| • | Jevon Kearse, Terrell Owens To Star In New TV Spot For Gillette’s Right Guard |
| • | Marat Safin Today Joins Rival Andy Roddick Among Rolex Endorsers |
| • | Blue Jays, General Motors Of Canada Today Unveil GM Home Run Challenge |
| • | THQ Wireless Today Announces Agreement With MLBAM For Mobile Content |
| • | Mitch Albom Today Issues Apology For Inaccuracy In Sunday Column |
| • | Buzzer Beaters/Tonight’s Events/Channel Surfing/In Other News/Closing Stat |
JEVON KEARSE, TERRELL OWENS TO STAR IN RIGHT GUARD SPOT
By Terry Lefton, Editor-at-Large, SportsBusiness Daily
Eagles DE Jevon Kearse and WR Terrell Owens star in a TV ad from for Gillette’s Right Guard deodorant brand, slated to break on Monday. The spot from BBDO, N.Y., depicts schoolchildren playing Red Rover to represent the strength of Xtreme Power Stripe's protection. Kearse and Owens represent odor. When Owens and Kearse are “called over,” they are knocked over by the kids, illustrating the strength of the product. Skateboarder Bam Margera, host of MTV's hit show “Viva La Bam” and former star of the network's “Jackass,” referees the game. The commercial debuts Monday on late-night talk shows, cable, sports programming and syndicated entertainment shows in 15-second and 30-second versions. Right Guard has long used athletes in its TV ads, previously featuring Randy Johnson, Charles Barkley, Michael Strahan, Tony Siragusa and Emmitt Smith.
MARAT SAFIN TODAY INKS ENDORSEMENT DEAL WITH ROLEX
BLOOMBERG NEWS reports Rolex has signed an endorsement deal with Marat Safin to appear in advertising campaigns “that may include television commercials on a ‘long-term basis.’” Safin joins Andy Roddick, Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer as Rolex endorsers. Safin also endorses adidas and Head, and his agent, Gerard Tsobanian, said that the Rolex deal “is part of his strategy to have only a few major sponsors” (BLOOMBERG NEWS, 4/7).
BLUE JAYS, GM OF CANADA TODAY UNVEIL GM HOME RUN CHALLENGE
 |
| Blue Jays Unveil GM
Home Run Challenge |
The Blue Jays and General Motors of Canada today introduced the GM Home Run Challenge, which is believed to be the largest single promotion in franchise history. An ’05 Pontiac Pursuit and an ’05 Chevrolet Cobalt will be placed in a display just beyond the outfield wall in right-center field at Rogers Centre, and a Blue Jays home run that hits the target area of the display will result in the presentation of a new car to up to three fans per game. If an opposing player hits the target, GM Canada will donate C$5,000 to the Jays Care Foundation (Blue Jays). GM’s Chevrolet signed on as an official MLB partner last month (THE DAILY).
THQ WIRELESS TODAY ANNOUNCES AGREEMENT WITH MLBAM
THQ Wireless today announced an agreement with MLBAM to develop and distribute content for mobile phones, including strategy and trivia games, player wallpapers and player ringtones. The agreement complements THQ’s existing deal with the MLBPA. Among the new offerings is MLB.com Trivia Challenge, Big League Baseball 2005, Big League Home Run Challenge 2005 and Baseball Fantasy Five (THQ Wireless).
REEBOK, BRIGHTLINE PARTNERING ON NEW VOD ADVERTISING
Reebok and BrightLine Partners today announced details of Rbk’s new VOD advertising, which will launch Monday in Philadelphia. The ads, an extension of the “I Am What I Am” campaign, feature bonus footage from exclusive interviews with Reebok endorsers, including 76ers G Allen Iverson, Jay-Z and 50 Cent. Reebok will air 30-second spots in the market with excerpts from the interviews, prompting viewers to visit their VOD menu (BrightLine Partners).
ALBOM TODAY ISSUES APOLOGY FOR INACCURACY IN SUNDAY COLUMN
Detroit Free Press columnist Mitch Albom today penned an apology for an inaccuracy in a column he had written for Sunday’s newspaper. In the column, Albom wrote that former Michigan State Univ. basketball players Mateen Cleaves and Jason Richardson had attended Michigan State’s game against UNC Saturday night, as the pair told him they would. Since the column had to be filed Friday, he wrote in past tense that they had been there, when in fact they did not actually attend the game. Albom: “So I owe you and the Free Press an apology, and you have it right here” (DETROIT FREE PRESS, 4/7).
BUZZER BEATERS
Wheaties today unveiled a new limited-edition package featuring MLB Cardinals 1B Albert Pujols. The deal marks the first activation of Wheaties’ partnership with MLB signed last month (Wheaties).
Falcons QB Michael Vick is being sued by Sonya Elliott, a woman “claiming to be his former girlfriend,” who alleges that Vick “knowingly gave her genital herpes.” Elliott is seeking “damages alleging Vick’s negligence, unwanted physical contact, pain, suffering and potential future medical complications” (ATLANTA CONSTITUTION, 4/7).
Mobile gaming company I-play today acquired gaming rights to Maria Sharapova for I-play Maria Sharapova Tennis, which will be available in North America this summer. Other I-play mobile games based on sports personalities include Colin McRae Rally 2005; Nate Adams Freestyle Motocross and EA Sports’ Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2005 (IMEDIACONNECTION.com, 4/7).
Next Inc. today announced a licensing agreement with the Univ. of Notre Dame to market school-branded products under the Cadre Athletic, Lil’ Fan and LF2 labels to its mid-tier distribution channels (Next Inc.).
Lipton Tea today announced its title sponsorship of the ’05 TEAm Lipton Pro Cycling and Triathlon team for a schedule of more than 150 events in 28 states. TEAm Lipton includes 15 U.S. female road cyclists and triathletes (Lipton).
The WTO today ruled that the U.S. “can maintain a ban on online gambling challenged by the Caribbean island of Antigua” (BLOOMBERG NEWS, 4/7).
SBC Park today announced a new art tour that focuses on various pieces of art, architecture and memorabilia in the ballpark, in addition to showing areas of SBC Park that are normally closed to the public (SBC Park).
Boundless Motor Sports Racing today announced a multi-year title sponsorship with Stacker 2 for the World of Outlaws Late Model Series (Boundless Motor Sports Racing).
Singer Gwen Stefani has signed a deal with K-Swiss for her clothing company, L.A.M.B., to produce a footwear line aimed at “high end boutiques and department stores.” The shoes will retail for $65-125 (MTV, 4/6).
IOC President Jacques Rogge this week will meet with CEOs from TOP sponsors GE, Coca-Cola and Eastman Kodak to discuss the changes to the IOC’s marketing program. IOC Marketing Commission Chair Gerhard Heiberg and IOC Marketing Dir Timo Lumme will also sit in on the meetings (AROUNDTHERINGS.com, 4/7).
NOW HEAR THIS
The following are notable quotes from today’s news:
With the DC Council instructing DC CFO Natwar Gandhi to reexamine his cost estimate for acquiring the land needed to build a ballpark, Council member Jack Evans said, “A majority of the city council would be thrilled if the stadium did not happen and will work very hard to make sure the city does not get the land” (WASHINGTON POST, 4/7). Read the full story.
NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue, on Reggie Fowler’s bid to buy the Vikings: “I believe that Fowler might have the assets, but he hasn’t done a very good job of putting it all together” (ST. PAUL PIONEER PRESS, 4/7). Read the full story.
Minnesota state Sen. Ellen Anderson, after committees in both the state House and state Senate approved bills aimed at community ownership of the Twins, said, “We could get a stadium bill passed in a year if we had community ownership” (Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE, 4/7). Read the full story.
A LIGHTER BUZZ
On ABC’s “Good Morning America” today, Planters offered $1M to any of four contestants able to hit a 47-foot (half-court) shot in a basket set up outside the studio. The contestants had already won a trip to the Final Four in St. Louis last weekend. No one came close to hitting the shot, not even former hoopster and “GMA” host Robin Roberts (“Good Morning America,” ABC, 4/7).
TONIGHT’S EVENTS
Newark Mayor Sharpe James, Newark City Business Administrator Richard Monteilh, Devils Managing Partner Jeffrey Vanderbeek and architects from Morris Adjmi will unveil the plans for the Devils’ new arena in Newark at 7:00pm ET.
The South Boston Neighborhood House will honor Dodgers Owner Frank McCourt in a benefit at the Seaport Hotel (BOSTON HERALD, 4/7).
MinorLeagueBaseball.com will feature free audio of Cubs P Mark Prior’s rehabilitation start for the Triple-A PCL Iowa Cubs at 9:05pm ET.
CHANNEL SURFING
USA Network will air first-round coverage of The Masters at 4:00pm ET.
ESPN will air regional coverage of MLB: A’s-Orioles or Braves-Marlins at 7:00pm ET.
ESPN2 will air NCAA Frozen Four: North Dakota-Minnesota at 7:00pm ET.
TNT will air Spurs-Mavericks at 8:00pm ET and Rockets-Lakers at 10:00pm.
FSN will air “Best Damn Boxing Championship Period”: Riddick Bowe-Billy Zumbrun and Andre Ware-Roy Ashworth at 8:00pm ET.
Bob Pietrack, who is believed to be the first person to talk to Kobe Bryant’s accuser after the alleged attack, will be interviewed on ABC’s “Primetime” at 10:00pm ET.
E! Network will air “Hollywood Hold ‘Em” at 10:00pm ET.
HEADLINERS
Here are tonight’s headline guests on the following talk shows:
| “Late Show” | Bruce Willis (r) |
| “The Tonight Show” | Brittany Murphy |
| “The Late Late Show” | Michael Chiklis (r) |
| “Late Night” | Steve Zahn |
| “Jimmy Kimmel Live” | Patrick Dempsey (r) |
TODAY’S ARTICLES OF INTEREST
The S.F. CHRONICLE’s Dwight Chapin writes of the FBI’s Operation Bullpen, “In 2001, [MLB] became the first sport in the country to take significant steps toward ensuring the authenticity of its memorabilia, through a program that has since paid notable dividends. More than 650,000 autographed and game-used items have been authenticated, through independent, third-party authenticators at big-league ballparks throughout the nation, and at other signings and selected events such as charity auctions, where scams frequently have occurred” (S.F. CHRONICLE, 4/7).
- San Diego officials cite Petco Park as one reason for thriving development.
- UCLA drug-testing laboratory looking for answers in NFL steroids probe.
- Hooters Restaurants going deep with John Daly endorsement deal.
- Hawks C Kevin Willis takes on role of fashion police for USA TODAY.
See the Articles of Interest section for more sports business-related links.
IN OTHER NEWS…
Bobcats Majority Owner Robert Johnson’s real estate firm, RLJ Development, has completed funding for its first private equity fund, the RLJ Urban Lodging Fund, which will buy and develop upscale hotels in urban markets. The fund has $315M in equity commitments from ten institutional investors (BIZJOURNALS.com, 4/7).
CLOSING STAT: MASTERS RATINGS TREND
The following presents a historical ratings trend for CBS’ coverage of The Masters (THE DAILY).
| THE MASTERS: RATINGS TREND FOR WEEKEND COVERAGE ON CBS |
| | —— SAT —— | —— SUN —— | —— 2-DAY AVG. —— |
| YEAR | RAT/SHR | % +/- | RAT/SHR | % +/- | RAT/SHR | % +/- |
| '04 | 5.9/15 | 13.5% | 7.3/19 | -12.0% | 6.7/17 | -2.9% |
| '03 | 5.2/14 | -18.8% | 8.3/19 | -9.8% | 6.9/17 | -14.8% |
| '02 | 6.4/17 | -18.0% | 9.2/22 | -30.0% | 8.1/20 | -24.0% |
| '01 | 7.8/21 | 32.2% | 13.3/30 | 33.0% | 10.7/26 | 40.8% |
| '00 | 5.9/15 | 18.0% | 10.0/22 | -1.0% | 7.6/18 | -3.8% |
| '99 | 5.0/15 | -24.2% | 10.1/22 | -1.0% | 7.9/19 | -8.1% |
| '98 | 6.6/20 | -12.0% | 10.2/28 | -27.7% | 8.6/24 | -23.2% |
| '97 | 7.5/20 | 29.3% | 14.1/31 | 53.3% | 11.2/27 | 47.4% |
| '96 | 5.8/17 | 1.8% | 9.2/21 | -6.1% | 7.6/19 | -2.6% |
| '95 | 5.7/17 | -1.7% | 9.8/23 | 21.0% | 7.8/20 | 13.0% |
| '94 | 5.8/16 | 9.4% | 8.1/19 | 19.1% | 6.9/17 | 13.1% |
| '93 | 5.3/15 | 12.8% | 6.8/19 | -21.8% | 6.1/17 | -9.0% |
| '92 | 4.7/14 | -19.0% | 8.7/21 | -3.3% | 6.7/17 | -9.5% |
| '91 | 5.8/16 | -1.7% | 9.0/22 | -14.3% | 7.4/19 | -11.9% |
| '90 | 5.9/17 | 9.3% | 10.5/25 | 6.1% | 8.4/21 | 7.7% |
| '89 | 5.4/15 | 22.7% | 9.9/22 | 15.1% | 7.8/19 | 16.4% |
| '88 | 4.4/14 | -13.7% | 8.6/22 | -13.1% | 6.7/18 | -18.3% |
| '87 | 5.1/16 | -3.8% | 9.9/24 | 32.0% | 8.2/22 | 26.2% |
| '86 | 5.3/15 | 3.9% | 7.5/20 | -3.8% | 6.5/18 | -3.0% |
| '85 | 5.1/15 | -16.4% | 7.8/19 | -11.4% | 6.7/17 | -13.0% |
| '84 | 6.1/17 | -15.3% | 8.8/21 | -5.4% | 7.7/19 | -3.8% |
| '83 | 7.2/18 | 2.9% | 9.3/21 | 8.1% | 8.0/19 | 0.0% |
| '82 | 7.0/18 | N/A | 8.6/25 | N/A | 8.0/22 | N/A |
If you have any questions, comments or suggestions, please let us know at:
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