In N.Y., Leonard Greene reports Knicks fan Mike Sorisi “coined the term ‘Knicklyn’ to represent fans whose loyalty may be divided” between the Knicks and Nets. Sorisi designed a "clever logo to go with the moniker and started selling hats and stickers.” Sorisi said that “days later, the NBA unleashed a full-court press ordering him to cease and desist, claiming trademark infringement.” The NBA said that Sorisi’s use of the word “Knick” is a “trademark infringement, as is his logo which features a basketball that is similar to the Nets’ design” (N.Y. POST, 1/28).
GROUNDS KREW: In Jacksonville, Garry Smits noted Bridgestone Golf and The Players Championship are “sponsoring an online contest" for fans to become part of "Kuch’s Krew," a fan club for reigning TPC winner Matt Kuchar. Fans have until Feb. 28 to "enter a video that describes why they want to be part of Kuchar’s gallery.” A panel will “judge the videos based on creativity and originality and narrow it down to three entries.” The winners will be awarded with a travel package that "includes airfare, hotel, rental car, food expenses and tickets to the tournament," and will have the chance to "meet Kuchar and attend VIP events" (FLORIDA TIMES-UNION, 1/27).
BANK SHOT: In Hartford, Kenneth Gosselin noted UConn men's basketball coach Kevin Ollie, in following predecessor Jim Calhoun, “agreed to become a high-profile spokesman" for New England-based Webster Bank for three years. The details of “how and where Ollie will represent the bank -- for instance, whether his image will appear on billboards -- are still being worked out.” But Webster said that the contract “calls for personal appearances and media endorsements” (HARTFORD COURANT, 1/25).
