61.   Although Walker never said as much, speculation was that Karl would have been fired if the Sonics had lost in the first round again.

62.   Although both men have denied it, there has been widespread speculation of strain between Redstone and Karmazin.

63.   Although Kim now seems certain to become party general secretary, there has been speculation that he would give the post of president to someone else.

64.   Although there had been press speculation that Gehe is interested in Lloyds Chemists, some analysts doubted whether it was true.

65.   Although there was speculation recently that Deutsche Bank A.G. was considering a merger with Morgan, bank advisers said no such talks were taking place.

66.   Although there had been speculation that the owners would impose an additional tax on club revenues, that was not included.

67.   Although there has been much speculation about political influence in the process, Perry said he accepted all of the service branch recommendations for realignments and closures.

68.   Although there was speculation that the PacWest team considered hiring Scott Goodyear, he said Tuesday a contract never was offered.

69.   American parent AMR Corp. last week announced a stock split, and there is speculation Delta might do the same, although a spokesman declined comment.

70.   Among the trustees, there is speculation that Giuliani miscalculated and assumed the board would back down rather than fight it out in court.