ESPN BOSTON's Mike Reiss noted while most other head coaches either wore camouflage headsets or sweatshirts on the sideline during games as part of the NFL’s “Salute to Service” campaign, Patriots coach Bill Belichick "did not." The coach during the Week 9 game against the Redskins "did his part by putting an NFL-themed pin about halfway down the left side of his plain blue Patriots light jacket." Reiss: "When I see things like that, I often wonder the reaction of the folks at NFL headquarters, and also how Belichick -- a big military supporter -- seems to take some pleasure in being a nonconformist" (ESPNBOSTON.com, 11/15).
VICTORY FORMATION: In Orlando, Cindy Barth reported locally based Victory Tailgate "signed a licensing agreement" with the NFL "for its cornhole sets, bag sets and tumble towers." The company "will offer its licensed cornhole boards and tumble towers for all 32 NFL teams." Company Owner & CEO Scott Sims said that the sets "will be available in time for the holidays." Victory Tailgate is a "licensed partner with more than 600 colleges, major professional sports leagues and others" (BIZJOURNALS.com, 11/16).
SEEING RED: Austin-based Big Red Soda is teaming up with Spurs F Matt Bonner for a limited-edition two-liter bottle to commemorate his 10 years with the team. Bonner is one of only six players to join the team's exclusive 10-year club. Starting in mid-November, consumers in central and south Texas can purchase the limited-run bottles while supplies last (Big Red).
FLEXING ITS MUSCLE: Recent SEC filings show that MusclePharm has entered into a partnership with the Cavaliers. The total contractual payments under the agreement as of Sept. 30 are $2.4M with additional payments for potential playoff games. The company in '15 has also entered into multiyear partnerships with NYC FC and EPL club Manchester City, as well as strategic partnerships with the UFC, Tiger Woods and other athletes (THE DAILY).
