The AP's Doug Ferguson reported that while JCPenney has
"decided to no longer sponsor" the LPGA Tour event in
Orlando, it has also "gotten out of player endorsements --
namely, Dottie Pepper." Pepper: "I'm out" (AP, 11/28).
WILHELMINA HAS PLANS FOR KUCHAR: The SPORTSBUSINESS
JOURNAL's Liz Mullen reports that Wilhelmina Artist
Management has signed golfer Matt Kuchar to an exclusive
marketing agreement. Wilhelmina Artist co-Owner Bobby
Kreusler: "For Wilhelmina, he is the perfect fit. He is a
good-looking kid and has a certain presence, and we believe
we can market him to be recognized as a celebrity and not
just a golfer" (SPORTSBUSINESS JOURNAL, 11/27 issue).
THE RISE OF DONOVAN: In Philadelphia, Brennan & Taylor
reported on the increased popularity of Eagles QB Donovan
McNabb, whose merchandise has "flown out the door at many
area sporting good stores." Roy Portner, who is a Partner
in two Team Stores in the city, said, "It's so hot I can't
get any more from my manufacturers. You try to get some
more and there's nothing left" (PHILA. DAILY NEWS, 11/28).
SHE'S THEIR SOLE DESIRE: Burns Sports President Bob
Williams, on reports that Reebok is close to signing Venus
Williams to a lucrative extension to endorse their products
(see THE DAILY, 11/27): "Obviously, Reebok has had a number
of years to gauge how sales are for the clothing line.
Reebok has deep pockets and you can bet they don't want to
surrender her to Nike" (BOSTON HERALD, 11/29).
SPARKY THE SPONSORED MASCOT: TX Motor Speedway's
mascot, Sparky, signed a sponsorship agreement with CA-based
NCK Spark Plugs (TX Motor Speedway).
