In Atlanta, Michael Carvell noted the Univ. of Missouri has purchased 16 billboards announcing the university’s move to its new conference that read, “Proud To Be SEC: Mizzou,” including eight billboards “that have been placed out of state.” There are “three in Georgia, including two in Atlanta," while a single billboard is located in Tampa, Dallas, Birmingham, Jacksonville and Memphis. MU football coach Gary Pinkel said of the billboards, “We’re just marketing our brand name a little bit. We’re going to get [out] there and actively recruit … and we’re excited about it” (AJC.com, 4/18).
AND THEN THERE WERE TWO: ESPN and EA Sports' "Madden NFL 13 Cover Vote" is now down to two final players: Panthers QB Cam Newton and Lions WR Calvin Johnson. The winner will be announced live during ESPN2's "SportsNation" on April 25. Over 19 millions votes have been cast in the contest so far, outpacing last year's tally of 12.7 million (ESPN). Johnson appeared on several ESPN radio and TV programs yesterday to promote his candidacy. He talked about the reasons he wants the cover on ESPN's "First Take" and said, "One, you've never seen a Detroit player on the cover. Two, it would be huge for the city. You can only imagine. Then, after that, it gives a lot to my foundation and my charities I work with back home and in Detroit" (MLIVE.com, 4/18).
ON A SWEET NOTE: In Boston, Donna Goodison notes locally-based Candy.com is the exclusive online retailer for licensed MLB lollipops, and the “official suckers include team letter logos.” Candy.com also “has the exclusive online rights to sell” NCAA team lollipops. The company, which “generated $2.8 million in sales in 2011, expects to reach the $6 million mark this year” (BOSTON HERALD, 4/19).
BUSTED: Federal customs agents spent yesterday “inventorying an estimated $4 million worth of counterfeit athletic apparel found in a south Sacramento warehouse.” Officials said that it is “one of the largest single seizures of counterfeit apparel made in the Sacramento area.” The bulk of the clothing was athletic apparel “bearing a counterfeit Adidas trademark.” The counterfeit merchandise “came from Southeast Asia and much of it likely was destined for local flea markets” (SACRAMENTO BEE, 4/19).
