Former Travelers Group CEO JAY FISHMAN, who "became a national advocate for research" into ALS, died Friday at the age of 63. He "served as co-Chair of the PGA Tour Travelers Championship," which was held in Cromwell, Conn., and whose "main charitable beneficiary was a Connecticut hospital that provides care to ALS patients" (AP, 8/19).
PAPERBACK WRITER? Former Browns GM MICHAEL LOMBARDI, who most recently served as an assistant to the Patriots' coaching staff, has now "landed with Fox Sports as a football analyst" and is "working on a book" (ESPNBOSTON.com, 8/19).
CAP GURU: In California, Dan Woike profiled computer scientist LARRY COON, who is "one of the most knowledgeable people in the NBA" when it comes to the salary cap and the CBA. He operates CBAFAQ.com, the "go-to reference used by teams, players, agents and reporters." He is currently leading the Sports Business Classroom at UNLV, which nearly 20 students have "paid $2,500" to attend (ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER, 8/21).
SNAP, CRACKLE, POP: In Green Bay, Richard Ryman profiled Packers Dir of Public Affairs AARON POPKEY, who is in his 24th year with the organization. His position is a "relatively new" one that has him "representing the Packers in the community, such as at government meetings and on the boards of community organizations, and coordinating requests from the media and the public." After President & CEO MARK MURPHY, Popkey is the "non-football face of the Packers." Popkey's transition into non-football operations "was the result of Lambeau Field's expansion and a belief that the team was not getting its message across about its community involvement" (GREEN BAY PRESS-GAZETTE, 8/21).
NAMES: Former Michigan football coach LLOYD CARR has "opted to retire" from his position on the CFP Selection Committee. Carr is "considering surgery for a non-life threatening issue that could require an extended recovery period." He was slated to "begin his first year on the CFP selection committee this fall." The committee will "now have 12 members" (DETROIT NEWS, 8/20)....ESPN college basketball writer EAMONN BRENNAN and WHITNEY MITCHELL, Press Secretary for U.S. Sen. KIRSTEN GILLIBRAND (D-N.Y.), got married on Saturday at the Inn at Willow Grove in Orange, Va. (POLITICO.com, 8/21).....Basketball HOFer MAGIC JOHNSON and his wife, COOKIE, tonight will host a reception at their home for Democratic presidential nominee HILLARY CLINTON. Among those expected to attend include Disney Chair & CEO BOB IGER, TV reporter WILLOW BAY, Legendary Entertainment Chair & CEO and Steelers investor THOMAS TULL and his wife, ALBA, and Wasserman CEO CASEY WASSERMAN (POLITICO.com, 8/21).
