THE NFL TO LIVE OR DIE IN L.A.? POLL SHOWS APATHY

          A poll published in the L.A. TIMES showed that 59% of
     respondents "do not consider having a football team in Los
     Angeles important to them."  The poll, which was conducted
     by the TIMES from January 10-13 and surveyed 1,207 Southern
     Californians, also found that two-thirds "wouldn't be
     willing to use public funds" on a new stadium and "most
     aren't paying attention" to talk of bringing an NFL team to
     the area.  The numbers also showed that "half don't even
     confess to having a favorite NFL team."  Asked which stadium
     site they favored, 26% didn't know, followed by the Coliseum
     with 19%, Dodger Stadium with 18%, Hollywood Park with 10%,
     and South Park with 9%.  In addition, 52% said they
     "wouldn't even buy a ticket" if L.A. had an NFL team.  The
     survey had a margin of error of +/- 3% (L.A. TIMES, 1/26).
          LEAGUE RESPONSE: Commissioner Tagliabue responded to
     the poll by saying, "I don't have any doubt that the NFL
     would do real well in Los Angeles.  I think that it's dicey
     to spend too much time worrying about polls" (ESPN, 1/23).