PA-based And 1 signed Knicks G Latrell Sprewell to an
endorsement deal, his first since being suspended by the NBA
and dropped by Converse after choking Warriors coach P.J.
Carlesimo, according to Josh Gotthelf of the SPORTSBUSINESS
JOURNAL. And 1 Dir of Basketball Operations Jeff Roth
confirmed the deal, but wouldn't disclose terms or whether
it included a morality or behavior clause. Gotthelf writes
the deal is "almost certainly worth seven figures."
Sprewell has been wearing Nikes this season, but will wear
And 1's "Crossover," which is "being custom-made for him
featuring" Knicks colors (SPORTSBUSINESS JOURNAL, 4/19).
THE LION KING: BRANDWEEK's Terry Lefton reports that
Miami-based Pro Access "has secured deals" for Lions RB
Barry Sanders with Ford and Wheaties, as he closes in on the
NFL's all-time rushing record. Ford "hopes to use" Sanders
as a spokesperson for Ford trucks or the entire company, and
Wheaties will feature Sanders on "at least 9 million cereal
boxes this fall." Pro Access has also "come to terms" with
the NFL on a deal that allows the company to use team and
league marks in its marketing and licensing efforts, with
NFL sponsors getting first option on deals. Additionally,
the NFL will produce a "Sanders-themed ad" for its
"institutional campaign, to air on" over $2M worth of ad
time....Lefton also reports that A-B and Miller "are close
to renewing" their NFL deals for three years. Miller will
"retain rights to Super Bowl marks and promo activity,"
while A-B "likely will step up local marketing efforts and
do more fall-themed" NFL promos (BRANDWEEK, 4/19 issue).
END OF THE BULL RUN? In Dallas, Richard Alm wrote that
after leaving the Bulls, Rockets F Scottie Pippen "will
lose" endorsement deals worth $10M over five years. Pippen
"no longer makes sense" as a spokesperson for Chicago-based
companies Ameritech and Montgomery Ward, and he'll "no
longer pitch Mazda cars in Japan" (MORNING NEWS, 4/17).
