In Kentucky, WKYT-CBS reported Lexington-based retailer Wildcat Wearhouse "continued their tradition Saturday night by selling shirts hot off the press" following Kentucky beating Notre Dame to secure a trip to the Final Four. The store "stayed open until each fan waiting in line had their shirt." Store officials said that shirts "were also available at all other locations" at 8:00am ET yesterday (WKYT.com, 3/29). Meanwhile, Madison-based WMTV-NBC's Sharon Yoo reported Wisconsin basketball fans were "lining up" at the University Bookstore Saturday at midnight "for fresh Final Four merchandise." Bookstore Clothing Lead Stephanie Blaser said, "The merchandise got here ... and [we] started putting it out right away, we split it up between all of our stores, so all of them have it today ready to go." Yoo reported Final Four merch was "flying off the shelves" within the first half hour of the store opening (NBC15.com, 3/29).
MAKING A SPLASH: U.S. swimmer Missy Franklin said of her agent, WME-IMG VP/Action Sports Mark Ervin, "He understands my main goal in my career is to inspire people. I need a platform to inspire, and that's what I think being a professional athlete is going to give me: being able to reach more people, getting myself out there so I can share my story, so I can share other people's stories who have inspired me" (DENVER POST, 3/29).
KILLING ME, SMALLS: In N.Y., Bob Raissman noted Yankees 3B Alex Rodriguez "did not perform" in the team's recent video re-enactment of a famous scene from "The Sandlot." Rodriguez appearing in the video "would be tantamount to Yankees brass giving him their true stamp of approval and officially welcoming him back into the fold as a member in good standing." The Yankees are now "a team in transition," and the "glitz is gone." Raissman: "It’s doubtful any current players are going to be seen, like Derek Jeter was, in national TV commercials providing huge exposure for him and the team" (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 3/29).
WHAT'S UP, DOC? In Oakland, Diamond Leung noted Warriors F Draymond Green "unveiled a line of 'Cool Story, Glenn' shirts in his official online shop," Athlete Originals. Green "used the phrase numerous times in an interview" with S.F.'s KNBR-AM two weeks ago when he "responded to sarcastic comments" made by Clippers coach Doc Rivers. The shirts come in "three different designs" and "cost $45 for hoodies and $25 for T shirts" (OAKLANDTRIBUNE.com, 3/27).
