OUTBACK/SHANNON GROUP MAKES FIRST OFFER FOR BUCS

     One day after saying the trust could wait a year before
selling the Bucs, the team received its first verbal offer.  A
group led by former University of Florida QB Tommy Shannon, which
includes Outback Steakhouse execs Bob Basham and Chris Sullivan,
made a "confidential" offer to keep the team in Tampa.  The group
will confirm its offer in writing and said the proposal will be
valid until January 9.  Bucs Trustee Steve Story called the offer
"worthy of careful consideration.  Clearly we are happy to see a
local group come forward with a meaningful offer" (Charean
Williams, ORLANDO SENTINEL, 12/28).  Story had reported that if
the trust did not receive the "right price" for the team, they
would "retain" the franchise for next year (Jon Morgan, Baltimore
SUN, 12/27).  Representatives for Orioles Owner Peter Angelos met
with the Bucs trust last week, and Story expects an offer from
Angelos at some point in the coming weeks (Jon Morgan, Baltimore
SUN, 12/28).  Angelos said he was "trying to turn a new page in
the strained relationship" between Baltimore and NFL Commissioner
Paul Tagliabue.  Among other bidders, Florida investor Malcom
Glazer said he may submit a bid next week (Jon Morgan, Baltimore
SUN, 12/29).  Morgan also reported on the "web of litigation"
that could hinder Angelos' effort.  It would be costly for
Angelos to test the league in a lawsuit, and "the process could
involve years of messy litigation during which the fitness of the
league, Angelos, Tampa, and Baltimore would be on trial"
(Baltimore SUN, 12/25).