PANTHERS EVICTION MAY COME TWO YEARS TOO SOON

     The Miami Sports and Exhibition Authority, which owns the
Miami Arena, sent a letter to the Panthers Tuesday saying the
team will be evicted at midnight Monday unless a lease is signed,
according to the MIAMI HERALD.  But, the Panthers already have a
lease with arena managers, Leisure Management, extending for two
years until they move to a new arena.  According to Arena GM Rob
Franklin, MSEA can only reject a proposed lease if the terms are
"disadvantageous compared to similar events."  The notice comes a
month after Decoma Miami Associates -- which controls management
rights to Miami Arena and is controlled by Panthers Owner Wayne
Huizenga -- filed suit to block the city and MSEA from aiding
Dade County in building a new arena for the Heat.  According to
MSEA attorney Joe Portuondo, the two events  "are not related"
(Barry Jackson, MIAMI HERALD, 7/9).