LEAGUE NOTES

          Spiraling NBA salaries and Kevin Garnett's rejection of
     a $100M-plus contract extension, are examined by Mike Wise
     in the N.Y. TIMES, who writes Garnett's negotiations "have
     set off particularly noisy alarms.  Both management and
     players agents view the situation in almost apocalyptic
     terms, with each side claiming to know what is best for the
     future of" pro basketball and its younger players (N.Y.
     TIMES, 8/27)...The USBL announced plans for an eight-team
     Pacific Coast Conference beginning with the '99 season.  
     The USBL currently operates twelve teams from Maine to
     Florida (USBL)....The NHL has added sports psychologist
     Wayne Halliwell to its officials training camp.  He will
     work with officials throughout the year (TORONTO SUN, 8/26).