FRANCHISE NOTES

          Calvin Murphy, who has served as the Rockets' TV
     analyst and a "cornerstone" of the team's community-
     relations efforts, "apparently has submitted his
     resignation."  It is "unknown" what "prompted Murphy to
     resign" (HOUSTON CHRONICLE, 1/23)....Larry Makelki, former
     co-owner of the oil-patch supply company BMW Monarch, has
     "added his name" to the team of nine local investors vying
     to buy the NHL Oilers (EDMONTON SUN, 1/23)....The Capitals
     will debut their new third jersey on Sunday at the MCI
     Center against the Bruins.  The jersey is mostly black, with
     a stripe of bronze across the torso bottom (Capitals).