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A very merry Thursday morning, AN!
Late last night, journalist Mick Akers of the Las Vegas Review-Journal posted an interesting quote from former sheriff and newly-elected Nevada governor Joe Lombardo regarding public funding of potential stadiums in the state:
Gov. Joe Lombardo on using public money for pro sports teams:
— Mick Akers (@mickakers) January 26, 2023
“I know there’s a quandary associated with welcoming athletics, whether they’re gonna put roots down in the Las Vegas Valley or not. But my position, what I have expressed, is no public money for that endeavor.”
Soon after that, however, was another statement from Lombardo’s “team” that seeked to clarify the governor’s earlier words:
Lombardo’s team offered a clarification on his stance on the use public money for pro sports (ICYM my follow up tweet). pic.twitter.com/CciXxeYYiP
— Mick Akers (@mickakers) January 26, 2023
The key words in that second statement was a refusal to “raise state taxes”, but didn’t rule out the use of “existing” development programs the state has for projects, such as a potential stadium for the Oakland Athletics, who were specifically name-dropped in that second release.
Remember, Nevada’s previous governor Steve Sisolak, who Lombardo just beat in November to lead the Silver State, was very vocal about not spending a dime of public funds to help multi-billionaire John Fischer build in Las Vegas, but Lombardo has been much more coy on the subject and hadn’t made his feelings on the subject known. Until last night, that is.
It seems like Lombardo’s team felt that he put his foot in his mouth in that first quote when he ruled out the possibility of tax-payer funds for a stadium, then in the written statement tried adding that caveat about “existing” programs, which would essentially use taxpayer money for just that. Still, because the first part was a direct quote from the governor, it feels like that position is more in line with how he personally feels, but that he wants to keep the door open to changing his mind just in case.
If Nevada refuses to fork over public funds to help Fischer finally build the A’s their forever home, then Oakland’s chances of keeping their Green & Gold definitely shoots up. We’ll see if Lombardo eventually reverses course or sticks to his guns -pun intended-.
A’s coverage:
Gallegos: Non-roster invitees to watch this spring
Burke: Where does Jesus Aguilar fit?
Laurila: Gelof profiles as another brick in the wall
Akers: A’s hit minor roadblock on Howard Terminal
MLB News & Interest:
Berry: Rays sign pitcher Jeffey Springs to 4-year deal
Beck: Tigers sign former Gold-Glover Hernandez
Adler: An early look at 2024 HoF Ballot
Jackson: Countdown of top 100 prospects on Thursday
Callis: Top OF prospects for 2023
Best of Twitter:
He may be enigmatic, but at least Elon rocks the Green & Gold
Wasn't sure what to expect during "A's Spirit Week" but it certainly wasn't this pic.twitter.com/BoynmfRtwI
— Steve Berman (@BASportsGuy) January 26, 2023
Oh, Dallas, you treasure…
.@elonmusk if you’re looking to throw out the first pitch at the A’s game on opening day just say so. Your subtle hints aren’t so subtle when you’re wearing the ‘Sex Panther’ of MLB Jerseys. I’ve heard your stuff on the mound is electric! (You were ALL thinking it so I said it) https://t.co/2CHArtS0Fc
— Dallas Braden (@DALLASBRADEN209) January 26, 2023
Mark Kotsay getting in some NBA action before his season starts
Mark Kotsay and Logan Webb are in the building #BayAreaUnite pic.twitter.com/x6jGvJLppU
— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) January 26, 2023
Some welcome news for all baseball fans!
"Back in business!"
— Cleveland Guardians (@CleGuardians) January 25, 2023
Thank you to the Cleveland Police Department for helping Skip find his hog. pic.twitter.com/CUKbSB4T00
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