In Phoenix, Paul Coro noted yesterday was the first day since the Suns’ inception in '68 that JERRY COLANGELO was “no longer a part of the franchise that he founded.” That ends the "longest active tenure with an NBA franchise at 44 years.” Colangelo said, “It's like giving birth to a child and watching it mature and grow into adulthood. It's been a wonderful experience and I'll always cherish it.” He added, “I have nothing but a strong desire to see the Suns be successful in every way. I certainly want to see them get that championship that seems so elusive.” Colangelo “plans to continue with USA Basketball through the 2016 Olympics” (ARIZONA REPUBLIC, 7/1).
GETTING REEL: In N.Y., Ken Davidoff notes Red Sox manager BOBBY VALENTINE is the Exec Producer of a new documentary called “BALLPLAYER: PELOTERO,” which is being released nationally on July 13. However, Valentine’s role prompted MLB Commissioner BUD SELIG to call Red Sox ownership last week to “express his concerns about the endeavor.” The documentary, which tracks Domincan baseball prospects MIGUEL SANO and JEAN CARLOS BATISTA “leading up to and following the July 2, 2009 signing date for 16-year-old international players, is more eye-opening than damning.” The filmmakers point out that MLB "took more efforts to regulate the Dominican Republic the subsequent year.” The movie “has its share of explosive moments,” including hidden surveillance of Pirates Latin America Scouting Dir RENE GAYO. The film captures Sano’s family attorney SALMON FRANCISCO "calling MLB ‘a mafia’ and accusing baseball of trying to steer Sano toward signing with the beleaguered Pirates -- even accusing Gayo of creating the uncertainty over Sano’s age." Those comments "in particular caught baseball’s attention.” Valentine said, “It’s just the way you do things. I don’t think it’s slander” (N.Y. POST, 7/2).
YOUNG THE GIANT: The relationship between former Baylor F QUINCY ACY and agent MIKE SILVERMAN was examined on ABC’s “Nightline” Friday, with ABC’s John Schriffen saying they are “two underdogs scrapping their way into the NBA.” Acy knew he "didn’t want to sign with a big-time agent only to get lost in the shuffle with other high-profile clients," and he wanted an agent "who was young and hungry with something to prove. The 23-year-old Silverman said, “The first thing I said to him was, ‘I know you look at me as a young guy, ‘ and he hysterically said to me that, ‘I thought you were going to be an old man.’” Acy said, “This is new for both of us so it feels good to learn it together.” Schriffen said Silverman “doesn’t have a law degree. Instead, he says something more valuable: An impressive rolodex of contacts.” Silverman: “On the phone, these guys don’t know how old I am per se. So I try and come off as mature and experienced as possible.” Acy was selected by the Raptors in the second round (“Nightline,” ABC, 6/29).
NAMES: Sub shop chain Jimmy John’s “is expanding its reach” in New Orleans with the support of Saints QB DREW BREES. Brees, a co-owner in a local franchise,” opened his first location in September. He has two more slated to open between July and October (New Orleans TIMES-PICAYUNE, 7/1)….Baseball HOFers CAL RIPKEN JR. and EDDIE MURRAY “will be inducted into the Sports Legends Museum at Camden Yards' Hall of Legends during the Babe Ruth Birthplace Foundation's annual gala” (Baltimore SUN, 6/28)….MLS Revolution MF BENNY FEILHABER “will be scooping ice cream in Boston on July 6 to raise money for Boston Children’s Hospital.” Team officials said that Feilhaber’s “tips and 25 percent of his ice cream sales will go to benefit the hospital” (BOSTON HERALD, 7/2).
