ESPN'S FASHION STATEMENTS TO INCLUDE "SPORTSCENTER" PHRASES?

          Walt Disney Co. has signed a licensing deal with Pro
     Player and is "closing another with an unspecified company"
     in an attempt to "translate the equity of its ESPN brands
     into successful apparel products," according to Jeff Jensen
     of AD AGE.  The Pro Player deal was negotiated by Disney
     Consumer Products, working in conjunction with ESPN
     Enterprises.  Pro Player's first ESPN apparel products will
     "hit retail stores around June," and include outerwear, polo
     shirts, T-shirts, knits, sweatshirts and fleece items
     featuring the ESPN and ESPN2 logos.  Pro Player will also
     market clothing incorporating ad slogans and signature catch
     phrases used by ESPN sportscasters, and the company "sees
     potential" in apparel inspired by the X Games, "targeted at
     teens and Gen Xers."  Although Pro Player will support the
     program with in-store ads and "is talking" with retailers
     about merchandising concepts, but "it's possible" ESPN will
     back the apparel with its own promos (AD AGE, 3/17 issue).