Gatorade has "signed up-and-coming superstar boxer Ryan Garcia to an endorsement deal." Garcia, 22, "has already developed into one of the biggest stars in boxing because of the success he has enjoyed thus far," with a 21-0 record, 18 knockouts and a WBC interim lightweight title to his name after a Jan. 2 win over Luke Campbell. While Garcia "hasn't fought many big names yet, that could soon change," as a bout with Manny Pacquiao "may be on tap" (BLEACHERREPORT.com, 1/29). Garcia is "the first professional boxer Gatorade has signed to a national deal in the U.S." (WORLDBOXINGNEWS.net, 1/29).

BROWN UNIV.

Brown AD Jack Hayes will leave the school on Feb. 5 and will become senior advisor to Bruin Sports Capital beginning March 1. Brown Deputy AD Colin Sullivan will serve as interim AD while Brown conducts a national search for Hayes' successor. In his new role at Bruin Sports Capital, Hayes will advise on and analyze new ventures and investment opportunities across all levels of sports, health/fitness and education. Hayes joined Brown in '12 and has served on various NCAA committees, including a term as chair of the Men's Lacrosse Championship Committee (Brown Univ.).

The '21 IMSA season starts this weekend with the 59th annual Rolex 24 hour race at Daytona, highlighted by a greater contingent of NASCAR drivers entering the event than usual. Entrants include Jimmie Johnson, who is transitioning to IndyCar this year, along with reigning Cup champ Chase Elliott and Austin Dillon. There are also several IndyCar drivers in the field, including six-time champion Scott Dixon, Simon Pagenaud and Juan Pablo Montoya. A total of 18 different car manufacturers are entering the different IMSA competitions at Daytona this weekend, including the likes of Lamborghini, McLaren, Mercedes, Porsche, Lexus, Ferrari and BMW.

The 24-hour endurance race will have its first hour aired on NBC on Saturday at 3:30pm ET, then go to NBCSN and NBC Sports Gold for the next 22 hours of coverage, before NBC picks back up for the final hour on Sunday afternoon starting at 2:00pm. This is the first major event of the year at Daytona ahead of next month’s Daytona 500, though it will be scaled back this year because of the pandemic.

Former WPEN-AM personality Marc Farzetta has "resurfaced with the launch of a new daily morning show to be broadcast exclusively on social media." Beginning Feb. 1, “The Farzy Show” air weekdays on platforms including YouTube, Twitch, Facebook, and Twitter. Farzetta "describes the show as bringing together a feel of traditional radio and TV" in a new-media format. Former NFLer Hugh Douglas will be a recurring guest. Farzetta was let go as WPEN morning host and replaced by John Kincade about two months ago (BIZJOURNALS.com, 1/29).

The NHL appointed its second group of NHL Power Players, an "advisory board made up of fans ages 13-17 who are bringing their best ideas to help grow the game with a younger audience." The group of 25 kids from the U.S. and Canada, up from 15 in '19, was selected from a pool of applicants that "had to participate in a three-part interview process." Throughout the season, members will meet virtually and "make suggestions on marketing the NHL, community engagement, rules of play, events and social media content" (NHL.com, 1/29).

MLB named Baseball HOFer Ken Griffey Jr. a Senior Advisor to Commissioner Rob Manfred. Griffey will focus on baseball operations and youth development, particularly regarding improving diversity at the amateur level (MLB).

The 49ers unveiled a completely virtual tour showcasing the 49ers Museum presented by Foxconn Industrial Internet. The program will provide fans with the first opportunity to explore the 49ers Museum since the facility closed in March. See the full tour (49ers).

The Blackhawks hired Matt Gray as VP/Business Strategy & Analytics, reporting directly to team President of Business Operations Jaime Faulkner. Gray was previously with E15, the Chicago-based consulting strategy and analytics company founded by Faulkner (Blackhawks).

Dick's Sporting Goods is marking the upcoming National Girls & Women in Sports Day (Feb. 3), with expanded its efforts in support of female athletes. These include donating 100,000 DSG Brand sports bras to under-resourced female athletes, a #StrongerWithSports social media effort and exclusive release of the Brooks Running "Empower Her" collection (DSG).

"We haven't played in front of a crowd in over a year. ... For having us, and trusting us with your laws, was great. We were so happy to be here, and now it's worth it" -- Serena Williams, addressing the fans during an on-court interview at a pre-Australian Open tune-up event in Adelaide (TWITTER.com, 1/29).

“I’m proud to be a woman GM, I’m very thankful to be recognized. But ultimately, the work isn’t done. I have the opportunity, now what am I going to do with it? That’s where my intent, my sense of urgency is” -- G League Capital City Go-Go GM Amber Nichols (WASHINGTON POST, 1/29).

We've lost John Thompson and John Chaney -- Big John and Little John -- in the span of 5 months. In the 1980s and 1990s there were no greater fighters on behalf of black athletes and coaches. It hurts that both of their voices are permanently silenced. https://t.co/ZqIdN4zDIc

— J.A. Adande (@jadande) January 29, 2021

In the event of a lockout and provided that the union decertifies, I will happily represent, on a pro bono basis, any and all MLS players who are currently under contract and wish to file a claim before FIFA in order to permanently leave their clubs on free transfers.

— Jake Cohen (@JakeFCohen) January 29, 2021

Thank you and good luck to Garrett Schwartz (@garrett_ds) who exits Fox today after two years of invaluable help on my team. Garrett now joins the sports betting start-up The Gaming Society. Remember his name. You’ll be hearing it for a long time.

— Michael Mulvihill (@mulvihill79) January 29, 2021

As for VP of Player Personnel Kyle Smith, he is leaving Washington to take a similar role with another franchise, according to sources familiar with the situation. Just completed his 11th season in Washington and ran the draft board the last 3 years. Not surprising, but done.

— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) January 29, 2021

An ethical dilemma of conflicting rights: women's vs. trans. Craig Telfer ranked 200/390 in 2016/2017 track-and-field NCAA 400 m hurdles. CeCe Telfer was 3rd & 7th in 2019. NCAA allows men to compete as trans women after 1 year of testosterone suppression. Fair? No. Solution? pic.twitter.com/5wVoDBPJMw

— Michael Shermer (@michaelshermer) January 29, 2021

TheScore's TikTok account helps showcase trick-shot artist and NBA media personality Brad Parker's impressive trading card collection.

Saturday

Fox at 1:00pm ET will air a throwback special on the '97 “All-Time All-Madden Super Bowl Team.”

14,600 -- Square feet of digital display space as part of Phoenix Suns Arena's new venue-wide LED system manufactured and installed by Daktronics. That includes centerhung, lobby and auxiliary displays. The centerhung display is six times larger than its predecessor (Daktronics).