MONTANA AGENT REBUTS REPORT LINKING HIM TO TAX PROBE

     In response to recent allegations concerning Joe Montana's
involvemtn in the federal probe of the memorabilia industry,
Montana's agent, Peter Johnson of IMG, issued a statement
yesterday saying that the N.Y. DAILY NEWS story regarding Montana
was wrong.  Johnson:  "Joe Montana has always reported all income
from private signings to the Internal Revenue Service, and,
therefore, paid taxes on fees he received.  He has participated
in private signings in the past, including the 1991 signing
organized by Michael Bertolini.  Joe has been under contract to
Upper Deck Authenticated for several years, and they hold Joe's
exclusive rights for signed memorabilia.  Joe's only dilemma is
how certain reporters and publications can report erroneous
stories and not be held accountable for their actions" (IMG).