Former MLBer DARRYL HAMILTON on Sunday was "found shot to death in his Houston-area home, and investigators suspect he was the victim of a murder-suicide (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 6/23). Hamilton, who served as a player rep for the Brewers and Mets, was "well-liked by teammates and management alike, and played a key role in helping end" the strike which "led to the cancellation of the ‘94 World Series." The Mets will "observe a moment of silence for Hamilton before Friday's home game against the Reds" (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 6/23). Hamilton had worked for MLB Network as an analyst since '13. MLB President of Business & Media BOB BOWMAN said, "In addition to being a consummate professional, he was a good friend to all at MLB.com and MLB Network, and he will be sorely missed" (WALL STREET JOURNAL, 6/23). Hamilton was scheduled to appear on "MLB Central" this week (THE DAILY). He had lived in Houston "for several years and previously worked" with several local stations. He also "worked for three years in MLB's on-field operations division" (HOUSTON CHRONICLE, 6/23).
THE QUEEN OF KINGS: NBA Kings President of Business Operations MATINA KOLOKOTRONIS was selected as one of the Sacramento Business Journal's "Women Who Mean Business" honorees. Observers "say her drive and expertise have been a steadying influence through the multiple attempts to move the team out of Sacramento." Kings President CHRIS GRANGER said, "Matina has served as the glue that held the organization together. She has served as the thought leader and has the stability to keep the Kings on the right track" (SACRAMENTO BUSINESS JOURNAL, 6/19 issue).
CAROLINA COMPASSION: The NFL Panthers have “joined the groundswell of support for removing the Confederate flag from grounds of the South Carolina Statehouse." A team spokesperson yesterday said, "Divisive symbols and actions should not stand in conflict to progress, healing and the unification of all our citizens" (CHARLOTTE OBSERVER, 6/23). Meanwhile, Panthers QB CAM NEWTON yesterday “visited families of the victims” of last week’s shooting in Charleston (ESPN.com, 6/22).
BOSTON COMMON: Director SETH MACFARLANE “added a Deflategate line" to the upcoming movie "TED 2" late in the editing process. MARK WAHLBERG’s character tells Patriots QB TOM BRADY, “I don’t think you’re a cheater!” Meanwhile, Wahlberg recently announced plans to “make a movie about the Boston Marathon bombing, but now says that may not happen.” Wahlberg: “We’re not sure if we’re going to be able to get that movie made. But my reasoning for wanting to be a part of it is to show how strong, how resilient people can be” (BOSTON HERALD, 6/23)....Singer JAMES TAYLOR appeared on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” to promote his new album, “BEFORE THIS WORLD,” and his song “ANGELS OF FENWAY,” which is a tribute to the Red Sox' ALCS win in '04 over the Yankees. Taylor said of the song, "Just what that was like to be in New England to witness the end of the ‘Curse of the Bambino’ it was such a moment, an incredible thing that people had been waiting for generations that I knew I wanted to write about it. The Red Sox embraced the song and there was a weekend series with the Yankees. They wanted to present the song and do me a favor too, and help me release it" (“Morning Joe,” MSNBC, 6/22).
AWARDS & HONORS: Clippers TV play-by-play announcer RALPH LAWLER has been selected to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for '16 (Fox Sports)....Several sports figures appear on the Atlanta Business Chronicle's "100 Most Influential Atlantans" list, including Baseball HOFer HANK AARON, Cox Enterprises Chair JAMES KENNEDY, College Football HOF President & CEO JOHN STEPHENSON JR., Hawks CEO STEVE KOONIN, Braves Exec VP/Business Operations MIKE PLANT, Braves President JOHN SCHUERHOLZ, Falcons President & CEO RICH MCKAY and Falcons Owner ARTHUR BLANK (ATLANTA BUSINESS CHRONICLE, 6/19 issue)....Titans assistant coach DICK LEBEAU, Cardinals assistant coach TOM MOORE, and former Patriots assistant coach DANTE SCARNECCHIA were named “winners of the Dr. Z Award," presented annually by the Pro Football Writers of America (ESPNBOSTON.com, 6/22).
NAMES: Yankees Exec VP & Chief Int'l Officer FELIX LOPEZ, the husband of JESSICA STEINBRENNER and son-in-law of late Yankees Owner GEORGE STEINBRENNER, has "been wiped from the Yankees' website" and digital media guide. A source said that he had "been relieved of his duties but there was still a chance Lopez could return" (NJ.com, 6/22)....A federal judge has dismissed photographer JACOBUS RENTMEESTER's lawsuit against Nike that had "accused the company of infringing on a copyrighted photo when it created the 'Jumpman' logo for its Jordan Brand subsidiary." The photographer "filed an appeal" (OREGONLIVE.com, 6/22)....Former NHLer MARTY TURCO next year will be named C5 Youth Foundation of Texas President (C5)....The Duquesne Brewing Company is “rolling out a brew honoring” late Penn State football coach JOE PATERNO. The Vienna-style lager, which “will be available in mid-August, will come in 12-ounce cans featuring Paterno's image and accomplishments.” A portion of the proceeds “will go to charities the family supports” (AP, 6/22)....Singer BRITNEY SPEARS and producer CHARLIE EBERSOL, son of former NBC Sports Chair DICK EBERSOL, have “called it quits after eight months of dating ... giving no reason for the end of the romance” (LATIMES.com, 6/22).
