In Chicago, Patrick O'Connell notes Bulls G Derrick Rose has been "accused by a former girlfriend of sexual assault in a lawsuit filed Wednesday" in L.A. -- "a charge Rose denied." Rose's "newest line" of adidas sneakers "are set to be released this fall." An adidas spokesperson in a statement said, "We do not comment on pending litigation. Our support and partnership with Derrick Rose is unwavering" (CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 8/28). Also in Chicago, Mike McGraw notes it is "unlikely the suit will have any effect on his availability to play for the Bulls this season" (Chicago DAILY HERALD, 8/28).
HANDS-OFF APPROACH: In Ft. Worth, Mac Engel wrote no one can label MLB Rangers co-Chairs Ray Davis and Bob Simpson as "cheap and meddlesome." They handed President of Baseball Operations & GM Jon Daniels not only "unlimited power in terms of baseball personnel decisions, but also the money and the resources to make all of his wildest dreams come true." And they have "stayed out of his way." The owners will "always merit criticism for the unpardonable sin of having forced" former CEO Nolan Ryan out of town, but since they gave Daniels the keys, they have "given him their wallet, too" (STAR-TELEGRAM.com, 8/26).
UNWELCOMING ARMS: In Pittsburgh, Madasyn Czebiniak notes the Animal Rescue League (ARL) on Thursday announced that it "is moving one of its largest fundraisers from Heinz Field in response" to the Steelers' signing of QB Michael Vick. The ARL's annual Paw Prints gala "will instead be held" at Consol Energy Center. In addition, the ARL will "no longer include Steelers' merchandise or memorabilia in their auctions" (PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE, 8/28).
DREAM A LITTLE DREAM: In Atlanta, Phil Hudson noted the WNBA Atlanta Dream will launch its Inspiring Women ENERGY Seminar Series "with a breakfast seminar on May 26" at Coca-Cola HQ. The series will "focus on personal and professional development for women, targeting college level, young professionals and executive level women." It "consists of monthly 90-minute seminars with a 4-4-4 format." Four events will "take place during the breakfast window, four will be lunch events and four events will be held during the evening prior to Dream games" (BIZJOURNALS.com, 8/26).
