SPORTSBUSINESS JOURNAL’s Tripp Mickle reports Gold Medal-winning U.S. gymnast Gabby Douglas “has left her agent Sheryl Shade and signed with CAA Sports” (SPORTSBUSINESS JOURNAL, 3/11 issue). REUTERS’ Chris Michaud reported Douglas, who is “not yet 18, will publish her second memoir next month.” Publisher Zondervan yesterday announced that "Raising the Bar," a follow-up to her '12 best-selling memoir "Grace, Gold & Glory: My Leap of Faith," will be released on April 30 (REUTERS, 3/12).
BEWARE OF DOG: In Connecticut, Loumarie Rodriguez reported UConn “will be unveiling a new Husky logo that will replace the recognizable, tongue-lolling face of the current Jonathan logo.” UConn Athletic Communications Associate Dir Mike Enright said that the change is “expected to be made later this spring in April or May.” The new logo reportedly “will appear to look less friendly and more intimidating” (THE DAILY CAMPUS, 3/11). Enright said that the school is “working with Nike on the project and the re-design won’t cost anything” (COURANT.com, 3/12).
CASH CALL: The AP reported Penske Racing has “reached a multi-year sponsorship deal with Quicken Loans.” The company also will be the “presenting sponsor for a doubleheader race weekend at the Chevrolet Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix.” The mortgage lender "will be featured on the cockpit" of both the No. 3 Chevrolet driven by Helio Castroneves and Will Power's No. 12 Chevrolet (AP, 3/12).
MAP MY RUN: In L.A., Adam Tschorn reported Asics has “released a limited-edition running shoe” to mark its inaugural sponsorship of the L.A. Marathon and "acknowledge the fact that it's taking place on St. Patrick's Day.” Both versions of the brand’s GEL-Lyte33 2 have “what from afar looks like a confetti-covered midsole but upon closer examination is actually a colorful map-like graphic peppered with the names of neighborhoods along the marathon's route” (LATIMES.com, 3/12).
