NFL Report: Carson fast-track cost almost $900,000

The San Diego Chargers and Oakland Raiders invested almost $900,000 in a ballot initiative to fast-track their proposed stadium in Carson, according to campaign finance reports filed Monday.

That’s about half the amount spent for a similar approval by the rival stadium project in Inglewood backed by St. Louis Rams owner Stan Kroenke.

In April, the Carson City Council unanimously approved a measure that allowed the $1.7-billion plan to bypass lengthy and expensive environmental reviews.

The Chargers contributed $466,000 to the campaign — known as Carson2gether — and the Raiders kicked in $424,000.

Each team funded the organization with $375,000 in cash. Their non-monetary contributions made up the balance. The Raiders, for example, gave $14,000 of unspecified merchandise to Carson2gether. The Chargers provided $50,000 in consulting services.

In the period covered by the statement — April through June — Carson2gether spent $356,000. That total included $148,000 to a Sacramento law firm that specializes in ballot initiatives, $90,000 to a Maine company that specializes in digital campaigns and $36,000 for a communications consultant.

The effort moved quickly. Carson2gether needed just eight days to collect more than 14,000 signatures in support of the ballot initiative. In light of the support, Carson’s City Council decided to skip a public vote and adopt the ballot measure.

The Chargers and Raiders have agreed to reimburse Carson’s expenses related to the project, including consultants and legal fees.

—Nathan Fenno

Brady testimony made public

Tom Brady denied under oath to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell that he tampered with footballs before the AFC title game, and investigator Ted Wells said in a transcript that he never warned the New England Patriots quarterback he would be punished if he didn’t turn over his cellphone.

In a 457-page transcript released Tuesday, Brady maintained his innocence in the NFL scandal known as Deflategate. He denied discussing air level with the ball boys or even thinking about how inflated the footballs were when he selected them. He also said he’s never asked anyone from the Patriots to tamper with footballs.

Brady was suspended four games and the team was docked $1 million and two draft picks after a NFL-sanctioned investigation by Wells found the Patriots supplied improperly inflated footballs for the conference championship game against the Indianapolis Colts, which New England won, 45-7.

Gronk’s bonus

Rob Gronkowski was asked if he dances his way to the bank with a $4-million Patriots’ check in his pocket.

“I guess so,� the tight end said Tuesday, talking about his reworked contract that reportedly gives him $4 million of the $10-million bonus he had coming after the 2015 season. According to reports, the paying of that bonus guaranteed the rest of his deal through 2019.

One of the NFL’s most dynamic stars expressed his gratitude toward the Patriots’ front office and Coach Bill Belichick.

“It’s a great feeling,� he said. “It’s time to put that behind you and just play football now.�

Clowney’s father charged in shooting

The father of Houston Texans defensive end Jadeveon Clowney has been arrested and charged with attempted murder for a shooting at a bar in Rock Hill, S.C.

Rock Hill Police Capt. Mark Bollinger said David Morgan also was charged with possession of a weapon during a violent crime. Bollinger said Tuesday that Morgan was in custody and awaiting a bond hearing.

The police report said Morgan, nicknamed “Chilli Bean,� was removed from the bar for sitting on the stage. Police add he was seen later at the back of the property before firing several rounds at Braxton Homesley. Police say Homesley returned fire. Morgan was being treated for a gunshot wound to the shoulder.

Etc.

A Super Bowl ring once belonging to Bob Heinz, who was part of the Miami Dolphins’ famed No-Name Defense, sold last week at auction for $68,004. According to sports memorabilia distributor Ken Goldin it was the first time a Miami player’s ring for the 1972 or ’73 championships was offered in a public sale. The Dolphins went 17-0 in 1972 to become the only NFL team to go undefeated in the regular season. ... New York Jets defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson is day to day after a tweaked hamstring kept him out of practice Tuesday. Coach Todd Bowles said “hopefully� Wilkerson will be available to practice Wednesday, but added that the Jets would be cautious with the injury. ... Arizona Cardinals Pro Bowl cornerback Patrick Peterson said his Type 2 diabetes is under control and he is much slimmer this season. “I still have to watch what I eat, my sugar level, take my blood pressure and things like that,� he said. Although he said he didn’t want to use diabetes as an excuse for what he termed a disappointing season, Peterson acknowledged that it affected his play. “I was just a step behind from making those plays, and that was due to my weight,� he said.