The Chicago Fire could be debating whether to roll out the red carpet or a white llama rug for Jim [King] Corcoran and the Philadelphia Bell tonight at Soldier Field.

Corcoran fancies himself a colorful character – he was the subject of a film called “The Forgetables,” prior to the 1974 Super Bowl telecast – and delights in cavorting on the field.

He arrived in the World Football Leauge billed as “a minor league Joe Namath,” but not for his passing ability alone. Playgirl magazine has asked him to pose for a nude centerfold, which means he’s major league in at least one respect.

Corcoran is also quarterback for a Bell team that may or may not be everything it’s cracked up to be but seeks its third straight WFL win against the Fire, which should be anxious for redemption. Kickoff is 8:05 pm.

Not coincidentally, it will be Playboy night at Soldier Field and hutch of bunnies will be flouncing around in tribute to the free-spirited King.

The Philadelphians come to town on the heels of the league’s biggest controversy, papering the crowd to promote a healthy image. Bell officials admitted giving away some 40,000 freebies for its home opener at huge John F. Kennedy Stadium, and nearly 60,000 for a nationally-televised contest against New York.

In a ‘Nixonesque’ statement only hours before the President stepped down last Thursday, John H. Kelly, Jr., resigned as president of the Bell, saying with ironic timing, that “as president I have to bear the responsibility for whatever happens.”

That behind them, the Bell and Coach Ron Walker are no concentrating on winning, and means utilizing a multiple offense that features nearly as many sets as the Bell has paid customers.

Focus of the Philadelphia attack is the independently wealthy Corcoran, who nicknamed himself “The King,” slept on satin sheets and had his own valet as star of the Pottstown [Pa] Firebirds of the Continental Football League. Walter was his personal coach, and his main receiver was little Jack Dolbin, now with the Fire.

He three for four TD’s in the Bell’s romp over Memphis last week.

Corcoran’s top pass-catchers with the Bella are Don Shanklin, older brother of Ron Shanklin, of the Steelers, and ex-Bear Linzy [Fearless Fly] Cole. The King leads the WFL in completion percentage with .562 and 10 touchdowns.

Countering the Bell is the Fire’s Virgil Carter, who tops the league in yardage gained thru the air [1,006 yards] and most TD’s, 11. Coach Jim Spavital has thrown in a few of his ‘peanut plays,’ too, that could take advantage of receivers Dolbin and James Scott and Running Back Mark Kellar.

FIRESIDE CHAT – the Fire urged fans to arrive earlier this week to avoid long lines at the ticket booths, even though 14 men are available to handle them … Sections 110 and 108 in the still unfinished southeast corner will be used. Some 1,400 tickets were sold for that area last week, and patrons had to be seated elsewhere because seats weren’t finished as promised, causing much confusion … Linebacker Keith Best will dress for the game and is a possible starter … A crowd of 28,000 [paid] is expected.