In S.F., Henry Schulman writes in a “private and unannounced service, which followed a similarly unannounced funeral at an Oakland synagogue,” late Raiders Owner AL DAVIS’ casket was “interred in Oakland's Chapel of the Chimes mausoleum and columbarium Monday, nine days after he died at 82.” The family and Raiders “kept the location of the funeral and Davis' final resting place quiet so they could grieve privately.” Shortly before 1:00pm PT yesterday, the team announced on its website and on Twitter that the public “was invited to pay its respects at Davis' crypt.” Because there was “no notice, only a handful of folks came, but that is expected to change.” Davis' signature is “cast in metal and will adorn the crypt permanently.” Lying in the adjoining crypt is blues great JOHN LEE HOOKER, who died in '01 (S.F. CHRONICLE, 10/18).
THE PRICE OF OIL: FORBES’ Christopher Helman profiles Thunder investor and Chesapeake Energy CEO AUBREY MCCLENDON in a cover story under the header, “America's Most Reckless Billionaire.” Helman writes McClendon is “without a doubt the most admired -- and feared -- man in the U.S. oil patch.” McClendon: “You could say I’m the only CEO in America who truly participates alongside his company in the day-to-day business activity on the same basis as the company.” Helman writes the possibility that makes McClendon “such a magnetic figure is that he could solve America’s short-term energy needs.” Shale plays are “thought to hold enough gas to satisfy 20 years of U.S. demand, and McClendon tirelessly boosts plentiful, clean-burning natural gas as a magic bullet that can rid America of dirty coal and imported gas” (FORBES, 10/24 issue).
IN COURT: MUHAMMAD ALI and his wife are “suing a Louisville, Ky., couple over a house that the Alis bought for $1.87 million five years ago.” The lawsuit claims that “numerous defects either weren’t revealed to the Alis or were misrepresented” (COLUMBUS DISPATCH, 10/17)….A “fresh round of lawsuits connected to SCOTT ROTHSTEIN’s Ponzi scheme includes claims against the Miami Heat, media and sports venues.” The lawsuits state that Rothstein “paid at least $156,000 to Miami Heat LP that should be repaid to the trustee overseeing the bankruptcy of Rothstein’s former law firm, Rothstein Rosenfeldt Adler” (BIZJOURNALS.com, 10/17).
TIME AND PLACE: Last night’s edition of ESPN’s “Monday Night Countdown” featured the regular segment “C’mon Man!” in which ESPN’s Cris Carter pointed out Vikings Owner ZYGI WILF was shown on-camera smiling from a luxury box during Sunday night's game against the Bears when the Vikings were down 39-10. Carter said, “He’s the proud owner. Check out the score right here. See that: 39-10. I know they mentioned your name on TV, but we’re down by 29! What are you smiling for? C’mon man!” (“Monday Night Countdown,” ESPN, 10/17).
NAMES: First Lady MICHELLE OBAMA and Second Lady JILL BIDEN will attend Game One of the World Series as part of MLB’s Welcome Back Veterans program and the Obama's Joining Forces initiative (MLB)….Wolfson Children’s Hospital in Jacksonville yesterday said that it will use a $1M grant for The Players Championship to create The Players Center for Child Health. Wolfson President MICHAEL AUBIN said that the gift “will enable the center to begin operating with an annual budget of between $250,000 and $500,000 while it looks for other funding sources” (FLORIDA TIMES-UNION, 10/18)….Amid the ongoing NBA lockout, Pacers F DANNY GRANGER said that he will “invite every employee of Conseco Fieldhouse to dinner.” Granger on Twitter wrote, “All the workers at our arena are invited to dinner with me in Indianapolis. ... Date to be announced soon.. A little #nbalockout gift” (SPORTS.YAHOO.com, 10/17)….Wizards play-by-play announcer STEVE BUCKHANTZ Saturday was inducted into the Silver Circle of the DC region’s National Association of Television Arts & Sciences (WASHINGTONPOST.com, 10/17)….TNT analyst and former NBAer SHAQUILLE O’NEAL is partnering with the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation to launch the “Amplify Your Voice!” campaign. Meanwhile, the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network will honor Warriors President & COO RICK WELTS on Oct. 21 at their Respect Awards gala in L.A. (SFGATE.com, 10/17)....“MONEYBALL,” the film based on A’s GM BILLY BEANE, “hit a home run at the 17th annual California on Location Awards” held Sunday in L.A. The film’s locations group, led by S. TODD CHRISTENSEN, won location team of the year, and Christensen won location professional of the year (HOLLYWOODREPORTER.com, 10/16)....About 80 children attended the fourth annual Pals Packers Phoenix Fitness Fun Night on Monday at Bellin Health Performance Center (GREEN BAY PRESS-GAZETTE, 10/18).
