NAMES IN THE NEWS

          The Pistons' GRANT HILL has been named Vice Chair for
     the World Summer Games of the Special Olympics, taking place
     in Raleigh, NC, through July 4.  Hill: "These athletes
     really put our lives in perspective.  They are an
     inspiration to everyone, especially me" (DETROIT NEWS,
     6/29).... The NHL Rangers' WAYNE GRETZKY, on published
     reports out of L.A. that he is retiring: "At my age, you
     play it year by year, but I don't have any intentions of
     retiring now.  I've got a year left on my contract and when
     that year is over, I'll take a look at it again" (TORONTO
     SUN, 6/29)....SHAQUILLE O'NEAL was in Newark, NJ, Saturday
     visiting the Boys & Girls Club.  Along with Reebok, O'Neal
     has helped refurbish the rec area located one mile from his
     former home ("CNN/SI," CNN, 6/28).