GOIN' HOLLYWOOD: "VARSITY BLUES" Writer JOHN GATINS and
Exec Producers BRIAN ROBBINS and MICHAEL TOLLIN will develop
a new drama series for WB based on a 22-year-old first-year
high school teacher (DAILY VARIETY, 10/20). ...ET's Mary
Hart reported on last night's episode of "SPIN CITY," which
featured an appearance by "MNF" announcer BOOMER ESIASON.
Hart noted that MICHAEL J. FOX and BARRY BOSTWICK "get more
than they bargain for, when the Mayor's sexuality is
questioned." In the show, Bostwick winks at Esiason and
says, "Boomer. That's such a cool name." Esiason: "Uh,
easy, I'm married." Fox: "As was the Mayor -- to a woman"
("ET," 10/19)....Colts QB PEYTON MANNING and WR MARVIN
HARRISON spent their off day Tuesday shooting footage for
the Disney Channel's new children's series, "THE JERSEY."
Producer RICHARD CLAYMAN, on Manning and Harrison: "Nobody
has a negative word to say about either of them. Our show,
in large part, is about a positive message folded up into a
drama for kids to watch. Peyton and Marvin are perfect for
what we do" (INDIANAPOLIS STAR-NEWS, 10/20).
THE PIANO MEN: Broncos RB TERRELL DAVIS is "featured"
with rap artist LEGIT on a new song and CD, ALL IN THE GAME
(ROCKY MOUNTAIN NEWS, 10/20)....ESPN's John Clayton reported
Broncos DT TREVOR PRYCE "spends as much as six hours a night
making music. Talented enough to have a record contract,
Pryce retreats each night to his computerized home studio to
put the finishing touches on his first album that may
include LENNY KRAVITZ or PUBLIC ENEMY adding some voices to
his keyboard instrumentals" ("SportsCenter," 10/19).
MORE NAMES: The DAILY RACING FORM cited sources as
saying that TV Games Network VP/Communications RICK BAEDEKER
is a "leading candidate" to become President of Hollywood
Park (DAILY RACING FORM, 10/17)....HBO Sports Senior VP LOU
DIBELLA will be given the Corporate Hero Award from the
ASSOCIATION FOR THE HELP OF RETARDED CHILDREN (AHRC) at the
20th annual THURMAN MUNSON AWARDS dinner February 9, 2000 in
N.Y. (AHRC)....MLB All-Century team member PETE ROSE will
appear on the field and participate in ceremonies before
Game Two of the World Series on Sunday. The 30-member team
will be announced at 3:00pm ET on NBC (USA TODAY, 10/20)..
..In Columbus, Bob Baptist reported that OH State Univ.
men's basketball coach JIM O'BRIEN received an eight-year
contract extension that will pay him "at least" $833,333
this season. A breakdown of O'Brien's contract reveals a
base salary of $175,000; a TV package worth $200,000; a
radio appearance package worth $75,000; a PR package worth
$75,000; summer camp worth $75,000 and his Nike endorsement
deal worth $233,333 (COLUMBUS DISPATCH, 10/16).
