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GRETZKY CALLS COYOTES OFFER GREAT, WILL DECIDE IN 2-3 WEEKS

          After confirming last week that he had been "formally
     approached" by AZ developer Steve Ellman to join the Coyotes
     ownership group, Wayne Gretzky said that he "would make his
     decision within two to three weeks after meeting with a team
     of his closest friends and advisers," according to Bob
     McManaman of the ARIZONA REPUBLIC.  Gretzky, on Ellman: "He
     made me a great offer.  I think it would be a great deal to
     be a partner with him. ... If I decide to come aboard ...
     it'd probably be by the [NHL] draft [in mid-June]." 
     McManaman noted that for Gretzky, "the financial parameters
     of the deal or his role in the hockey department aren't at
     issue as much as whether [he] is willing to give up the
     freedom he found after retiring a year ago."  If he did
     accept the offer, Gretzky, who lives in CA, said that he
     would "establish a second residence" in AZ and "spend at
     least three or four days a week [there] during the hockey
     season."  More Gretzky, on Ellman: "If Steve wasn't such a
     good person, it would be easy to say, `Sorry, it's just not
     the right time.'  But he's such a nice man, such a quality
     person" (AZ REPUBLIC, 5/13).  Gretzky, on the offer: "It's a
     great opportunity but, at the moment, the timing doesn't
     seem appropriate.  At the same time, it's got me thinking"
     (NATIONAL POST, 5/13).  Meanwhile, in N.Y., Larry Brooks
     wrote that as of Friday, Ellman "was still having trouble
     putting together the money to close the deal on the Coyotes,
     and ... he was still looking for significant investors to
     join his group.  Perhaps Gretzky's presence in the
     management group will serve as a beacon" (N.Y. POST, 5/14).
          COYOTES SAVIOR? In Phoenix, Dan Bickley wrote: "If
     Gretzky comes over the mountain to save the Coyotes, the
     momentum would be unstoppable.  The hockey team would have
     instant credibility" (ARIZONA REPUBLIC, 5/14).

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