Marketplace Roundup
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Nash (c) Helping Dedicate Recently
Refurbished Basketball Court In Phoenix |
FORBES' Tom Van Riper wrote "activism is back," and "perhaps no big time jock is poised to benefit more than [Suns G Steve] Nash, who never hesitated to criticize the war even when public opinion favored it and was an activist before activism was cool." Ketchum Sports VP Kerry Slatkoff said because Nash wears and endorses a Nike sneaker made from recycled rubber, the Nike Trash Talk, "doesn't seem like a marketing gimmick with him." Van Riper wrote if the public keeps "placing increasing importance on such things, [Nash is] set up to join Nike's A list." Nash previously has turned down offers for SUVs and fast food, instead opting to "work with organizations that he sees as sharing his zest for certain causes." His latest venture is a "line of skincare products for athletes" from Mission Product (FORBES.com, 5/20).
NO ORDINARY JOE: Qwest Communications has renewed its deal with Twins C Joe Mauer to serve as a spokesperson in Minnesota for the second straight season. Mauer will appear in the "Upgrade Your Power" ad campaign that promotes Qwest's high-speed Internet service. The company will donate $100 to Mentoring Partnership of Minnesota for every RBI Mauer earns this season, up to $10,000 (Qwest).
NOT GOING ANYWHERE: SPORTINGNEWS.com's Chris Littmann reported EA Sports plans to "re-up its NFL license" for its Madden franchise. EA also recently "showed off an alpha build of an All-Play version" of Madden, which included a five-on-five mode and "scaled-down user menus that are less complicated" (SPORTINGNEWS.com, 5/21).
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