Connecticut.

An investor and former co-owner of the New England Patriots missed a deadline last week that has put in question his ability to purchase the football team and move it to Hartford.

Fran Murray, the Philadelphia-based investigator was unable to provide a $20 million letter of credit and a $140 million financing plan to the National Football League for an expansion team in St. Louis. Murray has said his plan would allow current Patriots owner James B. Orthwein to sell the team to him so Murray could move it to Connecticut, thus freeing Orthwein to own a team in his hometown of St. Louis.

Last month. the Connecticut legislature approved a $250 million bond authorization. The proceeds of the sale would be used to build an openair. 60,000-seat stadium in Hartford.

A study by KPMG Peat Marwick said the high median income and central location of Hartford would assure that the team would be a financial success in the Connecticut capital.

However, there is also a proposal before the Massachusetts state legislature that, if passed. would authorize the sale of $700 million of general obligation bonds to build a Massachusetts convention and entertainment center, or Megaplex. A possible component of the Megaplex would be a 70,000-seat stadium that would serve as home to the Patriots.

Currently, the Patriots dwell in the Boston suburb of Foxboro.

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