NFL TO TINKER WITH FREE AGENCY? TAGLIABUE'S DRESS CODE

     The NFL "already is plotting strategy for negotiations on
the next" collective bargaining agreement, according to Bob
Glauber of N.Y. NEWSDAY.  The current agreement doesn't expire
until 1999 but a "centerpiece of the deal" will be asking the
NFLPA for a "major concession on free agency."  The NFL will want
the players "to increase the minimum requirement for free agency
from four years' experience to at least five. Some team
executives would like to see it increased to six years" (N.Y.
NEWSDAY, 7/9).
     NO JACKET REQUIRED?  NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue has
informed players and teams of the uniform policy for the upcoming
season: All players may wear Apex/Converse shoes (the official
footwear of the NFL), up to 12 players may wear Nike's, and up to
12 others may wear Reeboks.  Logos of other shoes must be
covered, and the "dominant color" for all will be black or white
(Gordon Forbes, USA TODAY, 7/10).