Rams have been left in good hands

By Bernie Miklasz
ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
01/21/2008


I don't know Chip Rosenbloom well. We've had a few
conversations, and shared a meal or two along the way,
since the Rams and his mother, Georgia Frontiere,
became part of the St. Louis sports community in 1995.

But the initial impressions are positive. He's a good man,
and a gentleman. Rosenbloom, 43, has a successful film
career going, as a producer, screenwriter and director.
But this is no showy, Hollywood guy. Chip has a relatively
low-key personality. He's serious by nature. He's a
family man, and happily spends time with his wife and kids.
Same with his sister, Lucia Rodriguez. I've met her several
times and found her to be warm, friendly and devoted to
her husband and children.

I also know this: Chip and Lucia appreciate the way their
mother was received and treated in St. Louis. They're grateful
for the support and affection she received over the last 13
seasons here. In the final years for the Rams in Los Angeles,
when things turned ugly, Chip and Lucia were upset by the
personal attacks made against their mother.

And that's among the reasons I believe Chip will do the right
thing by St. Louis.

Upon his mother's passing, as Chip takes over as the controlling
ownership partner, Rams fans are worried about the long-term
future of the franchise.

I am confident that Chip will take care of the Rams, and St. Louis.

Here's the first look:

—Rosenbloom will probably sell, but he's in no rush. In a few years
he'll probably sell because his life and Lucia's are based in L.A.
And he believes the owner of the Rams ought to be more
intimately involved with the franchise, should have a presence
in the St. Louis community. By selling, Chip and Lucia would
make a lot of money, yes. But they also want the Rams to have
local, visible and accessible ownership.

—Rosenbloom, however, is also devoted to the memory and legacy
of his parents. His father, Carroll Rosenbloom, loved owning the
Baltimore Colts, and then the Rams. Chip is conflicted; he has told
associates that he'd feel guilt by selling the Rams out of the family.
But he also believes St. Louis deserves the full concentration of the
owner, and he may not be able to do that.

—Rosenbloom has told associates of his feeling that the Rams
must change the inner dynamics in St. Louis. I haven't spoken to
Chip about these matters, but I am told that he's interested in
a new direction for the franchise. Team President John Shaw
may leave the organization at some point in 2008, and if it
happens, the exit would be viewed as an opportunity by
Rosenbloom to restructure management. I am told that he
believes the Rams need a more high-profile and proactive
leader of the franchise, much like the Cardinals have in team
President Mark Lamping, and the Blues have in John Davidson.
Yes, Chip is also concerned about the on-field direction of
the team. But please understand: He isn't going to bull-rush
his way into this. He will need time to get a better read on the
state of the franchise.

—And if and when the Rams are sold, what then? Chip really likes
and respects minority partner Stan Kroenke. And Kroenke cares
deeply about the Rams. But because of the current NFL
ownership rules, Kroekne can't own controlling interest in the Rams
and maintain majority ownership of pro franchises in Denver. And
that's another reason Chip won't rush into anything; he is said to
want to give Kroenke time to decide what to do, and perhaps work
something out with the NFL.

We're about to enter another new chapter of NFL football in
St. Louis, and I believe the Rams are in honorable hands. And
as we begin anew, let's offer Chip Rosenbloom and Lucia
Rodriguez our condolences, our best wishes and our welcome.