FRANCHISE NOTES

     In Atlanta, Mark Bradley writes the "problems" within the
Falcons organization "began June 30, 1965, when the NFL awarded a
franchise to Rankin Smith."  Bradley:  "The Smiths try one thing
for awhile, then chuck it for something else.  They run their
business on whims. ... Rather than stability, the Falcons have
the Smiths" (ATLANTA CONSTITUTION, 9/26). ...MLS Mutiny GM
Farrukh Quraishi says in an attempt to expand the team's fan base
next season, the club will play exhibition matches outside the
Tampa area, including in Orlando (TAMPA TRIBUNE,
9/26)....HealthSouth Doctors' Hospital became the official
hospital and sports medicine program of the Heat. HealthSouth has
made a $25,000 donation to the team's charitable fund as part of
its sponsorship (Heat)....Padres President Larry Lucchino, on the
club's goal to build a bigger fan base in Mexico: "We want to be
Mexico's team.  We know the Dodgers have considerable appeal
there, but we've planted the flag" (USA TODAY, 9/26).