The Outback Bowl yesterday announced that title sponsor Outback Steakhouse has agreed to renew its deal with the game for six additional years through '20. The new contract, which begins after the '14 game, will extend the Tampa-based company's sponsorship to a total of 25 years, the longest bowl game title sponsorship in history. The bowl also is in talks with ESPN and officials from the Big Ten and SEC about extending those relationships (Outback Bowl).
PLANNING AHEAD: In Miami, Barry Jackson reported Heat President Pat Riley has “trademarked the term three-peat.” Riley said he and his business partner “have made a considerable amount of money from that.” He added, “Most goes to charity. I’m not using this as a platform to become a brand and make money off it.” Riley said that he is “not sure the Heat will even use that term next year in its bid for a third title in a row” (MIAMIHERALD.com, 6/26).
THREE'S COMPANY: SPORTING NEWS’ Bob Pockrass noted NASCAR team Owner Richard Childress is “still mulling whether to bring Dale Earnhardt’s famous No. 3 back to Sprint Cup competition.” Childress yesterday “reiterated that only a member of his family or the Earnhardt family would race the number in Cup.” Childress' grandsons Austin and Ty Dillon “have raced the number" in the Camping World Truck and Nationwide Series in recent years, and Austin Dillon "could run a full-time Cup schedule in 2014.” Childress said, “We’re definitely in the process of discussing that” (SPORTINGNEWS.com, 6/26).
