NEW YORK -- The NFL's finance committee voted unanimously Tuesday to recommend Shahid Khan's bid to buy the Jacksonville Jaguars to the full ownership committee for a vote next week.
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Asked if the team would remain in Jacksonville, the Illinois businessman said he couldn't comment until the deal was approved -- then offered a hint of what the answer would be.
"Hopefully the vote goes the way we're expecting; I'll be happy to elaborate on that, and (fans) will not be disappointed," Khan said after meeting with the 10 owners on the committee, which includes current Jaguars owner Wayne Weaver, at league headquarters.
Weaver announced last Tuesday that he had agreed to sell the franchise to Khan for a reported $760 million following an endorsement from NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. The deal next will be voted on by all 32 owners during the Dec. 14 league meeting in Dallas. Weaver said he's optimistic the deal will be approved.
Khan declined Weaver's invitation to attend Monday night's game against the San Diego Chargers, saying the spotlight should be on the outgoing owner. Khan watched the 38-14 loss on TV and saw the fans wearing fake moustaches in honor of his trademark look.
"I've got to tell you -- it was the best-looking group of fans I've ever seen," Khan said with a chuckle. "They looked beautiful. I was really surprised. It was wonderful."
He thanked the fans for their "really warm overtures."
"It's a day I'm going to remember for a long time," Khan said, standing next to Weaver.
Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press.
