In Boston, Mark Murphy noted Celtics G Rajon Rondo's RR1 sneaker, which is produced by China-based Anta, would "cost approximately $60 per pair if it were sold in the United States," but it is "strictly for the Chinese market." Rondo "not only played a big role in designing the sneaker -- he is also helping to design an entire clothing line that, again, will be available to his burgeoning Chinese fan base only." Rondo with an eight-year deal became "the third player sponsored" by Anta. Nets F Kevin Garnett and Pacers F Luis Scola are the others (BOSTON HERALD, 11/10).
MEIJER TOURNAMENT: In Michigan, Cory Olsen noted Grand Rapids-based retailer Meijer on Friday announced it would sponsor the first LPGA tournament in West Michigan. The Meijer LPGA Classic will be held Aug. 7-10 at Blythefield Country Club. LPGA VP/Tournament Business Affairs Ricki Lasky said, "It's not so large that we come and get lost in the fray and the community comes out and supports us." This will be the tour's first stop in Michigan since '00 (MLIVE.com, 11/8). In Detroit, James Jahnke noted the $1.5M tourney will mark the "first annual golf event in the Lower Peninsula since the PGA Tour's Buick Open left Grand Blanc after 2009" (FREEP.com, 11/8).
DOMAIN GAMES: The WALL STREET JOURNAL's Rachel Bachman noted the site UniversityofNike.com "was registered, and it redirected Internet users" to the Univ. of Oregon's website. Nike co-Founder & Chair Phil Knight on Saturday was seen wearing Univ. of Alabama gear on the sideline during the LSU-UA football game. The domain on Sunday was "suddenly redirecting" to the UA website. UO officials in August said that they "did not know who owned the domain name" (WSJ.com, 11/10).
