RANKIN SMITH LIKELY TO LEAVE FALCONS TO FAMILY

     Falcons Owner Rankin Smith said yesterday he has considered
selling the team, but he "emphasized an ownership change is not
imminent and that there never have been serious discussions with
potential buyers," according to Len Pasquarelli in this morning's
ATLANTA CONSTITUTION.   The "prevailing opinion of confidants" is
that Smith "still enjoys his role and the respect with which he
is held around the NFL, and will leave the future of his club" to
his children.  Atlanta software exec John Imlay and attorney Tom
Watson each purchased 6% of the Falcons in '91, and they own the
right of first refusal on any future stock transactions.  Imlay
has indicated a desire to buy the team if Smith decides to sell
(ATLANTA CONSTITUTION, 3/12).