Following last week's endorsement deal with Links
Direct, SI's "Golf Plus" notes that Fuzzy Zoeller "completed
the six-step program of image rehab: gaffe, denial, loss of
endorsements, apology, reacceptance, endorsements regained"
(SI, 4/27 issue)....Pacific Trading Cards signed Padres OF
Tony Gwynn as its spokesperson. Gwynn will appear in all
print and TV ads, as well as on display boxes, wrappers and
other promo materials during the '98 season (O.C. REGISTER,
4/22)....Jaguars QB Mark Brunell was named spokesperson for
Players Inc, the marketing arm of the NFLPA (Players Inc).
NOTES: TX-based Duckster, a maker of golf rain gear,
shirts and hats, has purchased Pro-Line Cap, which makes
headwear for sports teams, corporations, colleges and
related entities. Bill McCoy, a member of Duckster's board
of directors, has been named President of Pro-Line (FT.
WORTH STAR-TELEGRAM, 4/23)....ESPN's Pro Beach Hockey will
feature the first-ever continuous rotational signage for
hockey supplied by ANC Sports. ANC will supply 100 feet of
its Space and Time signage (PBH)....Gatorade will sponsor
"Breaking Barriers: It's a Complete Game," a new, multi-
curricular classroom educational program that uses the story
of Jackie Robinson to teach kids about American history,
life skills and ideals (MLB)....In Italy, "some lawmakers
want to sever that country's soccer ties with Nike over
allegations of labor abuse in Nike's Asian factories. A
leftist political party is behind the effort which gained
steam recently when the Italian team unveiled their World
Cup uniforms that features a Nike swoosh on the chest" (Bob
Ley, "SportsCenter," ESPN, 4/22).
