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Morning Buzz

Morning Buzz, March 14, 2003

The Daily Insider
Morning News & Headlines
Friday, March 14, 2003
9:00am ET

Golisano Today Will Seek Final Approval Of Sabres Asset Purchase Agreement

IOC Evaluation Commission Spending The Weekend In Salzburg, Austria

After Seeing Toxicology Reports, Fehr Today Will Issue Another Ephedra Memo

NHL Marketing Meetings Wrap Today In Atlanta

Miller Lite To Get "Catty" During The NCAA Tournament

Morning Briefs/In Other News/Laugh Track/TV Monitor/Final Jeopardy!


DETAILS ON GOLISANO'S REPORTED SABRES DEAL TO EMERGE TODAY

The AP reports that B. Thomas Golisano "has agreed to buy the bankrupt Sabres," and today will seek "final approval from U.S. Bankruptcy Court." An NHL source said that "more details will emerge after the hearing." Golisano's offer is "expected to be worth more than $50[M], taking into account the team's projected $23[M] in losses this season and a $22.9[M] loan taken out on the construction of its arena." Golisano has scheduled a 1:30pm ET news conference at the HSBC Center in Buffalo (AP, 3/14).


IOC'S TOUR AND EVALUATION OF SALZBURG CONTINUES TODAY

The IOC Evaluation Commission continues its visit to Salzburg, Austria, today to review the city's bid to host the 2010 Winter Olympics. AROUND THE RINGS noted that today's activities will feature a venue tour, with "similar activities" planned for the weekend. The only official press conference for the weekend is set for 6:30pm local time Sunday (AROUND THE RINGS, 3/7).

The N.Y. DAILY NEWS reports that IOC President Jacques Rogge, while in town for the 2003 World Congress of Sports, presented by Octagon and sister-publication SportsBusiness Journal,met N.Y. Mayor Michael Bloomberg and NY Gov. George Pataki for the first time yesterday. Rogge spent 90 minutes with Bloomberg in the morning and lunched with Edward Cardinal Egan, former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger and Manhattan Borough President Virginia Fields at City Hall. Rogge, on N.Y.'s bid for the 2012 Games: "There is great enthusiasm. There is a great unity between the different actors – the mayor, the governor, the trade unions, the different representatives of the different communities. So, this bodes very well" (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 3/14).

The AP notes that Rogge "believes a war in Iraq would not affect" the '04 Games in Athens or N.Y.'s bid for the 2012 Games. Rogge, on the war's effect on the NYC2012 bid: "I'm adamant. We are dealing with a sports issue. We are dealing with an organizing committee. Furthermore, if there might be any reservation, the vote is in July of 2005. That's still a long way" (AP, 3/13).

BLOOMBERG NEWS reports that the IOC is building a $200M "emergency fund that might be used if any Games are canceled or cut back because of security problems or poor management." The money comes from the IOC's general income (BLOOMBERG NEWS, 3/13).


FEHR TO SEND MEMO TODAY AS FURTHER WARNING ABOUT EPHEDRA

USA TODAY reports that MLBPA Dir Don Fehr today is sending a memo to all players to discuss the results of the toxicology reports from Orioles P Steve Bechler's death. In the memo, Fehr suggests that "there appear to be several contributing causes of death," but adds, "The medical examiner's report should not be construed as at all inconsistent with, or undermining the importance of, our previous warnings about supplements containing ephedra or ephedrine." (USA TODAY, 3/14).

MLB Commissioner Bud Selig yesterday issued a statement on ephedra: "The report from the coroner on the death of Steve Bechler does not diminish Major League Baseball's concern over the safety of ephedra usage, particularly in the context of professional sports. The Commissioner's Office will continue to pursue all available avenues to secure the appropriate regulation of this substance and other nutritional supplements. We remain prepared to discuss the issues raised by Mr. Bechler's tragic death with the Players Association" (THE DAILY).

The MIAMI HERALD reports that MLB and the MLBPA "combined to publish a booklet in June 2001 saying ephedrine had potentially deadly side effects." The booklet, "Steroids and Nutritional Supplements," compiled by Dr. Robert Millman and Dr. Joel Solomon, "summarized the effects and side effects of 10 substances," including ephedrine (MIAMI HERALD, 3/14).


NHL MARKETING MEETINGS CONCLUDE TODAY IN ATLANTA

The NHL's Club Marketing Meetings conclude today at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in Atlanta. The ATLANTA CONSTITUTION reports that NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman, Thrashers president Stan Kasten and Thrashers GM Don Waddell held a "pregame question- and-answer session with about 300 Atlanta season-ticket holders" before last night's Canadiens-Thrashers game (ATLANTA CONSTITUTION, 3/14).


HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE FINAL DAY OF THE WORLD CONGRESS OF SPORTS

Yesterday at the 2003 World Congress of Sports, presented by Octagon and sister publication SportsBusiness Journal, The Daily's Editor-At-Large Terry Lefton moderated a panel discussion entitled, "Thinking Within And Beyond The Borders: Fitting Sports Into A Global Marketing Agenda." Panelists included A-B VP/Global Media & Sports Marketing Tony Ponturo, Coca-Cola Senior VP/Worldwide Media & Alliances Chuck Fruit, Visa Exec VP/Brand Marketing Becky Saeger, Interpublic Sports & Entertainment Group Chair & CEO Mark Dowley and IOC Marketing Dir Michael Payne.

Dowley, on Olympic sponsorship: "First and foremost, I think buying at the USOC actually right now is a good time because you can get a very good deal," adding that companies need to view Olympic sponsorship from a long-term perspective.

Ponturo, on the same issue: "We don't think as a company it's really our job to manage the business of sports. Our job is to market our products and associate with the right things that will enhance or build the quality of our brands. So I think it's not our place to be involved with that. We can encourage to do the right things, but I don't think we need a seat at the table."

When asked if she has noticed any effects at Visa because of the troubles within the USOC, Saeger said, "No we haven't, and that would be consistent with research we did after the Salt Lake scandal."

Lefton asked Payne what kind of benefits sponsors are currently asking for in order to increase ROI, noting that he didn't expect the IOC would be distributing visible signage anytime soon. Payne responded, "We're not going to introduce signage actually. A few people on this table have even turned around and said the day we do introduce signage we'll withdraw our sponsorship because you would so materially change what it is that makes the Olympics so unique and special" (THE DAILY).

For more from World Congress, see today's issue of The Daily.


BURK, ACLU REITERATE FRUSTRATION WITH PROTEST LOCATION

NCWO Chair Martha Burk and the ACLU of GA yesterday "reiterated … that a court fight likely will determine the location of her protest" against Augusta National. ACLU of GA Legal Dir Gerry Weber said of the designated location for protesting, which is not at the front gates to the club as Burk has applied for, "Our clients rightly decided that this location … far from eye and ear distance, is not acceptable" (ATLANTA CONSTITUTION, 3/14). The ST. PETE TIMES notes, "In the first TV interview with an Augusta National official since the debate over whether to admit a female member, HBO Real Sports host Bryant Gumbel will talk with media consultant Jim McCarthy, hired by the club to handle the controversy" (ST. PETE TIMES, 3/14).


MORNING BRIEFS

The SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER reports that Mavericks Owner Mark Cuban was in Seattle for last night's Mavericks-Sonics game, and he "talked to fans before the game about `The New Era of Ownership in Professional Sports.'" When asked what frustrates him the most about the NBA, Cuban responded, "Obviously, officiating. It's one of those things that can't be fixed, isn't being fixed." Sonics Majority Owner Howard Schultz was sitting beside Cuban but declined comment (SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER, 3/14).

The N.Y. DAILY NEWS reports that Nets G Jason Kidd said before the season that "a new arena for the Nets in Newark would not 'hold any major weight' with his decision" to opt for free agency. But one Nets player said, "I know it matters to (Kidd) as far as playing in a city. Especially when we see the teams that play in a new arena, I think it does matter a lot" (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 3/14).

The WASHINGTON POST reports that some MD state senators said that "they have decided to throw out Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr.'s troubled plan to legalize slot machines and that they weren't 'starting from scratch' in drafting their own gambling proposal." The pro-gambling Senators said that Ehrlich's bill "didn't provide enough money for public schools and was filled with too many other flaws." Ehrlich was also criticized for "waiting too long to complete his plan and for not providing (the senators) with written research or analysis about how he came up with his idea to operate 11,500 slot machines" at four horseracing tracks (WASHINGTON POST, 3/14).

The Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE reports that the A-League MN Thunder have reached an agreement with WMNN-AM for the station to carry six games this season, including their home opener on May 4 against the Cincinnati RiverHawks (Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE, 3/14).

NBA Kings F Chris Webber was honored with the NBA Community Assist Award for the month of February (THE DAILY).


A LIGHTER BUZZ

The MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINEL reports that Miller Brewing yesterday unveiled ten new TV spots for its Miller Lite brand, including five spinoffs from the brand's oft-discussed "Catfight" spot. Most of the new ads, including the "Catfight" sequels, will debut "over several weeks, starting with next week's NCAA men's basketball tournament" (MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINEL, 3/14).


THE BACK PAGES

The Morning Buzz offers today's back page sports covers from some of the nation's major metropolitan tabloids:

N.Y. Post
N.Y. Daily News
Philadelphia Daily News
Boston Herald


IN CASE YOU MISSED IT…..

Every Friday, the Morning Buzz highlights a video clip, chart or piece of information that might have fallen through the cracks. This week, Kim Cattrall from "Sex And The City" talks about "Hockey And The City." But it turns out the chilled-audience watching Elvis Costello fill-in for David Letterman hasn't heard that there is an NHL team in N.Y. Perhaps the Rangers could sign some high-priced talent to make the headlines more often (THE DAILY).



IN OTHER NEWS….

The HOLLYWOOD REPORTER notes that TNT's weekend movie block from April 11-Sept. 28 will become the "Diet Coke MovieFest." Commercial breaks throughout the movie "will feature vignettes of contestants mimicking famous lines from the movie being shown. Similar to Coke's customized sponsorship of Fox's `American Idol,' the soft drink brand will be omnipresent throughout the competition as well as other aspects of the movie block." Financial terms were not disclosed, but sources said that the deal "is believed to be one of the biggest cable advertising buys Coke has ever made, spending nearly the entire television budget it has allocated to Diet Coke this year" (HOLLYWOOD REPORTER, 3/14).

ADAGE.com reports that Coca-Cola CMO Stephen Jones has resigned, "as expected." A search is "underway for a replacement who would report to " Coca-Cola President & COO Steven Heyer (ADAGE.com, 3/13).

USA TODAY reports that the U.S. House of Representatives Financial Services Committee panel passed a bill yesterday that "makes it a crime for Internet gambling businesses to accept credit cards or other wired transactions" (USA TODAY, 3/14).


FINAL JEOPARDY QUESTION

Last night's "Final Jeopardy!" category was "Early American History."

"On September 8, 1565 the first Catholic parish in what is now the U.S. was founded at this settlement."


LAUGH TRACK

THE MONOLOGUES:

Last night's edition of CBS' "Late Show" featured guest host Will Ferrell who did a monologue. Ferrell: "It's great to be here in Atlantic City. As you can see, I made my own gown. Welcome to the 'Late Show,' I'm your host, Queen Latifah. ... How many of you are here because you couldn't get into 'Old School?' In case you haven't seen the film, 'Old School' is about a bunch of older guys who hate responsibility and decide to start a fraternity. President Bush thought it was a documentary. ... Have you ever noticed when Bush disagrees with a world leader, he has a trick he does talking about their similarities." Ferrell imitating Bush said, "The Pope and I have talked about a common ground. We share many things in common with Italy. Such as spaghettis and nachos. Many of our words come from Latin, such as latino and latin explosion." Ferrell said CBS' David Letterman "is the world's biggest Kenny Rogers fans" so Ferrell sang Rogers' "Lady" to Letterman ("Late Show," CBS, 3/13).

NBC's Jay Leno: "President Bush hit the phone banks again today trying to win support for this U.N. resolution. He didn't get any countries to join us but he did get four of the countries to switch their long distance carrier. ... What do you call a French soldier in Iraq? Lost! ... Mexico still can't decide if they're with us in this Iraqi war. They think we might be moving too fast. See, Mexico thinks we should invade Iraq gradually. A few dozen people each night. ... The latest rumor is that Saddam Hussein has set-up training camps for suicide bombers in Iraq. God, do you believe that? It's training camp season already. ... How lame are you when you need training on blowing yourself up? ... They issued another terror alert today. Yeah, Robert Blake is getting out on bail. ... I guess he has to wear one of those electronic ankle bracelets. But listen to this. Because (CA) is so broke, the bracelet is coin-operated. ... McDonalds said today they're going to begin testing free Internet service at some of the (N.Y.) McDonalds restaurants. You get an hour free on the Internet. The good part is if you're looking at porn, for $0.39 you can supersize. ... It seems a church in (N.H.) is letting AT&T Wireless build a cellular antennae into the church's steeple. The only side effect, everytime the minister starts to pray now, he says, 'God, can you hear me now?'" ("Tonight Show," NBC, 3/13)

LATE NIGHT LAUGHS:

CBS' Craig Kilborn: "I just want to say to the French girl who broke off our date tonight: I'm prepared to go it alone. President Bush found out something this week – between the countries of Cameroon, Chile, Angola and Syria, Angola plays the best music when they put you on hold. On March 25 Bill Clinton will be the guest narrator at the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra, then on March 26, Hillary Clinton will discover that there is no such thing as the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra. … Former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell says she once had a lesbian fling. I am not going to judge her. As long as she wasn't singing, who cares? Am I right?" ("The Late Late Show," CBS, 3/13).


THURSDAY NIGHT'S TV MONITOR

Last night's 11:30pm ET 30-minute edition of ESPN's "SportsCenter" led with UCLA-Arizona, followed by Oregon-Arizona St. and Georgetown-Syracuse NCAA men's basketball.


FINAL JEOPARDY ANSWER

"What is St. Augustine, (FL)?"


If you have any questions, comments or suggestions, please let us know at:
dailyinsider@sportsbusinessdaily.com

The Morning Buzz provides an early update of the news and headlines each Monday through Friday at approximately 9:00am ET. If you would like to sign up for an e-mail alert to the Morning Buzz, go to My Account and personalize your e-mail alert options.

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