THE FIRST PHASE OF THE BULLETS NAME GAME ENDS TODAY

     Today marks the final day of voting in the Boston Market-
sponsored contest to rename the Bullets, after which a five-
person "blue ribbon" panel will decide on the finalist.
According to the WASHINGTON TIMES, Bullets President Susan
O'Malley says the team has received over 300,000 responses,
adding that the panel -- made up of Bullets forward Juwan Howard,
local sports anchor George Michael, WTEM-AM GM Bob Snyder, a
representative from Boston Market, and either O'Malley or Bullets
Owner Abe Pollin -- will give weight to names received, but will
not be limited by those entries.  O'Malley said trademarking the
name is an issue, adding the team would rather drop a potential
name from contention rather than go through a trademark dispute.
An announcement of a new name is expected February 22.  Last
month, O'Malley said the front-runners were Glory, Justice,
Ravens and Wizards (Frank Hughes, WASHINGTON TIMES, 12/15).