WITH THREAT OF LAWSUITS, OILERS' MOVE POSTPONED UNTIL '98

     The Oilers announced Thursday that any move to Nashville
will not happen before '98, according to the HOUSTON CHRONICLE.
The delay comes after threats of legal action against the team if
it should try to break its lease with the Astrodome.  Houston
officials anticipate the announcement will give them time to
prepare a counteroffer to keep the Oilers in Houston.  Nashville
Mayor Phil Bredesen said the announcement doesn't influence their
plans.  Bredesen: "It actually works out better for us.  We will
have a stadium ready by then and we won't have to worry about the
interim" (John Williams, HOUSTON CHRONICLE, 8/18).