In London, McGuire & Thorogood reported MLS Galaxy MF David Beckham earned $16.4M "from sponsorship deals last year," up $2.1M from the previous year. Beckham also "earns millions through a joint firm" with his wife Victoria, and the firm collects money from their perfume ranges as well as contracts with clothing retailer H&M. A source said, "The figures are a clear sign that Brand Beckham is as strong as ever. David may be nearing retirement from football, but his image is still as valued as ever" (London SUN, 8/19). Meanwhile, 10-foot-tall “metallic statues of soccer star David Beckham, sporting designer underwear, are being put up on both coasts as part of his new ad campaign for H&M.” Three of the “larger-than-life statues have been placed inside H&M's midtown-Manhattan store," while elsewhere in N.Y. there is “also one in Central Park and another at the South Street Seaport." There are also two statues in L.A. and one in S.F., which will “remain on display until Aug. 31” (AP, 8/17).
TOWEL TANGO: In Pittsburgh, Paula Reed Ward noted a federal lawsuit against a company “selling an Italian-language version of the Terrible Towel was dismissed Friday after both parties agreed the product was no longer being sold.” The AVS Foundation, “which holds the trademark, filed the complaint along with the Pittsburgh Steelers against Nicholas Rossi and Husky Homes Inc., doing business as Tanto Abruzzo, and Squirrel Hill News Stand.” At a hearing before U.S. District Judge Arthur Schwab on Friday, Rossi “assured the court he no longer produces the towels” (POST-GAZETTE.com, 8/20).
ENTER THE DRAGON: ESPN.com’s Michael Huang noted apparel company RYU has “teamed up with the Bruce Lee Foundation to offer a new product that inspires both MMA fans and athletes.” RYU's limited-edition Warrior hoodie debuted early this month and stitched on the shirt "is Lee’s mantra: 'Walk On,' which resonates with MMA fighters who persevere through adversity” (ESPN.com, 8/19).
