FEET FAILING OLAJUWON NOW? PLAYER LOOKING FOR NEW SHOE DEAL

          Rockets C Hakeem Olajuwon's shoe contract with Spalding
     has "expired after five seasons," and he will now "try
     different shoes until he finds a brand he likes most,"
     according to Jonathan Feigen of the HOUSTON CHRONICLE. 
     Olajuwon: "I'm just sampling right now."  Olajuwon noted
     that "companies aren't exactly lining up to lure him to the
     fold," as many are "looking to cut back" on their use of
     celebrity endorsers.  More Olajuwon: "Spalding was good for
     five years.  The contract is over now.  The industry is
     suffering now.  I need to look around and see what is my
     next option" (HOUSTON CHRONICLE, 1/18).