• Several NFL people have expressed skepticism about whether Daunte Culpepper — whose decision-making and ability to make quick reads have been questioned — will be a good fit for Cam Cameron’s offense.
• Some NFL people have wondered whether Dom Capers will earn more than Cameron. But that’s not the case, the Dolphins told an involved official. Former Packers GM Ron Wolf said there’s no way a team can pay an assistant more than the head coach: “I don’t care if the head coach is 20 years old.”
• Eddie Jones has spoken to Memphis about a buyout, and the Heat is expected to explore a potential return if he’s set free. Friends of Jones say a return appeals to him.
• The Dolphins’ dramatic increase on some club seats — resulting in some cancellations — is one of several price hikes for South Florida fans. General ticket prices also are expected to rise. Some Heat premium seats are skyrocketing (one floor seat owner is being raised from $62,500 to $89,250 per year for all AA Arena events). Tennis’ Sony Ericcson Open is raising prices for the first time since 2002 (by $5). And the CA Championship at Doral — now a prestigious World Golf Championship event — will charge $45 for adults per day, up from $25, $30 and $35.
• Tickets of America’s Michael Lipman said first-week demand is the highest in Super Bowl history, with upper-level end zone seats selling for $3,200 — $1,000 more than last year in Detroit.
• The lighter side: Practically everyone has a Super Bowl party here this week (including LeBron James on Wednesday at Mansion). The most star-studded? Probably the one by Shaquille O’Neal, who — with 790 The Ticket owner Joel Feinberg — is inviting 50 celebs to an exclusive dinner at Casa Casuarinas (formerly Versace Mansion) after Heat-Cavs on Thursday.
By Barry Jackson, Miami Herald.
January 28, 2007
