Marketplace Roundup

TNT's Broadcast Discusses Chris Paul's New CP3 II Jordan Brand Shoe

Hornets G Chris Paul’s new CP3 II Jordan brand shoes go on sale March 14 and TNT’s Ernie Johnson noted the shoes feature the number “61” in honor of his late grandfather and late Wake Forest coach Skip Prosser’s name. TNT’s Charles Barkley: “What the hell is that? I love Chris Paul, but that's horrible. Those are ugly. God rest Skip Prosser, but that’s too much stuff going on.” TNT’s Cheryl Miller later said, “As you can see in the colors, it is festive as far as an assimilation of Mardi Gras” (TNT, 3/5).

MANNY FLYING MANNY: In recognition of the Dodgers this week signing LF Manny Ramirez, who wears No. 99, JetBlue Airways is offering a $99 Manny Fan Fare offer each way. The Manny Fan Fare, which must be booked by Sunday, applies to flights from Long Beach to either JFK Airport or Boston as well as flights from Burbank, California, to JFK (Dodgers).

Scott Says Talks Of Endorsement Deal With Ashworth Fell Through

WAYWARD DRIVE: GOLFWEEK's Forecaddie notes a deal for golfer Adam Scott to become Ashworth's "new signature signee" is "not going to happen." Scott said that the parties were "close, but a deal won't be struck." Scott: "My options are kind of open, (and I'm) looking around at the moment" (GOLFWEEK, 3/7 issue).

SPONSOR SECURED: The Kentucky Derby Festival announced that Wal-Mart has "committed to be the presenting sponsor of the 2009 Derby Festival miniMarathon and Marathon." Derby Festival President & CEO Mike Berry acknowledged that "finding a corporate underwriter for the two races was more a matter of hard work by the festival sales staff than a sudden turnaround by corporations willing to put up sponsorship money amid a deep recession." In Louisville, Sheldon Shafer notes 12 Wal-Mart "supercenters in the Kentuckiana area will serve as redemption centers for Pegasus Pin instant winners," and Wal-Mart also will "sell official Derby Festival merchandise" (Louisville COURIER-JOURNAL, 3/6).