WEBBER ASKED TO COME HOME AS FILA WANTS TO DISCUSS INCIDENT

          Fila officials "asked" NBA Kings F Chris Webber "to
     return to the United States from Barbados, where he was
     scheduled to play in an exhibition game" sponsored by Fila,
     according to Josh Barr of the WASHINGTON POST.  According to
     U.S. Customs officials, Webber was detained in San Juan,
     Puerto Rico, for possession of a small amount of marijuana,
     and paid a subsequent $500 fine.  Webber's agent, Fallasha
     Erwin, "has disputed" those claims.  In a statement, Fila
     President & CEO Jon Epstein said, "In no way does Fila
     condone the use of illicit drugs.  We expect our athletes to
     conduct themselves in an exemplary manner on and off the
     court, and we are taking this issue very seriously.  Until
     we have had the opportunity to speak to individuals close to
     the situation, the company will withhold further comment." 
     Barr notes that while Fila said it will investigate the
     matter, a U.S. Customs spokesperson said that authorities
     consider the case "completed" (WASHINGTON POST, 8/18).