PANTHERS AND BROWARD OFFICIALS HIT SNAG IN FINAL TALKS

     Negotiations for a new Panthers arena in Broward County
"broke off" yesterday, putting the $212M deal "into question,"
according to Karen Rafinski of the MIAMI HERALD.  Broward
officials walked out of talks when the Panthers would not agree
to an issue county leaders "thought they had resolved:  the
financial guarantee Broward wants from the team."  The Panthers
have promised to give the county a share of arena revenues to pay
the mortgage, and payment is mandatory whether the team makes any
more or not.  Broward officials want to put a lien on some arena
revenues, such as club seats and naming rights, so they would
have a "better legal claim to the cash if they need it."  Team
officials "downplayed the significance of Wednesday's events,"
and team spokesperson Stan Smith said they were optimistic the
differences would be resolved.  The county must sign a lease with
the Panthers before June 1 or its agreement with the team expires
(MIAMI HERALD, 5/23).