A Morgan County (Ind.) Judge has ruled that Colts Owner JIM IRSAY "must testify in a Martinsville custody case involving the children of a woman who lives in one of Irsay's homes." Irsay was subpoenaed by GREG MARTIN, who said that he is "concerned about the well-being of his minor children, ages 17 and 12 when they are in Irsay's presence." Martin stated that his children were in the home of his ex-wife, JAMI MARTIN, on the night of Irsay's March arrest (INDIANAPOLIS STAR, 7/9). Meanwhile, ESPN's Ed Werder reported while the NFL has yet to discipline Irsay, it "will be resolved before the start of training camp" ("NFL Insiders," ESPN, 7/8).
WITH STYLE: Titans S BERNARD POLLARD has "already started on his post-NFL plans with his own innovative company, Style Pro 31." He already has the "first of many cool products, too: a bathroom organizer called Smart Tray." To help "turn his idea into a viable product," Pollard hired an artist to develop the mockups for the Smart Tray. Then came the "prototypes, the trademarks and the patents before his successful marketing through social media." Pollard: "We've had a ton of customers and they love it." Pollard is "focused on building the brand by selling more Smart Trays online" in either black, white or customized colors (SPORTINGNEWS.com, 7/8).
HONOR ROLL: Broadcaster BOB TRUMPY is the '14 recipient of the Pete Rozelle Radio & Television Award. The award recognizes longtime exceptional contributions to radio and TV in professional football. He will be recognized during the'14 Pro Football HOF Enshrinement Ceremony (HOF)....Dr. TOM CATENA and GEORGE WEISS have been named co-recipients of the '14 National Football Foundation Gold Medal (NFF)....Sportswriter RICK REILLY on Oct. 25 will have his name inscribed on the Jim Murray Memorial Foundation’s “Great Ones” Trophy. He will be presented the award for his meritorious career covering the world of sports (JMMF)….Seahawks coach PETE CARROLL will be inducted into the USC HOF in ’15 (ESPN.com, 7/8).
NAMES: Former NBAer YAO MING is working with top American and Chinese officials to "stamp out global trade in endangered species and their parts." Ming "focused much of his efforts against shark fin consumption and elephant ivory use." U.S. Secretary of State JOHN KERRY joined him yesterday in Beijing (AP, 7/9)....The ball that Baseball HOFer BABE RUTH hit as the first home run in the original Yankee Stadium the day it opened in 1923 will “be up for bid Saturday in Baltimore at an auction commemorating the 100th anniversary of Ruth’s debut season in the major leagues” (ORLANDO SENTINEL, 7/9)….A Chicago police officer allegedly was “soliciting autographs on sports memorabilia -- which he claimed was for a police charity fundraiser” -- from Yankees SS DEREK JETER during the Yankees-White Sox series in May (CHICAGO SUN-TIMES, 7/9)….Michigan State men’s basketball coach TOM IZZO said of his partnership with Gladiator GarageWorks, “Us guys have an appreciation for maybe getting things a little more organized” (“Mike & Mike,” ESPN Radio, 7/7)….Patriots WR JULIAN EDELMAN will "drive the pace car" for Sunday's NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Camping World RV Sales 301 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway (BOSTON HERALD, 7/8)….IDINA MENZEL will sing the national anthem at the MLB All-Star Game on Tuesday. She also will perform “during the pre-game ceremony, including a cover” of BOB DYLAN’s “Forever Young.” Meanwhile, JOE NICHOLS will sing “God Bless America” (AP, 7/8)….NHL free agent C SAKU KOIVU put his Irvine, Calif., home on the market for $6.6M (LATIMES.com, 7/8).
