MORE PROBLEMS FOR TROUBLED CFL AS LIONS MISS PAYROLL

     The B.C. Lions can be added to the list of financially
strapped CFL teams as the club failed to meet its payroll
yesterday, according to the Toronto GLOBE & MAIL.  In complying
with its CBA, the league immediately said it would fulfill the
payroll, thought to be around C$110,000-120,000.  The GLOBE &
MAIL's Neil Campbell writes money troubles "came as no surprise,"
as "suspicions" have been growing about Nelson Skalbania's
ownership group since Skalbania refused to name any of his nine
partners"when the league approved the franchise's transfer from
Bill Comrie in March.  Campbell speculates that the CFL could
revoke Skalbania's ownership as early as today in order to get
other potential buyers to step forward (Toronto GLOBE & MAIL,
8/29).
     ROUGH RIDER GAINS:  In Ottawa, the Rough Riders continue to
climb toward their goal of 40,000 ticket sales by September 9
after more than 2,500 were sold yesterday.  More than 5,000 seats
have been purchased since the CFL issued its deadline on Monday
(TORONTO SUN, 8/29).