UFC fighter Holly Holm has "signed an endorsement deal with a supplement maker that sells products banned from UFC and deemed illegal" by the FDA, according to Josh Peter of USA TODAY. Holm "recently agreed to a two-year deal with Hi-Tech Pharmaceuticals." In a new ad, Holm is "pictured next to five bottled Hi-Tech products, three of which are advertised as containing DMAA." The FDA in '13 said that the stimulant "poses potentially serious health risks." It is also "on the list of substances banned" by the WADA. UFC in a statement added that Holm and all other independent-contractor athletes at UFC events "are free to accept endorsements and sponsorships from supplement or other companies that don't conflict with their contractual obligations at UFC events." While Holm "sponsors a company that sells products containing a banned substance, it does not mean she uses the supplements in question." It is not the first time Holm has "promoted a banned product." During her fight against Ronda Rousey, Holm was "sponsored by Intel Pharma, a company that has sold products labeled as Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators (SARMS), considered steroid alternatives and on WADA’s banned substance list" (USA TODAY, 1/16).
ON THE BIG SCREEN: DEADLINE's Mike Fleming reported Universal Pictures has "acquired a comedy pitch" titled "Do Nothing Bitches" in a high-six-figure deal that has actress Tina Fey "set to star alongside" Rousey. The film "is a female-empowerment tale dealing with wealthy pampered wives who get a rude awakening at a camp where Rousey plays the no-nonsense instructor" (DEADLINE.com, 1/15). ESPN.com's Brett Okamoto noted Rousey "has filed for 16 trademarks to the phrase 'Do Nothing Bitch' or variations of it." A shirt with it "printed on the front sold 57,000 units," and singer Beyonce "featured a clip of it during a live concert" (ESPN.com, 1/15).
