On Tuesday evening Jessica Floum at The Oregonian and OregonLive.com published a report under the headline “Portland Timbers stadium expansion could net team owners $3 million more in tax breaks.” The opening sentence of Floum’s report makes an eye-opening claim:
“The Portland Timbers are asking for an even larger break for their planned stadium expansion than the one the Portland City Council approved in May: an estimated $5 million in foregone ticket taxes, up from $2 million in the May deal.”
The way The Oregonian framed the story, therefore, was a classic reverse Robin Hood: Wealthy sports-franchise owner seeks additional City handout.