City leaders temper NFL expectations

Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr passes against the Broncos during the second half on Dec. 28, 2014, in Denver. Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr passes against the Broncos during the second half on Dec. 28, 2014, in Denver. Photo: Jack Dempsey /Associated Press Photo: Jack Dempsey /Associated Press Image 1 of / 15 Caption Close City leaders temper NFL expectations 1 / 15 Back to Gallery

Even as Henry Cisneros continues his bid to lure the Oakland Raiders to San Antonio, city leaders that have backed the former mayor’s dogged quest are quietly tempering their expectations as all signs point to the team remaining in California in 2015 and perhaps beyond.

“There is a sense of two things,” said City Councilman Joe Krier. “One, there is a lot of gratitude to Henry for moving this effort forward. But, two, there’s a sense there is no evidence it’s going to happen, no realistic assessment we are likely to wind up with a franchise at this time.”

Cisneros, however, isn’t willing to give up the fight. In fact, he sees the latest development in the saga as a providential sign.

Plans by the owner of the St. Louis Rams to build an 80,000-seat NFL stadium in Los Angeles, if brought to fruition, would aid San Antonio’s efforts to attract the Oakland Raiders, Cisneros believes.

“Is it good news? Yes, it is, because if they were to do that, then the likelihood is that the Raiders wouldn’t be going to Los Angeles,” the former San Antonio mayor said at a recent San Antonio Chamber of Commerce event.

In a text message to the Express-News, Cisneros put it another way, “Any serious step to put another team into Los Angeles narrows the field and strengthens San Antonio as an option.”

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