Adidas America Inc. and its German parent have sued the
largest retailer in the country, Wal-Mart, accusing it of selling
counterfeit Adidas sneakers.  The shoes, which Adidas officials
said are clearly of "inferior quality," allegedly displayed
Adidas's well-known three-striped trademark, "accurate even down
to the three stripes' serrated edges," according to Adidas
attorney Steven Blackhurst.  The suit accuses Wal-Mart of
trademark infringement, false representation and unfair
competition.  Wal-Mart officials would not comment on the case
yet, stating they wanted time to review the suit.  Adidas did not
specify how much it is seeking in damages.  The amount is
"certainly in excess of $50,000," the company stated in the
lawsuit (Jeff Manning, Portland OREGONIAN, 3/1).

     "The scramble is on for blue-chip clients" like the Rockies
and Nuggets, to find a new ad agency after Denver-based Barnhart
Advertising "abruptly closed its shop." The winner so far looks
like Karsh & Hagan Advertising and its new VP Steve Sander,
formerly of Barnhart.  Sander has a "long history" in sports
marketing and new business development.  The Rockies have agreed
to work with Sander "on a free-lance basis over the next several
weeks."  The team will likely take bids for the account within a
month.  The Nuggets, whose advertising will expand with their
plans to construct a new arena, also "appear poised to shift
their account" to Sander.  Sander sits on the board of directors
of the Nuggets (Chance Conner, DENVER POST, 3/1).

     First Union, a Charlotte, NC-based corporation, has signed
on as national "Gold Medal" sponsor for the '95 Tour Dupont, one
of America's premier cycling events.  The Tour's route passes
through DE, VA, NC, and SC and the race runs from April 26 to May
7.  This is the second consecutive year that First Union will be
a Gold Medal sponsor.  Brad Iverson, Senior VP/Corporate
Marketing for First Union, said the company returned as a sponsor
of the tour because of the opportunity it gives the company to
develop its own programs to benefit local communities.  Last
year, First Union sponsored a "Recycle a Cycle" program, where
used bikes were repaired and donated to deserving children.
Iverson said the company may offer bike safety workshops and
other promotions for '95.  First Union is the official bank of
the Hornets, Jaguars, the single-A Durham Bulls, and the triple-A
Charlotte Knights, and the ECHL Charlotte Checkers (First Union).

     The FTC acted against a Phoenix-based sports collectible
outfit, operating as both the Universal Card Company and All Pro
Sports, for "fraudulently telemarketing sports cards" as short-
range, "can't-miss investments."  For example, the $3,700
investment, the company claimed, would return $6,000 in 3 months
(Phil Mushnick, N.Y. POST, 3/1).
     BASEBALL PUSH: Six major baseball card manufacturers,
Donruss, Fleer, Pacific, Pinnacle, Topps and Upper Deck, and reps
of the MLBPA and MLB will hold a press conference tomorrow at
Mickey Mantle's restaurant in NYC to "show appreciation for
baseball fans and collectors" (MLB/MLBPA).  The details of the
announcement were not made public.

     ESPN's Brad Nessler and Dick Vitale were shown wearing
Breathe Right Nasal strips during the Florida/Arkansas basketball
game.  Vitale on Breathe Right:   "They say it makes you a little
louder, and that's what I need" (ESPN, 2/28)....Nokia, the
world's second largest manufacturer of mobile phones, reported
'94 pre-tax profits of $881M, nearly 250% up on '93.  The
company's record result "was driven by booming sales" of mobile
phones.  Nokia recently signed on as title sponsor of the Sugar
Bowl (FINANCIAL TIMES, 3/1). ....Wal-Mart Stores Inc. reported
fiscal 4thQ earnings of $1.03B, up 19% from $868M a year ago
(WALL STREET JOURNAL, 3/1)...."Entertainment Tonight's" John Tesh
reported that a new NFL Films video showcasing the 49ers
championship season is available in video stores now (ET,
2/28)....Capitol Films Ltd. has acquired international
distribution rights to "Hoop Dreams."  The picture has been
distributed domestically by Fine Line Features (DAILY VARIETY,
3/1).

     The Tennis Industry Association, a trade organization in
North Palm Beach, FL, has narrowed a review on its account to six
agencies from 11.  Billings were estimated at $7.5M.  The
association's Exec Dir, Brad Patterson, identified the finalists
as the Leo Burnett Company in Chicago; Chiat/Day, Grey
Entertainment & Media, and Warwick Baker & Fiore, all of New
York; Wieden & Kennedy of Portland; and Young & Rubicam/Miami.  A
decision is expected at the end of April (Anthony Ramirez, N.Y.
TIMES, 3/1).