support the thousands of hours players donate out of their time for tons of local charities.
by jiffy jeff 3:44 PM

And there’s this:
by jthomas 3:44 PM

How shaky is the situation in Denver? The father is no longer involved, the son is having legal problems. Could the NFL arrange for Kroeneke to save the Broncos from themselves, buy him out of Inglewood and have the NFL develop the site for SD/OAK? No idea who would then own the Rams in STL, who has the $$$ locally?
by Uncle Leo 3:45 PM

Don’t know when things will come to a head in Denver. If anybody could find local ownership, it’s Peacock.
by jthomas 3:45 PM

Do you think that Kroenke is purposely trying to “poison” the St Louis market, or is it just the result of his lack of interest?
by Thad 3:46 PM

Does it really matter?
by jthomas 3:46 PM

Jim – You’ve told us that you have some off the record information about the Rams potential move. Yet your odds are at 43-57 that the Rams will stay. Of everything else, that makes me most pessimistic about the Rams staying…
by Simple.10 3:46 PM

You’re reading too much into this.
by jthomas 3:47 PM

Attendance will be awful in 2015. Can see the NFL using that against St. Louis? Then NFL has treated ST. Louis poorly and don’t trust them at all to help the city.
by steve 3:47 PM

Won’t help.
by jthomas 3:47 PM

Will Stan appear at home games this year? And how does someone that can’t form a sentence become a billionaire? He’s got the social skills of a 6th grader. Just proves luck is more important than smarts.
by steve 3:47 PM

I would expect him to be at most of the games. He was last season.
by jthomas 3:47 PM

Love your work Jim. Keep it up.
by David 3:48 PM

Ball is not dead on a punt return if the player touches it. As far as your soccer stadium-only scenario, I’m not sure if that would be the case. I think Tom Timmerman and Joe Lyons would be our soccer guys. (I know soccer and like the sport, but not nearly to the degree of Tom and Joe.)
by jthomas 3:51 PM

Do you think the Rams slow start in the past few years has anything to do with Fisher’s pre-season conditioning? Seems the Rams are one of the last teams to do anything as far as OTA and mini-camps go.
by AzRamsFan 3:51 PM

I wonder. I think you have to take all of that into account. Including the possibility that maybe the veterans should play more during the preseason.
by jthomas 3:52 PM

In looking at the schedule, the first part looks brutal, but after the bye week, it looks like the Rams could do some damage. Where do you see St. Louis picking up momentum for a playoff run?
by Andy in Charlotte 3:52 PM

They’ve got to start well early. Minimum of 3-2 record in those first five games.
by jthomas 3:53 PM

Could St. Louis learn to love the Raiders? Some people seem to think no, but if they came in and signed a long term lease and became part of the community why wouldn’t fans embrace the team? Conversely, is Mark Davis such a bad businessman that he wouldn’t even consider St. Louis if the Fightin’ Kroenkes skulk off to the coast?
by Thad 3:53 PM

I believe it would take a while, but I think St. Louis would eventually embrace the Raiders.
by jthomas 3:54 PM

I’m a retired Fortune 20 businessman and believe I understand Enos’ plans. The uber-wealthy have little interest in money, it’s POWER that they crave. He wants control of the LA market, rolling the NFL TV studios and HOF-West into his new sandbox. He instantly becomes a major force in the league. The other owners are not going to go along with his power grab. They will back the Carson plan in order to deny him. His In-laws are the Waltons, so he has to try something BIG. I believe that what St Louis should be asking itself is what it’s position is going to be when he’s shut down, and throws his inevitable tantrum.
by Pierpont 3:55 PM

I do think a big part off this for Kroenke is the prestige factor.
by jthomas 3:55 PM

You think the Taylor family can help fund for the new stadium, and hopefully buy the rams some day soon?
by Mike 3:55 PM

They certainly have the bucks, but I have consistently heard that they’re just not into sports.
by jthomas 3:56 PM

Ancient history, but would it have been smarter to upgrade the dome a few years back that our option now?
by don 3:56 PM

The smartest move would’ve been to avoid that “first-tier” language.
by jthomas 3:56 PM

Have you ever asked Chip and Lucia Rosenbloom their takes on the situation? I’ll bet their mother is rolling in her grave. . .
by rams2050 3:57 PM

Yes, I’ve talked to Chip about this but he prefers to keep those thoughts private.
by jthomas 3:58 PM

over/under Quinn gets 12 sacks
by kevinb 3:58 PM

Over.
by jthomas 3:59 PM

If Kroenke gets rejected but decides to go rogue, does he pay the relocation fee? If not, that makes it cheaper for him.
by Bob in Denver 3:59 PM

The NFL can impose lots of financial penalties if he goes rogue, including withholding at least some of the team’s TV share, as well as its share of merchandising money. It doesn’t figure to be cheaper going rogue.
by jthomas 4:01 PM

true/false Gurley gets over 800 yards rushing..
by kevinb 4:02 PM

I’m gonna say true.
by jthomas 4:02 PM

Do you think television cameras will have a difficult time taking crowd shots at Rams’ home games this year? I’m thinking that “inappropriate” signage will make the stadium look like a WWE event.
by Scrooge McDuck 4:02 PM

The ushers/security people could be busy.
by jthomas 4:03 PM

I’ve never seen the word “unprecedented” used so much in one chat. We are living in strange times with our Rams. I’d like to try something out… If you could use one word that would describe our Rams winning the super bowl this year, what would it be?
by ky kid 4:03 PM

Miraculous
by jthomas 4:03 PM

Thanks for the chats JT. Just heard from Kevin Acee of the U-T San Diego that he’s 100% convinced that there’s no way that San Diego will be able to bring the stadium issue to a vote by the end of this year. Do you see the NFL extending the expansion process perhaps 1 more year? Also, Acee stated that as it currently stands, Spanos has enough votes to block Kroenke from moving to LA. Thoughts?
by Knux 4:04 PM

Acee’s been covering that team for a while. He’s got a pretty good reputation and a pretty good handle on things.
by jthomas 4:04 PM

Sure it matters if he’s intentionally tanking his market or not. I want to make sure I’m disliking him for the right reasons. Also, it seems like pretty bad PR for the NFL (not that their not used to that though).
by Thad 4:05 PM

OK. I don’t think you spend to the cap every year if you’re intentionally tanking things.
by jthomas 4:06 PM

Rams have a opportunity to create buzz with a winning start to the season. IF they do will the fans show?
by renostl 4:06 PM

Couldn’t hurt.
by jthomas 4:06 PM

Has Wells and Jake Long filed retirement paperwork with the NFL. If not are they working out and hoping to get a call when injuries to OL occur.
by ramsfan 4:07 PM

Not to my knowledge (on the retirement papers). I think both want to play next year.
by jthomas 4:07 PM

Even if Foles just game manages the offense, is this the best Fisher Rams team we’ve seen so far?
by Uncle Leo 4:08 PM

Other than the O-line, which is still a question mark, I think it’s easily the most talented team Fisher has had in St. Louis. And I’m not saying the O-line doesn’t have talent and potential, it’s just very, very, very inexperienced.
by jthomas 4:09 PM

Has the relocation fees been released for rams, chargers and raiders? If yes, are they all the same amount?
by Golden Horn 4:09 PM

Not released. League is in the very early stages off determining the relocation fee.
by jthomas 4:10 PM

When you say the Rams don’t have a 1000 yd WR, is it because of talent or offesive philosophy?
by bfulton 4:11 PM

A little bit of both.
by jthomas 4:11 PM