In Miami, Pedro Fonteboa cites sources saying the MLS
Fusion will "replace the identifying moniker 'Miami.'"
Fonteboa: "To end the confusion between the tri-country area
and to build loyalty, the Fusion, sources say, will change
its name to the South Florida Fusion" (MIAMI HERALD, 10/20).
BULLS COUNTER ON JORDAN: Bulls Media Services Dir Tim
Hallam disputed reports that the team did not reach out to
Wizards President of Basketball Operations Michael Jordan
during last Tuesday's Wizards-Bulls preseason game at the
United Center. Hallam said Jordan "was contacted beforehand
about his seat preference" for the game, but rather than
watch the game in Bulls Chair Jerry Reinsdorf's suite,
Jordan "agreed to a suite away from the action." Hallam,
on the Bulls' efforts: "We did whatever necessary to assure
[Jordan's] privacy. It was a case that we were darned if we
did and darned if we didn't" (DAILY SOUTHTOWN, 10/20).
KOBE SAYS NO DEAL ON TEAM JUST YET: Lakers G Kobe
Bryant refuted reports that he is selling his 50% share of
the Italian basketball team, Olimpia Milano. Bryant: "You
can't listen to the Italian newspapers, man. We're still
involved." Although selling the team is an option, Bryant
said "it's not a certainty" (L.A. DAILY NEWS, 10/20).
