In Chicago, Matthew Schwerha noted Powerade on Thursday began "promoting" on Twitter a commercial featuring Bulls G Derrick Rose and a voiceover by late rapper Tupac Shakur days after the former "suffered the latest of career-altering injuries" (SUNTIMES.com, 2/26).
CARD CARRIER: In Ft. Worth, Stefan Stevenson reports a rep from Topps was in the MLB Rangers' clubhouse Thursday morning, "handing out checks to players for Series One 2015." Each player "received a check for $500 for their likeness being used in the set" (FT. WORTH STAR-TELEGRAM, 2/27).
CREST FALLEN: In London, Tom Edwards noted EPL club Liverpool sponsor Dunkin' Donuts on Thursday "issued an apology" fans after "posting a mocked-up version of the club's crest, which replaced the symbolic 'eternal flames' with iced coffees and the 'You'll Never Walk Alone' motto with the words 'America Runs On Dunkin.'" The company "incensed supporters" when it posted the image "as part of a social media campaign, asking fans to send in ideas for their own crest." Dunkin' Donuts in a statement said, "As a proud partner of LFC, we did not intend any offense, particularly to the club's supporters. We have removed the tweet and halted the campaign immediately" (London TELEGRAPH, 2/26).
COURT OF LAW: In Charlotte, Erik Spanberg reported local personal-injury law firm Campbell & Associates was recently added as a "mid-level sponsor" just signed by the Hornets, and the club points to the addition "as an example of how the return of the Hornets name has helped create sales momentum." Hornets sponsor sales during the '14-15 season are "up by 25% over last season." Legal "represents a new category of sponsor" for the team (BIZJOURNALS.com, 2/26).
