Rice not interested in top football post right now

Condoleezza Rice, a bona fide football fan, is not applying for the newly opened post of commissioner of the National Football League not now, anyhow, her spokesman said carefully on Monday.

Photo: Rice not interested in top football post right now

Rice not interested in top football post right now

Rice, who is avid particularly in support of the Cleveland Browns team, is enjoying being secretary of state "at the moment," spokesman Sean McCormack said.

The wiggle-room in his response after NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue announced he would retire resonated off frequent only half-joking statements by Rice that as a lifelong football fan she aspires to run the league one day.

She may also aspire to be president or vice president, at least there has been speculation that she might wind up on the Republican ticket in 2008.

The owner of the New England Patriots, Bob Kraft, for one, seems to be in Rice's corner for the football post.

Kraft told CNBC that he had dinner with Rice a few months ago and found her to be "tremendously capable and highly competent."

"I am flattered that she is interested in joining us," Kraft said. "But, of course, I am only one of 32" team owners, reports AP.

O.Ch.