Titans CEO Tommy Smith was adamant, contrary to rumor, that the family is preparing to sell the team, but Smith isn’t necessarily the last word on the subject. Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com has speculated a few times concerning the stale of the Titans, and mentioned possible buyers as FedEx CEO Fred Smith and hedge fund manager David Tepper, who partly owns the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Tommy Smith, whose father Bud Adams founded the original team, the Houston Oilers, until they moved to Tennessee and became the Titans. Smith denounced the rumors as “totally irresponsible.” Smith told The Tennessean that “The team is not for sale. We are not entertaining any conversations in regard to the sale of the team. Period.” He added that any statements to the contrary are “completely off base.” However, the decision to sell the team or keep it as a family business is not entirely Tommy Smith’s; Adam’s daughters Susie Adams Smith and Amy Adams Hunt are co-chairs of the franchise. Kenneth Adams IV is on the board of directors.
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Still Tommy Smith denied there was any rift and represented the family as in complete accord in regard to keeping the Titans in the family. “This is a family owned business and it is going to be a family owned business.” He says he meets “routinely” with his co-owner family members and adds “we are proud owners.”
But who knows whether all members of the family agree.
