FRANCHISE NOTES

          NFL: Tom Clancy plans "to dump" his shares of the
     Orioles "so that cross-ownership won't be an issue" when the
     NFL votes on his bid for the Vikings.  Partner Marc Ganis
     said that Clancy will "divest completely," but that "it will
     take some time" (PIONEER PRESS, 3/24)....The Patriots have
     mandated that players undergo mandatory classroom tutoring
     in conjunction with Northeastern Univ. during minicamp and
     training camp on subjects that include domestic violence,
     drug/alcohol education, postcareer preparation, financial
     planning, and racial issues (BOSTON GLOBE, 3/22).
          NOTES: In Chicago, Jay Mariotti on the White Sox's
     signing of Wil Cordero: "Only one owner was foolish enough
     to bring him in.  That guy is [Jerry] Reinsdorf.  Uncle
     Jerry embraces the belief that if the Sox win, you will
     come, even if certain players are worthy only of your scorn"
     (CHICAGO SUN-TIMES, 3/24)....The Hawks have stopped selling
     tickets for their game Friday against the Bulls until they
     get permission from the Georgia Dome to sell an additional
     10,000 obstructed-view seats, for $5-$10 (SUN-TIMES, 3/24).
     ...Mavs coach Don Nelson cancelled practice last Friday to
     devote the team's attention to TeamUp Day, which called for
     players and staff to continue work on a basketball court
     funded by F Samaki Walker (DALLAS MORNING NEWS, 3/21).