DOES VENATOR GROUP QUARTER REPORT PUT TSA DEAL IN JEOPARDY?

          The Venator Group reported a loss of $13M for its
     second quarter, "reflecting weak sales of athletic shoes and
     clothing," according to the WALL STREET JOURNAL.  Venator,
     which includes Foot Locker, Lady Foot Locker and Champs
     Sports, said sales fell 2.3% to $1.47B from $1.5B.  Sales in
     stores open a year or more fell 6%, and inventory levels per
     store increased 13%.  The "poor results won't help Venator
     in its attempt to acquire" The Sports Authority.  In its
     current offer to the chain, Venator's average stock price
     needs to be "at least" $20.50 "during a certain period
     before year end, and the company's shares recently have been
     sliding."  On NYSE trading yesterday, Venator's shares were
     down $.1875 and closed at $12 (WALL STREET JOURNAL, 8/21).