In Detroit, Bill Shea profiles HUNTER LOCHMANN, who left the Knicks in December to become the Univ. of Michigan athletic department's first CMO. Lochmann said, "It's a pretty unique position in college sports. There are going to be a lot of eyes on what I do and how I do it." Lochmann plans to "add at least a couple of more staffers to the current three full-time marketing positions," and also will "ask for more money for promotions." He plans to "explore how the department can better use its popular website, www.mgoblue.com, while also looking at mobile device applications and other technologies to sell tickets and raise revenue" (CRAIN'S DETROIT BUSINESS, 2/14 issue).
MAN WITH A PLAN: In Seattle, Charles Bermant profiled Korrio CEO STEVE GOLDMAN, whose company's mission is to "automate some of the youth-team-sports experience, helping manage the tasks needed to organize athletic programs." Goldman said, "If a game gets rained out or the other team doesn't show up, there has never been an elegant way to get the message out, short of calling everyone on a long phone list. With our program, the coach can log on and hit a few keystrokes and the message is delivered to everyone concerned in an e-mail, text message or phone call" (SEATTLE TIMES, 2/14).
 |
Andrew Luck will buy a $5M insurance policy
through the NCAA for final season at Stanford |
BETTER SAFE THAN SORRY: In N.Y., Pete Thamel noted Stanford QB ANDREW LUCK, who passed up this year's NFL Draft and "guaranteed millions to earn a degree in architectural design," will buy a $5M "insurance policy through the NCAA, and his family is exploring two additional policies." The value of those "will depend on the salary slot of the top NFL draft pick" under the league's new CBA. Luck's father, West Virginia AD OLIVER LUCK, said that the family "would buy insurance to supplement the NCAA's permanent and total disability policy." The Lucks also will "explore a third option, a loss-of-value policy in case Andrew's stock slips" (N.Y. TIMES, 2/13).
MAKING HIS MARK: Basketball HOFer KAREEM ABDUL-JABBAR has produced "ON THE SHOULDERS OF GIANTS," a documentary about the Harlem Rens, a "prolific, all-black professional basketball team that overcame racism to captivate the hearts and imaginations of its fans in Harlem" from 1922 to 1949. Last week, Abdul-Jabbar screened the film for about 1,000 students at Science Park High School in Newark (ESPNNY.com, 2/12).
NAMES: A federal judge in L.A. "has dismissed DAVID BECKHAM's claim for libel and slander" against In Touch magazine for a report that the Galaxy MF "slept with a prostitute." Beckham, who was seeking $25M in damages, plans to appeal the decision (GUARDIAN.co.uk, 2/15)....MLB and Susan G. Komen for the Cure announced the launch of the ’11 Honorary Bat Girl Contest, a campaign to recognize baseball fans who have been affected by breast cancer and have demonstrated a commitment to eradicating the disease. One Honorary Bat Girl for each MLB club on Mother’s Day will take part in pregame activities, be honored during an on-field ceremony and receive pink MLB merchandise and two tickets to the game (MLB)....The American Diabetes Association named Bears coach LOVIE SMITH and his wife, MARYANNE, honorary chairs for its annual “Care to Cure: A Sunday Brunch event” on March 6. Proceeds from the event at Soldier Field United Club will benefit diabetes research, programs and advocacy (CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 2/14)….EPL club Arsenal investor ALISHER USMANOV has pushed Chelsea Owner ROMAN ABRAMOVICH “out of third position on the list of Russia’s richest people.” Abramovich’s wealth grew last year to $17.1B, but the “fortunes of his rivals grew faster.” Usmanov’s total wealth is $19.9B, “propelling him up the list from seventh place last year.” It is the first time Abramovich “has been outside the top three” (London TELEGRAPH, 2/15)….The federal court trial date for former adidas America Senior Marketing Manager BRITNEY ERIN OBSTAR, “charged with mail fraud," has been moved from today to July 12 (OREGONLIVE.com, 2/14).
