Pro Football

The deadline for New England Patriot owner Victor Kiam to make a $38-million payment to buy out minority owner Fran Murray passed without resolution, leaving the ownership issue in the hands of the NFL, according to Murray.

The ownership contract, signed when Kiam and Murray bought the Patriots from founder William Sullivan three years ago, provided that Kiam had until Oct. 10, 1991, to come up with the money.

Murray said it is his understanding that Kiam believes he is entitled to a 30-day grace period, until Nov. 9, to make the payment.

Kiam owns 51% of the Patriots, and Murray owns the other 49%. Kiam did not return phone calls placed to Foxboro Stadium or his office at Remington Products Inc. in Bridgeport, Conn.