The HOLLYWOOD REPORTER's Rebecca Sun reported Lakers G KOBE BRYANT has "quietly signed with WME." His "marketing contracts will continue to be handled" by Landmark Sports' ROB PELINKA, but WME will represent Bryant "in film, TV, books and digital, similar to what it does for its other superstar athlete clients," including Cavaliers F LEBRON JAMES. This comes as Bryant recently exec produced his first film project, the documentary "Kobe Bryant's Muse," which aired on Showtime in February (HOLLYWOODREPORTER.com, 5/26).
THE MASSACRE: Rapper/actor 50 CENT's boxing promotion company, SMS Promotions, on Monday filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in Connecticut. SMS reportedly has $100,000-500,000 worth of debt, but will "continue the operation of its business" and take advantage of the filing to recognize in an effort to "protect its investment in worldwide boxing" (BILLBOARD.com, 5/26). SMS launched in '12, shortly after 50 Cent and FLOYD MAYWEATHER JR. parted ways (HOLLYWOOD REPORTER.com, 5/26).
COURT REPORT: Former NFLer WILL ALLEN said that his lending company, Capital Financial Partners, "wasn't a scam." Allen and co-defendant SUSAN DAUB last week rejected the Securities & Exchange Commission's assertion that they "fleeced investors of millions." It was their first response to the SEC's April 8 announcement that the pair "ran a ponzi scheme" (PALMBEACHPOST.com, 5/26).
NAMES: Kansas men's basketball coach BILL SELF, Turner NBA analyst STEVE SMITH and former Reebok Chair & CEO PAUL FIREMAN are the winners of the '15 Mannie Jackson Human Spirit Award. The trio will be honored during enshrinement weekend at the Basketball HOF (KANSASCITY.com, 5/26)....Patriots fans have selected former NFLer WILLIE MCGINEST “as this year’s inductee” into the team’s HOF (BOSTON GLOBE, 5/27)....Nets C BROOK LOPEZ and his twin brother, Trail Blazers C ROBIN LOPEZ, will co-host three specials on Disney XD featuring "funny moments involving NBA players on and off the court." "NBA SLAM FUNK!" will run June 1-3 (AP, 5/26)....Colts P PAT MCAFEE is “officially becoming a standup comic.” He revealed on Twitter yesterday that his act will debut at the Palladium in Carmel, Ind., on July 11. Tickets go on sale Friday, with a “portion of the proceeds" going to McAfee's foundation (INDIANAPOLIS STAR, 5/27)....The Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center “hosted its annual ‘the one hundred’ celebration” yesterday to honor 100 groups, people and organizations “who are fighting against the disease.” The gala was co-chaired by Patriots President JONATHAN KRAFT (BOSTON GLOBE, 5/27).
IN MEMORY: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reporter DON WALKER “collapsed and died Friday” at his Wisconsin home. The 62-year-old Walker served as "an editor on the state, metro and national desks before returning to reporting for the news, sports and business departments.” His recent beats “included City Hall and the proposed new arena” for the Bucks (MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINEL, 5/23).
