Cavaliers F LeBron James yesterday during a media session took an unintended jab at one of the brands he endorses. James: "I ate McDonald's my first couple years in the NBA. I didn't stretch. It didn't matter. I was 18 and I could do whatever I wanted to." In Cleveland, Joe Vardon noted James "recovered when he was asked later when he last ate" at the QSR, "perhaps sensing the mistake." James said, "Every day. Every day. Every day. I had it this morning. Egg and sausage McMuffin. All day" (CLEVELAND.com, 2/24).
BOURBON TRAIL: In Kentucky, Janet Patton reports Maker's Mark this spring is "reaching into the past for its next commemorative bottle" featuring late Univ. of Kentucky basketball coach Adolph Rupp. The bottle "will be the first in a five-year campaign" to raise $4M for the UK Center for Academic & Tutorial Services, a support program for student-athletes. The money "will be raised through contributions from Maker's Mark and Keeneland, which will host the annual bottle signing April 10," one week after the bottles go on sale (LEXINGTON HERALD-LEADER, 2/25).
LIFE'S GOOD: LG has extended its NCAA sponsorship through '18, continuing as an official NCAA Corporate Partner. LG holds category exclusivity for consumer electronics, mobile phones and home appliances related to 89 NCAA championship events across 23 different sports. As part of its activation, LG has launched LGGameDayHub.com, which will feature NCAA-related content such as a sweepstakes for a chance to win a trip to the Final Four (LG).
HOUSE HUNTER: NBCSPPORTS.com's Tony DiZinno noted Verizon IndyCar Series driver Josef Newgarden, who is "under the CFH Racing banner" for the '15 season, will be sponsored again by Century 21 in his Chevrolet car for both the Angie’s List Grand Prix of Indianapolis and the Indianapolis 500 (NBCSPORTS.com, 2/23).
