In Detroit, Kupelian & O'Hara wrote on the NFL's strict
uniform policy and noted that Commissioner Paul Tagliabue
wore New Balance running shoes during his recent visit to
the Lions' training camp. Kupelian & O'Hara wrote that New
Balance is not an NFL sponsor and added, "We figure the
Commish should kick in at least a grand for being out of
uniform" (DETROIT NEWS, 8/20)....In Dallas, Richard Alm
examined the "huge endorsements" being signed by untested
PGA Tour rookies, including the recently signed deal between
Callaway and Charles Howell (see THE DAILY, 8/15). Howell's
agent Rocky Hambric: "The equipment companies are hoping to
get the next Tiger Woods and not have to pay $8 million or
$10 million a year. It's a big thing to these companies --
looking for someone who hasn't given up on beating Tiger.
The young guys aren't afraid of Tiger Woods" (DALLAS MORNING
NEWS, 8/19)....In Ft. Worth, Sean Wood detailed sports
teams' marketing of new logos/uniforms. NHL Dir of
Authentics Program Lloyd Haymes said third jerseys have been
"very successful" for the league's teams. Stars President
Jim Lites said that the team plans to add another third
jersey after the season: "It will give us an opportunity to
go out and create something new." Mavs Senior VP/Marketing
& Communications Matt Fitzgerald: "You have your primary
mark that kind of houses everything. What happens out of
that [is] you have secondary and tertiary marks. Those
marks are developed to really drive the merchandise in terms
of hats and T-shirts." But NBAP Senior VP/Consumer Products
Chris Heyn said that changing a team's logo or uniform "for
sales' sake will only create confusion among the fans."
Heyn: "It's counterproductive. It takes at least a year and
a half or two years to make a change" (STAR-TELEGRAM, 8/20).
