NO NEW HIVE -- AT LEAST NOT YET -- FOR THE HORNETS

          A plan to finance a new arena for the Hornets
     "disintegrated" yesterday when the team "announced they
     couldn't afford to pay for" 70% of the project, according to
     Lauren Markoe of the CHARLOTTE OBSERVER.  Hornets Senior
     VP/Finance Wayne DeBlander: "To be honest with you, 60-40
     doesn't work either."  The team's "stance threw into
     disarray" the city's New Arena Committee's "financing
     recommendation, which members thought was nearing
     completion."  Additionally, committee Chair John
     Fennebresque "learned that not all" members planned to sign
     the report that will be sent to the City Council next month. 
     Co-Chair Alan Wells said that "he and other committee
     members will submit a minority report" with a different set
     of recommendations.  DeBlander presented a few plans "to
     stimulate discussion," including one that has the Hornets
     putting $60M toward a $225M arena and one that has them
     putting up $80M.  The committee's original proposal had the
     team paying $60-115M more (CHARLOTTE OBSERVER, 5/26).