The new AND 1 TV spot featuring Knicks G Latrell
Sprewell claiming to represent the "American Dream" stands
"for nothing more than greed and manipulation -- a
deliberately absurd statement from an absurd player whose
fame was derived largely from one angry moment," according
to Tom Farrey on ESPN.com. But AND 1 VP/Marketing Jay
Gilbert tells Farrey that Farrey doesn't typify the "target
audience." Gilbert: "The first person Latrell speaks to is
the young gun ballplayer who's got crazy game and isn't
afraid to let you know it. To them, Latrell stands for hard
work and the personal freedom to do what you want." Farrey
wrote that "if redefining the face of the American Dream is
what we're talking about here, virtually any other player in
the [NBA] carries more credibility" than Sprewell, and he
cited Sonics G Gary Payton, Kings G Jason Williams and Magic
G Darrell Armstrong, who is also an AND 1 endorser, as
examples. Farrey stated that the "trouble" with the post-
Jordan NBA is "a lack of heroes. ... There aren't many
players you would want to attach yourself to emotionally"
(ESPN.com, 5/12). To view the spot, visit www.and1.com
WHAT WOULD BE THE ANSWER TO THE ANSWER, MAN? In
Philadelphia, Annette John-Hall profiles Sixers G Allen
Iverson and writes that his "image doesn't play well with
advertisers," but his "desire to stay true to who he is --
even at the risk of losing money -- is the exact reason
Iverson is so beloved by a younger generation disillusioned
with corporate America's unrealistic portrayal of it."
Seventh grader Tia Bart said "because" Iverson has "made a
few mistakes doesn't mean he's a bad person. He's still a
role model to a lot of people" (PHILA. INQUIRER, 5/13).
