The increasing number of pro athletes gaining CONTROL
OF THEIR NAMES AND IMAGES is examined by Marcia Chambers of
the N.Y. TIMES. Players and agents "maintain that in an age
of rampant commercialism they must hold onto the hottest
property they know: themselves." RIGHTS-OF-PUBLICITY
STATUTES, along with federal court opinions and trademark
laws, have "expanded the rights of stars and athletes to
protect their images in the marketplace" (N.Y. TIMES, 2/16).
...PHIL JACKSON is "asking" $45,000 to $55,000 per speaking
engagement, though his attorney, TODD MUSBURGER, said that
speeches were not being booked for the fall because "there's
always a possibility that coaching duties might interfere."
Musburger also "confirmed" ongoing discussions between TNT
and Jackson regarding a studio analyst position (CHICAGO
TRIBUNE, 2/16)....NBC's BOB COSTAS will return to host NBC's
"Later" for several weeks in May (DAILY VARIETY, 2/16).
...DAVID DUVAL is profiled in NEWSWEEK, and Mark Starr
reports that "though his recent [success] has brought him
newfound fame and visibility (he has deals with Titleist,
Tommy Hilfiger, Oakley and Charles Schwab, among others),
Duval doesn't covet the limelight" (NEWSWEEK, 2/22)....BARRY
DILLER was profiled in the N.Y. TIMES and talks of his plans
for USA Networks: "You will see us looking for opportunities
to add cable networks, broadcast stations and probably film
production and distribution" (N.Y. TIMES, 2/15).
