Sports Boosters

The NCAA's director of eligibility said Monday that a decision on the status of Demetrius DuBose, the senior Notre Dame linebacker recently declared ineligible by the school for receiving improper benefits, is expected by the end of the week. "We're trying to make the decision in a very short time frame," Janet Justus said. "We do have some pressure here."

They're picking on Seattle. Aren't they? Once again, this mid-sized city with an outsized sports appetite and a king-sized drive to be a contender finds itself feeling isolated, and angry. Humiliating! Unfair! Shocking! Hammered! A very, very dark day! Worse than anyone could have predicted! No, these were not the views of sodden ex-jocks at sports bars, but "objective" news accounts that summed up a day of dismay for the sports-minded of Seattle.

Owner Georgia Frontiere said Saturday night that the Rams' 49-year relationship with Southern California is over and that she will sign official papers Tuesday to move the team to St. Louis. "I'm on my way," said Frontiere, who will fly to the Missouri city today. "I have to give my approval; I have no other choice." The Rams, who projected a loss of $6 million to $7 million in 1994, have received an offer from St.

The happiness . . . it's like going to a wedding. The sadness . . . it's like going to a funeral. I just felt like this is where I have to be--this is home. GEORGIA FRONTIERE, Ram owner * There are still some hurdles that we have to cross . . . There's always concern until things are done. I guess it's because I'm a Missourian, but you still have to show me." STAN KROENKE, New Ram minority owner * Ram fans should not lose hope. St. Louis can celebrate from here until doomsday. . . .

Whether you're in a restaurant, sports bar, shopping mall or taxicab, the Rams are the talk of the town as excitement builds for today's official announcement that the NFL team intends to move here from Anaheim next season. But that doesn't necessarily mean the Rams are the toast of the town. Yes, today's noon (PST) news conference in the downtown convention center will set off numerous parties around the city and county of St.

Every school seems to have one. That unflappable fan who sings the alma mater in his sleep. Who has flashbacks over bad calls or missed free throws. Who bleeds blue and gold, or green and grey, or whatever the school colors may be. At El Dorado, he's known as "Wild Bill." At Pacifica, he's "Peter Pacifica." At Brea-Olinda, he was the late, great Dyer Bennett, laid to rest last year with a Brea letterman's jacket at his side. Jim Scott is one of those fans.

As fans toasted two other California football teams headed for the Super Bowl, supporters of the Rams were swallowing losers' beer Sunday--angry that their lackluster team is headed for the Midwest. Members of Save the Rams, the group trying to keep the franchise in Orange County, had hot words Sunday for team owner Georgia Frontiere, who announced Saturday she could not resist the golden bait dangled by St. Louis.

Former Walt Disney Co. Chief Executive Michael Eisner knows a thing or two about captivating children with cartoon characters. Now he is hoping to hook kids on college sports -- even before they walk or talk. Eisner's new entertainment business, Tornante Co., plans to announce today the purchase of Team Baby Entertainment, a start-up company that makes college-sports booster videos aimed at children ages 6 months to 5 years.

When Rams owner Georgia Frontiere boxes up her team and heads east to her hometown of St. Louis, she's in line for more than a jaw-dropping deal worth more than $20 million in annual profits. After 15 years of fumbles with the fans, the players and the sports press, the 67-year-old businesswoman and widow of former fabled Rams owner Carroll Rosenbloom is heading for a career make-over.