PLAYERS INC OFFERS SUBTLE ENCOURAGEMENT FOR DISPLAY OF LOGOS

          The NFLPA's Players Inc newsletter  "encourages"
     players to wear their "Authentic Pro gear" for the cameras,
     according to Don Pierson in the CHICAGO TRIBUNE.  The
     newsletter text reads: "If you haven't already seen the
     locker-room posters, ask your team player rep about the cash
     and merchandise incentive program.  The first 25 players
     seen on TV wearing the clothes will receive $500. (The only
     catch is that you have to provide the name and date of
     broadcast for us to verify.)  The next 25 players will
     receive $100 credit toward purchase from our new 'For
     Players Only' merchandise catalog" (CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 12/10).
          STAPLING ON: NFL Properties inked a two-year sponsor
     deal with Staples, according to AD AGE.  The agreement marks
     Staples debut into sports marketing and the NFL's first
     sponsor in the office supply category (AD AGE, 12/9).