BUSINESS WEEK EXAMINES IF VENUS' ENDORSEMENT STAR WILL SHINE

          The "appeal" of Venus Williams is profiled by Brad
     Wolverton in BUSINESS WEEK.  At the U.S. Open, some
     "declared Williams the Tiger Woods of tennis, other players
     on the tour took potshots at her, and her father complained
     about racism in the sport.  In the aftermath of all that
     unpleasantness, the unavoidable question is: Has Venus
     damaged her potential as a star spokesperson?"  Wolverton:
     "Hip youth brands might embrace Venus as a feisty young
     woman taking some of the starch out of the largely white
     world of tennis."  Daisy Sinclair of Ogilvy & Mather: "She's
     definitely sellable."  Other than her five-year, $3M deal
     with Reebok for shoes and apparel, Venus "has no endorsement
     deals."  Wolverton: "She is one of the few pro players
     without a racket contract.  Her agent, Seattle lawyer Keven
     Davis, who also represents Tonya Harding, won't disclose the
     names of corporations interested in Williams.  But he says
     25 companies called the day after Venus lost at the Open. 
     Now, if they'll just call back" (BUSINESS WEEK, 9/29 issue).