In Boston, Callum Borchers notes only "one of 188 players listed on the rosters of the Red Sox, Patriots, Bruins, and Celtics has made a political donation during the current presidential election cycle." Patriots S JOSH BARRETT "has given $1,000" to President BARACK OBAMA's re-election campaign. Meanwhile, owners of all four major league clubs in Boston "have given generously to federal candidates and committees." Red Sox President & CEO LARRY LUCCHINO and Celtics Managing Partner STEPHEN PAGLIUCA "have donated the maximum allowed to Obama." Patriots Owner ROBERT KRAFT "has, too, while giving $500 to presumptive Republican nominee MITT ROMNEY." Bruins Owner JEREMY JACOBS contributed $3,500 to Romney (BOSTON GLOBE, 5/25).
ON THE RECORD: ESPN Exec Chair GEORGE BODENHEIMER Wednesday said of his new role with the company, "I like to think of it as I'm enjoying the view of the company from the bridge instead of the engine room. That's how I'm thinking about it. I am able to step back from the day-to-day operations. It was 13 years running the company and we had a 24/7 job. So it was time for a change. ... I have a little more time to control my own schedule and just take a view of the company from a step back" (MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINEL, 5/24).
POOL SHARKS: Thursday morning’s edition of NBC’s “TODAY” featured co-host Natalie Morales in a pool set-up outside of the show’s studio with U.S. Olympic swimmers BRENDAN HANSEN and ELIZABETH BEISEL. Hansen said, “We have a very strong team going to London.” Later in the broadcast, Morales sat poolside with Silver Medal-winning U.S. swimmer MARITZA CORREIA, who is the spokesperson for USA Swimming's Swim Today program. Correia said the goals of the Swim Today program are “to provide resources and information and educate parents and kids about being safe around the water” (“Today,” NBC, 5/24).
NAMES: Giants QB ELI MANNING Wednesday presented the Coca-Cola Sports Personality of the Year award at the 63rd Rochester Press-Radio Club Day of Champions Dinner (ROCHESTER DEMOCRAT & CHRONICLE, 5/24)....Cubs BOD member LAURA RICKETTS and partner HEIDI GRATHOUSE have “filed plans with the Village of Wilmette for a new mansion to be built on the 1.2-acre lakefront site.” Ricketts paid $6.5M for the site in June ’10 (CHICAGOMAG.com, 5/23).
