Marketplace Round-Up

Tiger Woods introduced Nike Golf's new Dri-Fit Tour golf glove yesterday at the first round of the U.S. Open. The product will hit retail in October for $18 (Nike).

NFL: In this week's SPORTSBUSINESS JOURNAL, Terry Lefton cites sources as saying that Hershey has dropped its NFL sponsorship, and that "internal economic concerns at the candymaker, along with higher rights fees and advertising/marketing commitments being required under a newly adopted 'less is more' sponsorship philosophy, compelled Hershey's decision not to renew" (SBJ, 6/10 issue)....CBS SPORTSLINE's Pete Prisco, on the NFL investigating Bills WR Eric Moulds' endorsement of a non-banned substance made by a company that produces substances banned by the league: "The irony there, and something players may want to address, is that some team strength coaches are allowed to be on advisory boards of some companies that make products with ephedra." NFL VP/Communications Greg Aiello, on the Titans' Steve Wasserman, who is on the advisory board of AdvoCare, which makes ephedra products: "He's been grandfathered in." Prisco: "If players can't endorse companies that produce the banned products, shouldn't it be the same for other NFL employees?" (CBS SPORTSLINE, 6/13).

AGENCY NEWS: CA-based Andiamo Sports has signed Monarchs G Ruthie Bolton to a marketing rep deal (Andiamo) ....The Northeast Conference has extended its agreement with NJ-based Positive Impact for the '02-03 season. Positive Impact took on a consulting role for the league in November '01 (Northeast Conference)....Raycom Sports has been hired by The Blue-Gray All-Star Football Classic to provide sales and marketing assistance. Raycom will work to secure a new title sponsorship for the game (Raycom).