WARRIORS SALE ON HOLD AS NBA CONDUCTS BACKGROUND CHECKS

     The sale of the Warriors will be delayed at least two weeks
to "allow the NBA to complete its investigation" into prospective
owner Christopher Cohan's financial background.  Cohan, a cable
TV "magnate," had been scheduled to take over the team today from
the current group, led by Jim Fitzgerald and team President Dan
Finnane.  Finnane said the delay "should not be construed as a
indication that Cohan does not have the financial backing to pay
the $138M price tag."  Cohan reportedly "structured the financing
of the purchase so that it involves a variety of business
interests," and the NBA, not "wanting its teams connected to
anyone of ill repute," must check on everyone associated with
those business interests.  Finnane: "I'd bet heavily on the deal
being approved.  It is just a matter of finishing up the
investigation" (Ric Bucher, SAN JOSE MERCURY NEWS, 1/4).