In N.Y., Ken Belson reports when U.S. wrestlers could take home "substantial earnings for finishing first, second or third" at Rio. The bonuses come "courtesy of a fraternity of well-heeled former wrestlers, several of whom happen to have made it big on Wall Street." Among them are Michael Novogratz, a "private equity tycoon who wrestled at Princeton," and Ironstate Development Company President David Barry, who "wrestled at Columbia." They aim to give a "lift to a sport that was nearly booted from the Olympics program several years ago." U.S. wrestler Jordan Burroughs would receive $500,000 for "successfully defending his title at the Rio Games." The rewards "offset the lack of endorsement deals and American government funding for the Olympians" (N.Y. TIMES, 8/11).
THE RULES OF GOLF: French golfer Julien Quesne wore a Ping Golf logo on his cap today during the first round of the Olympic competition despite IOC rules stipulating corporate logos are prohibited except on equipment. Golf journalist Rick Young wrote on Twitter, "That will thrill the crew in Phoenix. IOC ? Not so much" (TWITTER.com, 8/11). Meanwhile, Danish golfer Thorbjorn Olesen wore a Nike hat when being introduced on the first tee this morning (TWITTER.com, 8/11).
PLEAD YOUR CASE: In Boston, Shirley Leung notes former Boston 2024 chair Steve Pagliuca will be "down in Rio next week to make the case" for L.A. Pagliuca, who is also a Celtics investor, has joined the board of LA 2024, the group that is "trying to bring the Summer Games" to L.A. (BOSTON GLOBE, 8/11).
EDUCATION FIRST: U.S. swimmer Lilly King, who made headlines for her anti-doping stance after winning Gold earlier this week, "admitted she has no plans to turn pro." She instead will "return to college at Indiana, with classes starting next week" (USA TODAY, 8/11).
GAME OF CHANCE: Chance the Rapper "provides the soulful backdrop" to a new video from Nike Basketball supporting the U.S. men's basketball team. The song, "We the People," is an "anthem for the USA Basketball team." It will be "available on iTunes and SoundCloud" from today and on Spotify from tomorrow (CREATIVITY-ONLINE.com, 8/10).
