Names In The News

Byrne's base salary will increase to $440,000 under next contract extension

In Arizona, Greg Hansen reported a contract extension for Univ. of Arizona AD GREG BYRNE will bump his base salary to $440,000 "if approved this week by the Arizona Board of Regents." In the 17 months since joining UA, Byrne "has been a dynamo." He "has reworked the department's image locally by being visible and, as much as possible, transparent." Hansen noted Byrne's "early reputation is that he's tireless; a guy who gets things done and won't settle for middle-tier status" (ARIZONA DAILY STAR, 9/18).

CHARITY STRIPE: Hockey HOF inductee PAT LAFONTAINE and former NHLer STEVE WEBB began a 550-mile bike ride yesterday morning from the Hockey HOF in Toronto to the NHL's store in Manhattan in support of their respective charitable efforts: the Companions in Courage Foundation and the W20 Foundation. They are expected to complete their ride tomorrow (NHL)....Bank of America yesterday announced $1M in educational grants to nonprofit organizations in Charlotte and a series of programs that provide students with NASCAR-themed curriculum and career opportunities. The donation is in conjunction with BofA's title sponsorship of the Oct. 15 Sprint Cup Series race at Charlotte Motor Speedway (BofA).

NAMES: The reward for information in last year's alleged murder of former NBAer LORENZEN WRIGHT "has increased to $21,000," thanks to a $10,000 contribution from the state of Tennessee and $5,000 from the Grizzlies (Memphis COMMERCIAL APPEAL, 9/20)....In Boston, Tim McLaughlin profiles Fenway Sports Management Managing Dir BILLY HOGAN, whose job "is to promote some of the best-known brands in the world of sports." Hogan's responsibilities include the Red Sox, Liverpool and Heat F LEBRON JAMES, but he said that "there's nothing better than the face-to-face meetings he has with clients and prospects" (BOSTON BUSINESS JOURNAL, 9/16 issue)....The family of MARK BAVIS, one of two NHL Kings scouts "killed in the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, settled its lawsuit against United Airlines and the company in charge of security at Boston's Logan Airport," where the L.A.-bound flight originated (LATIMES.com, 9/19)....Giants DE JUSTIN TUCK will be featured on Sportsman Channel's "Bowhunter TV" this Friday at 10:00pm ET. Tuck will join co-hosts MIKE CARNEY and CURT WELLS during a hunt for javelina in South Texas. The network says Tuck bags two animals: one from a 30-yard shot and another from a 42-yard shot (John Ourand, THE DAILY)....The Lions before Sunday's home opener against the Chiefs "will conduct a moment of silence" for late beat reporter TOM KOWALSKI, who died last month. In addition, the Lions have "included a full-page memorial in the game program and placed the initials 'TK' on the roster cards given out to the media" (MLIVE.com, 9/18).