During "Net Zero at the Half," NBC's Ahmad Rashad
reported on the various entertainment celebs who follow the
Lakers and Knicks. DUSTIN HOFFMAN: "Let's really say it
straight out. Staples cannot compare to the Garden." DAVID
ARQUETTE: "[New York has] got SPIKE LEE and WOODY ALLEN. I
think JACK [NICHOLSON] can beat up both those guys" (NBC,
3/19)....PRINCE NASEEM HAMED will launch his own record
label, ROYALLE RECORDS, in partnership with his brother,
Murad. The UK-based label will be "independent and funded"
by Hamed, and will focus on "hip-hop, garage, R&B and house
music." It will begin signing talent in the next few weeks
(N.Y. POST, 3/18)....GARTH BROOKS ended his stint at Mets
spring training, and the Bergen RECORD's T.J. Quinn writes
that the "purpose of his visit was a success." Brooks
received commitments from 110 players, 14 of them Mets, to
raise money for his Touch 'Em All Foundation (Bergen RECORD,
3/20)....A 67-year-old TX woman bid $6,500 on UltimateBid.
com to win a weekend at spring training with DEREK JETER.
At least 90% of the bid will go to Jeter's Turn 2
Foundation, with the rest to UltimateBid.com (AP, 3/18).
