UFC President DANA WHITE, former NFLer TIM TEBOW and golfer NATALIE GULBIS are among the names on the "roster of speakers" for the Republican National Convention. Tebow in particular is "known for his conservative views." But several people presumptive Republican nominee DONALD TRUMP "said he would invite to speak," including boxing promoter DON KING, were "not included" on the list. Neither was Patriots QBTOM BRADY (N.Y. TIMES, 7/14). Gulbis in '09 appeared on the second season of NBC's "CELEBRITY APPEARANCE" (THE DAILY).
READY TO RUMBLE: VARIETY's Gene Maddaus profiled former MMA fighter MARKWAYNE MULLIN, who is "now a Republican congressman from Oklahoma." He has "proposed legislation that would force the UFC to share financial information with fighters and create an independent ranking system, both steps that would give greater leverage to fighters." The UFC "has been adamantly opposed to the bill, called the Ali Expansion Act." Mullin said, "Maybe this new group will see the importance of the athlete to make sure the sport is sustainable" (VARIETY.com, 7/13).
HIGH HONOR: Former NFL Exec VP/Communications & Public Affairs JOE BROWNE has been named the recipient of the Pro Football HOF's Ralph Hay Pioneer Award, given to a person who has made significant contributions to pro football. Browne spent 50 years in the NFL. The award has been handed out only eight prior times (Pro Football HOF).
NAMES: Browns RB ISAIAH CROWELL said that he "will donate about $35,000 to a fallen officers in Dallas as part of his apology for posting a drawing on Instagram last week showing a police officer getting his throat slashed" (AJC.com, 7/13)....Nearly 100 Special Olympics athletes on Tuesday were at Ford Field where they took a “tour of the facility” and practiced football drills on the field. This is the second year the Lions Summer Football Camp worked with Special Olympics Michigan, but it was the “first time the athletes came to Ford Field” (FREEP.com, 7/13)....Golfer CRISTIE KERR has launched her second wine project, Kerr Cellars, to go along with Cristie Kerr Wines (Kerr Cellars).
-----------------------------------GAME CHANGERS CONFERENCE-----------------------------------
The fourth annual Game Changers Conference will be held September 15 at the New York Marriott Marquis, Times Square. This year's program will examine the role that women executives play in sports business as well as examine women as consumers, women’s sports and a whole range of related topics.
This year's program will also feature a Career Breakfast Session and topics will include the importance of networking, mentor/mentee roles and how to seek out the best opportunities within your company for growth. To register or view the full agenda. click here.
