FRANCHISE NOTES

          In N.Y., Peter Vecsey writes that he is "confused" over
     conflicting reports involving RDV Sports VP Julius Erving's
     interest in taking over basketball operations for the Nets. 
     Vecsey notes that although Erving is under contract with RDV
     until June 30, Magic officials "claim Erving has had several
     discussions with the Nets" (N.Y. POST, 4/28)...In Seattle,
     Steve Kelley writes an open letter to Sonics Owner Barry
     Ackerley, and states, "If you've spent any time this season
     looking around KeyArena on game nights, you've seen the
     empty seats and heard the silence and you should be able to
     feel the city's waning interest in your team."  Kelley adds,
     "It's one thing for people to be angry with the team, Barry. 
     But it's another, even more distressing predicament, when
     they don't seem to care anymore" (SEATTLE TIMES, 4/28)...The
     Padres have sold more than 12,000 season tickets, surpassing
     '99's total of 11,515, and marking only the second time in
     32 seasons the franchise has hit that mark (Padres).