A FIGHT FOR FREEDOM: CAN BOWL ORGANIZERS BEAT THE DEADLINE?

     Orange County officials trying to save the Freedom Bowl are
concentrating on "nailing down" a TV contract for the postseason
game played at Anaheim Stadium, according to this morning's L.A.
TIMES.  Orange County Sports Association Exec Dir Jerry McGee
said Prime Sports, Turner Sports and ESPN have all discussed
airing the game, although no decision has been made.  It is hoped
that finding a TV partner will help the bowl attract a title
sponsor.  The NCAA has given the Freedom Bowl until June 15 to
come up with the financing necessary to keep the game officially
sanctioned.  However, McGee said he doesn't believe the NCAA
deadline "is set in stone."  Organizers hope to play the game (to
be called the Big Orange Classic) between Dec. 26-31, with the
WAC 3rd-place vs. an at-large team (Keith Thursby, L.A. TIMES,
6/1).