Names & Faces: Kobe To Don His New Kicks On ABC

Lakers G Kobe Bryant during Sunday’s Lakers-Heat game on ABC will debut his new signature Nike shoe, the Zoom Kobe I, which will “appear on an extremely limited basis in select stores in the [L.A.] area the following day,” according to ESPN.com’s Darren Rovell. The shoe, along with Bryant’s signature apparel line, is scheduled to launch nationally in February, around the NBA All-Star break. Meanwhile, Bryant recently shot a national PSA for the Make- A-Wish Foundation, and one source said that his reps are in talks with a videogame company and a QSR (ESPN.com, 12/22).

PEP TALK: While FedEx has pulled its ad featuring Vikings QB Daunte Culpepper in the wake of charges stemming from the boat cruise incident, Culpepper’s agent, Mason Ashe, said that other companies endorsed by Culpepper “are continuing their dealings” with him. Ashe: “Any corporate relationships we have, they’re standing by him because they know the caliber and quality of the person. There’s never been any evidence, proven or alleged, to support anyone from taking another stand. There’s no reason for anyone to panic.” Ashe also disputed FedEx spokesperson Ryan Furby saying that the company does not have an endorsement deal with Culpepper (ST. PAUL PIONEER PRESS, 12/23).

XM Taps Messier To Promote Its NHL Programming

MARK’S THE SPOT: XM Satellite Radio signed former NHLer Mark Messier to promote its NHL programming. Messier will promote XM via print, broadcast, online and in-store ads and make appearances on XM’s “Home Ice” channel. Also, as part of XM’s Rangers partnership, the company will be presenting sponsor of the team’s on-ice ceremony to retire Messier’s jersey on January 12 (XM Satellite Radio).

ON THE MIKE: Hidden Beach recording artist Mike Phillips performed with his saxophone throughout Thursday night’s broadcast of TNT’s “NBA Tip-Off.” Phillips was wearing a Jordan Brand headband and shirt. TNT’s Ernie Johnson: “Mike is the first non-athlete on the Jordan Brand.” TNT’s Charles Barkley: “He’s got more talent than some of the guys on the Jordan Brand. Trust me, I’ve seen Jordan Brand” (TNT, 12/22).

SMELLS LIKE TEAM SPIRIT: In L.A., Grahame Jones reports Real Madrid MF David Beckham and English Premier League club Arsenal have launched lines of after-shave known as “David Beckham Instinct” and “Arsenal 1886,” respectively (L.A. TIMES, 12/23).