EARTH CITY, Mo. -- At last month's NFL owners meetings in San Francisco, league executive Eric Grubman mentioned the possibility of another round of meetings centered on the three markets considering relocating to Los Angeles.
On Thursday, the possibility of more meetings became a reality. While relocation has been discussed at the March and May owners meetings, it's hardly been the more pressing topic on the docket. That figures to change when the group convenes in Chicago in August.
These meetings are expected to have a heavy focus on relocation but, most important, on the progress (or lack thereof) in the three current teams most often mentioned as candidates to move. For those that haven't been paying attention, that means what's happening in San Diego with the Chargers, Oakland with the Raiders and here in St. Louis with the Rams.
There doesn't figure to be any sort of vote at those meetings but it could be a prime opportunity for St. Louis to show how far along it is in its efforts to get a new stadium built on the north riverfront.
The St. Louis stadium task force has checked off many boxes but still must get the financing squared away to see the project through. That group has been targeting fall to make the public part of the money actionable but if it could come with it by August, it would go a long way toward securing the city's future in the NFL.
I.C.Y.M.I.
A roundup of Thursday's Rams stories appearing on ESPN.com. ... In the Ram-blings, we looked at where defensive tackle Aaron Donald would rank in a re-evaluation of the 2014 draft's top players. ... We then took a longer look at some things to watch as the Rams had their first open organized team activity. ... In the final edition of the offseason roster review, we examined the team's solid special teams unit. ... The Rams released receiver Bud Sasser on Thursday because of a pre-existing medical condition. ... Finally, we provided some thoughts and observations from the team's OTA.
Elsewhere:
An interesting read on former NFL coach Mike Sherman going back to high school to coach.
Ashley Fox has a good story on some former NFL players that appear destined to be head coaches, including one on the Rams' current staff.
I also enjoyed this read from Lions reporter Michael Rothstein on the fan who got a urinal signed by Barry Sanders.
At 101sports.com, Rams coach Jeff Fisher spoke to "The Fast Lane" on a variety of topics.
At stltoday.com, Bernie Miklasz writes that Missouri Governor Jay Nixon believes St. Louis is ready to show the NFL what it can do on the stadium front.