Philadelphia Tribune, The
02-18-2005
It's just a coincidence that it was announced this week during Black
History Month that the National Football League may get its first Black
owner, but it's good news just the same.
Reggie Fowler, a 45-year-old multimillionaire businessman, made history
when he announced that he had reached an agreement to buy the Minnesota
Vikings and become the first African American to own an NFL team.
Fowler, a former University of Wyoming linebacker, failed in his bid to
play for an NFL team, but was a major success in the world of business. The
Arizona-based businessman, with a reported estimated worth of $400 million,
made a fortune in real estate and grocery store supplies.
The low-profile entrepreneur acknowledges the historic importance of the
Vikings deal, but at the same time sought to downplay its significance.
It's 'a great thing,' said Fowler, later adding it was not that big a deal.
Vikings owner Red McCombs 'did not discount the price because of that,' he
said, laughing.
Fowler did not say how much he and three silent partners are paying for the
Vikings, but published reports and a rival bidder estimated the cost at
about $625 million.
While a vote on approval of the deal by other NFL owners is not scheduled
until next month, early reports indicate it will probably be approved.
If it is approved, Fowler will not only be the first Black NFL owner, he
will join BET founder Robert Johnson, the owner of the NBA expansion team
the Charlotte Bobcats, as the only other African American to own a
professional sports team.
Fowler is right in his attitude that the agreement should be a routine
business deal.
However, the unfortunate fact is that it is still news when Blacks become
head coaches of professional sports teams or start at quarterback in the
NFL.
After all, just two weeks ago Donovan McNabb became only the third Black
quarterback to play in the Super Bowl.
That's why Fowler's bid to become the NFL's first Black majority owner is a
big deal and a history-making achievement.
Article copyright Philadelphia Tribune Company, Inc.
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