BOON OVER MIAMI: NFL TO MEET L.A., HOUSTON EXPANSION REPS

          The NFL has asked reps from Houston and the two L.A.
     groups bidding for the league's 32nd franchise "to make 30-
     minute presentations to a select group of owners Thursday in
     Miami," according to T.J. Simers of the L.A. TIMES.  The
     presentations will begin with Michael Ovitz and his Carson
     project, followed by Robert McNair of Houston and conclude
     with the New Coliseum Partners.  All of the league's owners
     will meet February 16 in Atlanta "with the expectation the
     Finance Committee will recommend which of the three groups
     should be awarded" the franchise.  Simers wrote that there
     has been "increasing sentiment" within the NFL to award the
     team to the L.A. area, with one year "to put together the
     best stadium deal, or failing that, have the league build
     the stadium and then auction it off, along with the
     expansion franchise."  Some owners believe the league "could
     draw" $1B through an auction (L.A. TIMES, 1/23).