REEBOK IS REPORTEDLY IN TALKS WITH MLBPA ABOUT PLAYERS' TOUR

     "Reebok is in talks with" the MLBPA about staging a
"renegade" players' tour that would occur this summer if the
strike continues, according to Eric Holreiser in this week's
issue of BRANDWEEK.  Reebok's offer is reported to be worth up to
$25M, focusing on the top 100 players, "and would further its
overall plans to intertwine its brand with the very nature of
sports" (BRANDWEEK, 1/23 issue).
     OTHER NEWS:  Reebok also announced that it would shift $75M
in national advertising to its regional efforts.  In a move
similar to Nike's recent "Iceman Cooketh" campaign -- featuring
regional NBA stars -- Reebok will tie in a "Backyard" campaign
this spring with Frank Thomas.  "The Big Hurt's Backyard" will be
shown in the greater Chicago area.  Other local buys will feature
John Elway and Shaquille O'Neal in their yards (Eric Hollreiser,
BRANDWEEK, 1/23).