HEAT SAVE $92K IN SALARY...BY DUMPING MASCOT? THAT'S RIGHT

          FL resident Wes Lockard, who had played Burnie, the     Heat's mascot since '88, "was canned," according to Jose     Lambiet of the Ft. Lauderdale SUN-SENTINEL, who notes     sources saying that Lockard's $100,000 annual salary "made     higher-ups wince," while others felt his "antics went too     far."  Lockard's replacement will receive $200 per game from     the Heat, or $8,000 for the season.  Heat Owner Micky     Arison, on Lockard: "I don't know anything about salaries.      Wes called me ... and said the team wasn't renewing his     contract.  He asked me to help him.  The team briefed me and     I support its decision.   Wes was excellent with the crowds,     but there was a constant threat of a lawsuit with him."      Lambiet: "The most famous Burnie blunder: dragging a woman     onto the court in an exhibition game in Puerto Rico.  Her     family sued for 'mental anguish' and got 50 G's."  Also,     women "got angry with" Burnie when he "grabbed their purses"     during games (Ft. Lauderdale SUN-SENTINEL, 11/10).