Former Pitt FB CONREDGE COLLINS is a plaintiff in a lawsuit "filed Tuesday against the NCAA" and the AAC for what is "described as 'reckless disregard for the health and safety of generations' of Pitt athletes on the part of the two organizations." The lawsuit was "one of 18 filed Monday and Tuesday" by Chicago-based firm Edelson. The firm has "filed 43 such suits since May on behalf of former college athletes." The latest round of lawsuits "involves former players" from, among other schools, Alabama, Ole Miss, Notre Dame, Maryland and UCLA. A judge in a previous case "ruled one large class-action concussion lawsuit could not be filed against the NCAA" (PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE, 10/6).
HAVE A DRINK ON ME: Univ. of Texas DE BRYCE COTTRELL is the "driving force behind Noble Wolf Vodka, a premium vodka that’s distilled from Florida grapefruits." Cottrell said that since its launch in June, nearly 2,000 bottles "have been sold in the Austin and San Antonio market." Cottrell started a company that now "includes an office ... three contract workers, a distribution deal with Republic National Distributing Company and a bronze medal" from the '16 San Diego Int'l Spirits Competition (HOOKEM.com, 10/5).
REMEMBERING A LEGEND: Lakers Exec VP/Business Operations JEANIE BUSS on Tuesday promoted a documentary that will “focus on the Showtime Lakers and the life of her late father,” former team Owner JERRY BUSS. Haven Entertainment is “producing the documentary.” As she “helps unearth material for it, she has delved into her father’s belongings and memorabilia from the Lakers’ glory days.” Lakers Special Events Manager LINDA RAMBIS, the wife of former Laker KURT RAMBIS, is “also involved with the project” (L.A. TIMES, 10/6)
NAMES: Patriots Owner ROBERT KRAFT yesterday interviewed Disney Chair & CEO BOB IGER at a meeting of the Boston College Chief Executives Club. Iger told Kraft that the five most important leadership qualities for someone to have are "high quality standards," courage, curiosity, focus and decisiveness (BOSTON GLOBE, 10/6)....ACE Media, the content creation arm of the NFLPA, today announced that it has appointed actress ALYSSA MILANO to its BOD. Milano is expected to play a significant role in participating in the company’s strategic decision making and helping navigate a wide array of athlete-driven projects and initiatives (Liz Mullen, Staff Writer)....The rivalry between BJORN BORG and JOHN MCENROE is the “centerpiece of a new film” entitled "BORG/MCENROE," starring Swedish actor SVERRIR GUDNASON as Borg and SHIA LABEOUF as McEnroe (REUTERS, 10/5)....Nike co-Founder & Chair Emeritus PHIL KNIGHT “gave at least $330,000 in personal campaign contributions to seven Oregon House Republican candidates in battleground districts late last month” (Eugene REGISTER-GUARD, 10/6).
