OFFBEAT : CAN'T HE JUST TAKE THE MONEY AND RUN?

When he looks over his shoulder, Ato Boldon, the Trinidad and Tobago sprinter who has Olympic gold hopes, may find that his two closest pursuers are Nike and Reebok.

The two shoe companies want to sponsor him, according to the Boston Globe. Nike reportedly offered him an annual salary of $175,000. It would go to $200,000 if he wins the gold in the 100-meters in Atlanta.

Reebok's annual salary is $150,00, but would go to $225,000 if he goes gold.

Nike also insisted he not honor a $30,000 verbal agreement with Oakley, Inc. Reebok says he can keep the Oakley offer.

Neither Nike nor Reebok would talk about the contract talks. But if Boldon can walk the walk, someone will be ready to talk the talk.

Something to think about: Varsity Clubs of America, an Arizona-based company, has built a 60-unit time-share resort three miles from the campus of Notre Dame. It plans to build more of them at the universities of Wisconsin, Arizona, Tennessee, Syracuse and Auburn, with Penn State, Iowa and Oklahoma on deck.

The firm wants to have 15 campuses in the next five years covered, and one in the Los Angeles area between Westwood and downtown would seem to be a natural.

Why?

During big university sporting event weekends, when hotel space is often stretched beyond capacity, this company wants to be accommodating.

There are no official ties to the universities, and the deeded property can be passed down from generation to generation, the company says. Just like a season ticket. Ownership can cost between $5,600 and $70,000 and can be traded for stays at other Varsity Club facilities.

Which could make those trips that USC alums make to South Bend, Ind., every other fall that much more comfortable.

Add to sports and movies: In Friday's list of how sports-based movies are faring this year, we forgot to include oneupcoming flick that already has the bowling world abuzz: ``Kingpin,'' with Randy Quaid, Bill Murray and starring Woody Harrelson. Sure to bowl you over.