In N.Y., Claire Atkinson reports TNT NBA analyst Shaquille O'Neal "has just signed on as a spokesman for Monster Products and its bargain-priced line of tablets." O'Neal will "endorse the Monster M7, a $149 gadget sold at Walmart.com," and an "amped-up marketing campaign is expected to kick off shortly." One of the "top earners in NBA history," O'Neal also is "turning out to be one of its top pitchers," currently endorsing Buick, Icy Hot and Gold Bond, with licensing deals for Arizona Iced Tea, Reebok, Zales and Macy's (N.Y. POST, 11/6).
GO FIGURE: In Chicago, Philip Hersh notes U.S. figure skater Ashley Wagner's sponsor portfolio "keeps growing," as Cover Girl is "the latest to sign her, joining Nike, P&G, Hilton HHonors, the Century Council, Highmark, Pandora and BP." Hersh: "I can't remember a U.S. figure skater without an Olympic medal who has had more endorsements, and it is more remarkable for one who has not even won a senior world championship medal" (CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 11/6).
FLAG BEARERS: This morning's "What's Trending" segment on NBC's "Today" featured the controversy over Under Armour's latest football uniforms for Northwestern. NBC's Matt Lauer noted people online are calling the American flag-inspired uniforms, which has what "looks to be blood stains, ... unpatriotic and disrespectful." NBC's Natalie Morales said it was not intended to represent blood stains but that it is a "distressed pattern." Lauer noted it is an "unintended result" of including graphics that are "so popular on every item." Morales: "The intent, though, of the project is great" ("Today," NBC, 11/6).
NOTES: Sports-drink brand SOS Rehydrate yesterday announced an endorsement deal with Pacers G C.J. Watson. The brand has previous endorsement deals with Izod IndyCar Series driver Scott Dixon and Gold Medal-winning U.K. sailor Ben Ainslie (SOS Rehydrate)....The Lightning have partnered with Tampa-based Florida Cane Vodka. The brand will be available at two bars named after Florida Cane at Tampa Bay Times Forum (Lightning).
