Pro Sports Blackmail: Just Say No

The millionaires who own sports franchises can extort corporate welfare from other states and other cities. But their sleazeball tactics will not work in New Jersey. That's the word from the president of the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority.

Citing the usual bogus numbers about job creation and economic impact, Jersey teams are threatening to pull up stakes if they are not offered bargain-basment leases in brand new taxpayer-funded arenas. George Zoffinger is having none of it, and dares to call their bluff:

"It's all a scam," Zoffinger tells the New York Daily News. "But times are changing. Taxpayers are not that stupid."