Rice remaining coy on future NFL team

By Michael Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer

San Francisco 49er great Jerry Rice yesterday announced where he will appear in Hawai'i over the next four days, but he only hinted at where he might be when the next National Football League season starts.

Rice is in Hawai'i this week for a statewide series of athletic events that will raise funds for local children's charities. The events are being staged in conjunction with the Jerry Rice 127 Foundation and various local sponsors.

Rice will join J.J. Stokes, Terrell Owens, Garrison Hearst, Amani Toomer, Jesse Sapolu, Roger Craig and other current and past NFL stars as they take on a team of local athletes and celebrities in softball and basketball.

Team Hawai'i, coached by University of Hawai'i football coach June Jones and Ticket Plus CEO Manny Sanchez, includes Honolulu Mayor Jeremy Harris, Artie Wilson, Howard Dashefsky, Ron Mizutani, Dave Vinton and UH coaches Riley Wallace and Vince Goo.

Rice, who is expected to be released by the 49ers on June 1 for salary cap reasons, says he would like to play football for two more years.

"We have a lot of interest out there right now," he said. "I think we're going to have an opportunity to make a statement somewhere. I don't want to call any names, but I want to stay somewhere close to home."

That would likely mean a move to Seattle. Rice met with Seahawks coach and general manager Mike Holmgren last month and has already passed the team's physical exam, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.

The Cleveland Browns have also expressed interest in acquiring the league's all-time receptions leader. The 49ers have already granted Cleveland permission to speak with Rice. Browns president Carmen Policy, the former 49ers executive, said a meeting could take place after the NFL draft later this month.

The Oakland Raiders and the Detroit Lions have also been mentioned as possible suitors.

"The main thing I'm doing now is working out and I'll let everything else take care of itself," Rice said. "Hopefully on June 1, I'll have something in hand."

NFL All-Stars vs. Team Hawaii Schedule

Today: Softball, 7 p.m., University of Hawaii Rainbow Stadium.

Tomorrow: Basketball, 6 p.m., Maui High School Gym.

Saturday: Basketball, 2 p.m., Kealakehe High School Gym.

Sunday: Softball, 2 p.m., Vidinha Baseball Field.