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St. Louis Rams owner Stan Kroenke vowed to spend some money on talent for his football team...the Arsenal. Kroenke is the majority share holder in the English Premier League team, with 63 percent of the shares under his control. He gave his assurances to fans that the Gunners will be competing this year, and will be spending the money to do so. I suppose that's good news for Arsenal fans, but is it foreboding for Rams fans?
Here's what Silent Stan said about his commitment to his EPL team:
The club has funds to invest and will do so wisely. Our constant aim will be to compete for silverware and championships.
The long-term health of the club is of utmost importance and the board, chief executive, manager and the wider team will be working hard to achieve success for the club and our fans.
In short Kroenke says the Gunners have the assets to make something happen. I really don't know much about EPL soccer, but I would assume that Kroenke's team is a profitable venture, meaning he's not robbing Peter to pay Paul.
With the NFL locked out and free agency a question mark, it's hard to say what Kroenke will allow the Rams to spend in free agency. If the league keeps the six-year rules, there won't be much talent to spend money on anyway. Sam Bradford is due a healthy chunk of money this year, some $17 million plus, but rest of the Rams payroll is relatively cost contained. Paying the 14th overall pick will be substantially cheaper than paying the first overall pick...and there might even be a more modest salary arrangement for rookies if the league and players can make any progress.
Spending money on talent for both teams is an issue to keep your eye on down the road. The NFL should return to some semblance of normalcy next year, and what the Rams do in free agency then will be far more telling. A year after that, in 2013, the Rams have even bigger contract issues to tackle with Chris Long, James Laurinaitis and Bradley Fletcher all due to hit free agency.