Names In The News

ESPN SOCCERNET's Steve Davis ranks the top 10 "most influential figures in soccer" in the U.S., topped by U.S. Soccer Federation (USSF) President SUNIL GULATI, who has "final say-so in every important decision affecting the U.S. national programs." MLS Commissioner DON GARBER is ranked No. 2 on the list, as he has "smoothly shepherded the league's two most vital growth areas: stadium development and expansion" (ESPNSOCCERNET.com, 12/29)

TOP TEN MOST INFLUENTIAL FIGURES IN U.S. SOCCER
RANK	FIGURE
1	USSF President Sunil Gulati
2	MLS Commissioner Don Garber
3	U.S. men’s national team coach Bob Bradley
4	Galaxy MF David Beckham
5	Proactive Sports Management Managing Dir Lyle Yorks
6	AEG Chair Phil Anschutz
7	Univision Sports President David Downs
8	AEG President & CEO Tim Leiweke
9	MLS President Mark Abbott
10	USSF CEO & Secretary General Dan Flynn

NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH: TBA Global Chief Strategy Officer RICHARD LUKER in his upcoming book "SIMPLE COMMUNITY" is proposing that U.S. marketers divert $30B of the $300B "they spend annually on media and marketing into local events such as Minor League Baseball, small-college and high-school sporting venues and local parks." Luker in his book, due out next year, argues that "social, economic and technological factors have been making community events increasingly important" (ADAGE.com, 12/29).

Whittingham's Five-Year, $6M Deal Is Richest For Coach In School's History

UTE OUGHTA KNOW: The Univ. of Utah and football coach KYLE WHITTINGHAM Monday finalized a new five-year, $6M deal, the "richest coaching contract in school history," which replaces Whittingham's original six-year, $4M contract signed in '04. Whittingham's base salary will be $200,000, with the other $1M annually "funded by radio and television rights, appearance fees, public speaking, fund-raising" and the school's football apparel deal with Under Armour (SALT LAKE TRIBUNE, 12/30).

IN MEMORY: Former Tigers VP/Business Operations DAVID GLAZIER, who also worked for the Lions and Rockies, died Monday at the age of 47 following a battle with cancer (DENVER POST, 12/30).