In Boston, Donna Goodison writes analysts expect newly appointed adidas CEO Kasper Rorsted to "usher in some cost-cutting to improve Adidas margins and to potentially sell more non-core businesses, leading to some speculation about Reebok." But NPD Group Sports Industry Analyst Matt Powell "doesn’t expect the new CEO to make any drastic immediate changes." Powell: "Reebok is right-sized and stable, so there is no urgency. They’ve reported growth in Reebok over the last year or so. I would expect a strategic review of all aspects of the business, but done in a methodical manner" (BOSTON HERALD, 1/19).
ALL IN THE FAMILY: In Phoenix, Andrew Joseph noted Cardinals QB Carson Palmer was "featured in Dove's #RealStrength campaign for his active role as a father for his three children." Both Palmer and his son Fletch "had leg surgeries around the same time last year." With both "going through the physical rehab together, Carson used that time to bond with his son." The video showed how football does not stop Palmer "from staying present as a father." The spot "presented a genuine look at Palmer" (AZCENTRAL.com, 1/18).
KIND OF A BIG DEAL: GOLF WORLD'sJoel Beall wrote Jordan Spieth's multiyear endorsement deal with Coca-Cola, "in tandem with his AT&T affiliation, signals that the 22-year-old Texan has transcended golf and become an identifiable cross-over star." Many golfers are "sponsored by major mainstream companies, but representing an iconic brand like Coca-Cola leaves Spieth the game's most marketable player since Tiger Woods" (GOLFWORLDDIGITAL.com, 1/18).
OWENS HOMAGE: In Houston, Jonathan Feigen wrote Rockets G James Harden yesterday wore "commemorative shoes for the Martin Luther King Day game to honor Olympic track champion and pioneer Jesse Owens." The shoes, which "include Owens’ 773 bib number" from the '36 Olympics, are "produced by adidas in conjunction with the release of a movie about Owens." They were also worn yesterday by T'Wolves G Andrew Wiggins, Bulls G Derrick Rose and Trail Blazers G Damian Lillard. Additional players will "wear the shoes throughout the month" (CHRON.com, 1/18).
