Commissioner deliberation resumes

The search for a new NFL commissioner begins anew today, but notfrom scratch. The list of new candidates to succeed Pete Rozelle isexpected to look very much like the old one.

The meeting will take place at an undisclosed location in theChicago area.

On July 6, Jim Finks, the president and general manager of theNew Orleans Saints, came up three votes short of the 19 necessary forelection. Less than two weeks later the new search committee wasformed.

"I don't see that we're starting from scratch. It would besilly to do that," said Mike Lynn, general manager of the MinnesotaVikings and one of the four new members of the committee and one ofthe leaders of the so-called "Chicago 11," the 11 abstainers who keptFinks from getting the job.

"I expect we'll put Jim or one or two or three more names outthere and let them vote their conscience."

The five finalists in addition to Finks are Paul Tagliabue, theNFL's Wash ington counsel; Robert Mulcahy, executive director of theNew Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority; former DemocraticNational chairman Paul Kirk; former Green Bay defensive end WillieDavis, now a successful businessman; and the chief executive officerof a major corporation who asked that his name not be made public.

Lynn said it was possible there might be "one outside name"added to the list.

ON THE REBOUND: In London, where Cleveland is preparing for anexhibition game against the Philadelphia Eagles, the Browns' teampsychiatrist said runing back Kevin Mack's drug rehabilition is onschedule.

"He has a good attitude," Dr. Gregory Collins said. "He seems towant to help himself."

Mack pleaded innocent to charges of trafficking in cocaine andis free on $2,500 bail, with trial in Cuyahoga Common Pleas Court notexpected before the end of the season. He completed acocaine-rehabilitation program just before the team left for Britain.

NEVER TOO OLD: Ed "Too Tall" Jones, 38, is on the verge ofsetting a Dallas club record of 15 seasons played. But the Cowboys'left defensive end has surprised the new coaching staff, which is onthe prowl for young lions.

"I was curious about how good a player he might be after allthese many years," coach Jimmy Johnson said. "It turns out he issmart and dedicated. I've been impressed with the way he plays."

Jones, who had seven sacks, batted down 14 pass attempts andforced two fumbles last season, has rolled with the flow. Hemastered Tom Landry's "Flex" defense years ago but didn't necessarilyfall in love with it.

"I can't knock the Flex because it got us in some Super Bowls,"Jones said. "But the kind of defense Johnson is bringing in here issomething the players have wanted a long time. It's attack."