U.S. swimmer Michael Phelps is "signing on as an investor and spokesperson" with Maryland-based 800Razors.com, according to Jeff Barker of the Baltimore SUN. Phelps' agent, Octagon Managing Dir of Olympics & Action Sports Peter Carlisle, said that the deal reflects Phelps' interest in "moving beyond traditional endorsement deals." Terms of the new deal were not disclosed, but 800Razors.com co-Founder & President Philip Masiello said that Phelps' role "will include television and online advertising." Barker reports the deal "is among several new business partnerships being considered by Phelps" ahead of the '16 Rio Games. Carlisle said, "He'll likely add another partner or two. We've got a few that we're in discussions with -- serious discussions." Barker notes Phelps' current endorsements "include Under Armour, Omega, Master Spas, Sol Republic headphones and Aqua Sphere." The 800Razors.com partnership "is the first since the swimmer pleaded guilty to driving under the influence last December and received a one-year suspended sentence and 18 months of supervised probation." Baker Street Advertising Senior VP & Exec Creative Dir Bob Dorfman said, "I think Phelps is getting more and more marketable the closer we get to the 2016 Rio Games, and the further he distances himself from those DUIs." Carlisle said, "I don't see him entertaining a typical spokesperson role. That doesn't mean he will only do deals where he will have ownership. They will have to be opportunities that make sense on a variety of levels beyond just the financial -- for example, if there is a legitimate and meaningful tie-in to his foundation" (Baltimore SUN, 9/15).
