Coca-Cola reported a 38% increase in first-quarter
profit and net income of $987M, or $.40 a share, compared to
last year's results of $713M net income, or $.28 a share
(WALL STREET JOURNAL, 4/15)....Grant Hill stars in a new TV
spot for Sprite, where he "satirically considers his career
options," rejecting such possibilities as starring in a TV
drama, becoming a best-selling author and starring in a
music video, before his agent suggests he star in Sprite ads
(N.Y. TIMES, 4/15)....At the "insistence" of Hakeem
Olajuwon, his fifth signature shoe from Spalding, "The Dream
V," retails at $34.95. Olajuwon's signature shoes have sold
over 4 million pairs since being introduced two years ago
(HOUSTON CHRONICLE, 4/15)....A U.S. District Court Judge
issued a preliminary injunction last week barring Champion
Products Inc. from airing a TV commercial showing Sonics G
Gary Payton wearing a Champion-made jersey. The judge ruled
that the ad violated Nike's contract with Payton (Portland
OREGONIAN, 4/10)....Harry Caray's Restaurant in Chicago,
named for the Cubs announcer, is serving 45-cent beers until
the 0-10 Cubs win a game. The 45 represents the last year
the Cubs reached the World Series (CHICAGO SUN-TIMES, 4/15).
