THIS COOKE ADDS SPICE TO REDSKINS BID: RAISES OFFER TO $600M

          Redskins President John Kent Cooke "has upped his bid
     for the team and Jack Kent Cooke Stadium to the $600 million
     range," according to sources cited by Eric Fisher of the
     WASHINGTON TIMES.  Cooke's new offer is "the first major
     move in what is expected to be a furious week of jockeying
     before binding offers are due Tuesday."  Also, sources
     familiar with Orioles Owner Peter Angelos say he has
     "unsuccessfully sought to add a well-connected D.C.
     businessman to his bid, a sign that his millions might not
     be enough to win the franchise."  Cooke's $600M bid "clearly
     puts him closer to retaining control of the team."  Cooke
     "declined to comment" yesterday (WASHINGTON TIMES, 12/16).