 |
Stern Subs For Webber
In “Apprentice” Finale |
NBC on Thursday aired the three-hour finale of “The Apprentice,” which showed finalist JENNIFER MASSEY organizing the Genworth Charity Basketball Classic, which featured the participation of NBA Commissioner DAVID STERN and Community Ambassador BOB LANIER, as well as 16 NBA players including DWYANE WADE, AMARE STOUDEMIRE, MICHAEL FINLEY, COREY MAGGETTE, TAYSHAUN PRINCE and DREW GOODEN. The game raises money for the NBA’s Read to Achieve Program. The other finalist, KELLY PERDEW, who ultimately was picked as DONALD TRUMP’s next apprentice, organized the Genworth Trump Polo Cup (THE DAILY).
WEBB OF LIES? Last week’s show made viewers believe that Kings F CHRIS WEBBER cancelled his appearance as emcee of the charity basketball game. During the finale, Massey said to Webber’s manager on the phone, “The bottom line is Chris had a very firm commitment with us. Not only that, but he’s [canceling] at the very last minute. You’re leaving us without an emcee for this event. We have sold it all along as a Chris Webber event because you guys committed to that. It basically blows the entire event.” Former contestant PAMELA commented, “(Jennifer) bitch-slapped Chris Webber’s assistant.” Jennifer: “What ended up happening was I chose the NBA Commissioner DAVID STERN to serve in that role (as emcee).” Prior to the game, Stern said to Jennifer, “Thanks for what you’re doing here. ... Now that I’m here, just tell me what to do” (NBC, 12/16). But Webber contends that he was “contacted by the show’s producers but didn’t give permission for his name to be used.” Webber: “My lawyers are looking at legal action now. There was never a part in the show. They wanted to entice me to come on there. But I said I really didn't care about being on their show. So no, I never agreed to do it, and my people are upset that they tried to use my name to snare interest for their last show” (SACRAMENTO BEE, 12/11).
SIGNAGE: During the planning of the basketball game, as well as the game itself, Pamela and CHRIS wore Reebok jerseys. In addition, Microsoft had installed several plasma TV’s and Xbox game consoles for the NBA players to use. There were Reebok and Xbox signs throughout the complex. Xbox, Reebok and Gatorade also had courtside signage. The Xbox logo and colors were painted on each of the lanes on the court (THE DAILY).
