NFL coaches not only famous faces at hotel

PALM BEACH, Fla. The Breaker’s Resort, where NFL owners, team executives and coaches are meeting this week, is plush, swank and a popular getaway for the rich and famous.

It closely fronts the Atlantic Ocean where the blue water sparkles much more than most East coast beaches.

While heading out the front entrance early this evening, I asked one of the bellmen if he was enjoying the week, given the fact that 31 of the 32 NFL coaches are staying there. (Only Seattle’s Mike Holmgren isn’t in attendance).

The bellman acknowledged that was a special treat, but quickly noted that famed actor Gene Hackman had just arrived.

"Did you see him?" he asked

I hadn’t, but looked inside to see if Hackman was still at the registration desk. He wasn’t, but a sportswriter friend had gotten the same report that Hackman was in the house.

I went back outside and asked another bellman if he had seen Hackman. He hadn’t, but he pointed toward a guest just getting out of a fancy car.

"That’s the lead singer for Motley Crue," he said.

The person he identified had long hair and tatoos covering his arms. Sure enough, it was Vince Neil. He has an outdoor concert scheduled Thursday in West Palm Beach.

CHARLES CHANDLER