NFL AND OFFICIALS SAID TO BE CLOSE TO A COMPROMISE

     CNN, Fox, and NBC's NFL  pre-game shows all reported that a
strike by NFL officials should be avoided this week via the
league's proposal presented this past weekend.  The deal offers a
50% pay increase, tripled pensions, and addresses the pension
concerns of some retired officials.  CNN's Len Pasquarelli says
agent Tom Condon, who represents the officials, thinks the offer
is a "viable starting point" to take to the official's executive
board.  Pasquarelli called Condon "guardedly optimistic" ("NFL
Preview," CNN, 9/18).  Fox's James Brown said "representatives
for NFL officials will recommend that they accept the offer on
the table" ("NFL Sunday," Fox, 9/18).  On "NFL Live," NBC's Will
McDonough:  "Both sides feel that a deal could be agreed on by
mid-week" ("NFL Live," NBC, 9/18).
     THE NUMBERS:  Under the proposal, a 20-year official would
receive $36,000 in pension benefits, $5,000 a game in '95 and
$80,000 in severance pay (USA TODAY, 9/19).