A study by the Center for Responsive Politics revealed that Texans Owners ROBERT MCNAIR has “donated $215,200 of his estimated $1.4 billion net worth to political causes since January 2009, almost strictly to Republicans.” That donation amount “pushes the Texans to a team total of $293,100 in political contributions from its players, executives and coaches.” The figure is “more than enough to outdo” the No. 2 team, the Chargers, whose players and executives “gave $171,500 to federal politicians and committees since January 2009.” The study found that the Jets ranked third “among the most politically active NFL teams, at $147,850 in contributions.” Players and executives of the Cardinals and Dolphins have “also given more than $100,000 to federal candidates and committees since January 2009.” No other teams “cracked that mark” (OPENSECRETS.org, 10/7).
LIVING WITH REGRETS: Actor HUGH JACKMAN said that he “regrets turning down an opportunity to invest” in EPL club Norwich City. Jackman said, “I got a letter about a year ago saying, ‘Being such a huge Norwich City fan would I like to be a celebrity investor?’, like a small part-owner.” He added, “I said, ‘I think that’s a little stretched, I’ve been to Carrow Road once, my mum took me,’ so I decided not to invest. And since then they’re on a run, so what do I know?” (BBC.co.uk, 10/9).
NAMES: Boxer TIM BRADLEY has signed with Top Rank Promotions. Bradley had been with GARY SHAW’s promotions, before his contract ran out this summer (L.A. TIMES, 10/11)….Michigan State Univ. yesterday announced it received a $1M gift from its men’s basketball coach TOM IZZO and his wife, LUPE. The gift, “among the largest ever by an active coach at any university, will be split among several projects, with a majority of the funds going toward” MSU’s football program (DETROIT NEWS, 10/11)….MLS Galaxy F ROBBIE KEANE’s wife CLAUDINE is negotiating with E! about a reality series (DUBLIN EVENING HERALD, 10/6).
