Nike Brand President Trevor Edwards last night said the company has been speaking "very directly" with the NFL about how it handled its domestic violence issues this summer. Edwards: "We certainly have those conversations with them, and we’re very, very clear about it. We cannot tolerate domestic violence or any of these issues, and they’re serious issues." Edwards said Nike has expressed its view "very strongly" to the NFL that it had not handled the situations well (FORTUNE.com, 10/27).
ROYAL TREATMENT: The DES MOINES REGISTER noted locally based supermarket chain Hy-Vee has sponsored the Royals for 14 years, and K.C.-area stores "have set records selling Royals-licensed merchandise since the World Series began." Hy-Vee VP/Marketing Donna Tweeten said, "The team has a strong brand without a history of a winning record." Hy-Vee sponsors Gate B at Kauffman Stadium, calling it the "Hy-Vee Cool Zone, and also sponsors the entire upper deck." Tweeten: "More people are inquiring what Hy-Vee is" (DES MOINES REGISTER, 10/28).
IN THE DAWG HOUSE: In Atlanta, Tanya Sichynsky wrote the "party's over" for "Free Gurley" merchandise surrounding the suspension of Univ. of Georgia RB Todd Gurley. UGA Associate AD/External Operations Alan Thomas said that school officials and CLC have "sent out cease and desist letters to at least five individuals regarding the use of 'marks in (Todd) Gurley's name'" (ATLANTA JOURNAL-CONSTITUTION, 10/28).
MAKE A RUN FOR IT: In Ft. Worth, Baker, Kaskovich & Shlachter noted locally based medical device company MedHab "announced a partnership last week" with former U.S. Olympic sprinter Michael Johnson. The partnership allows Johnson to "test and develop applications for its new RPM2 device, a wireless 'foot-bed' that fits into an athletic shoe to provide training data for runners, cyclists and triathletes." MedHab CEO Johnny Ross "hopes the connection with the Olympic legend will jumpstart sales for RPM2" (FT. WORTH STAR-TELEGRAM, 10/28).
