LEBRON JAMES' SpringHill Entertainment is "adding the first scripted drama to its growing slate," and the project "boasts Oscar-winning talent: OCTAVIA SPENCER." Spencer is "attached to star in the limited series about entrepreneur and social activist MADAM C.J. WALKER's life, with James exec producing" along with LRMR Management Founder MAVERICK CARTER. Sources said that Netflix is the "likely destination." The series is based on the book, "ON HER OWN GROUND" (VARIETY.com, 8/15). Meanwhile, the LeBron James Family Foundation for the third straight year yesterday "hosted its summer get-together" at Cedar Point amusement park in Sandusky, Ohio. Musicians JORDIN SPARKS and USHER, as well as Cavs G J.R. SMITH, were "part of the event" (CLEVELAND.com, 8/16).
TACKLING FASHION: Eagles S MALCOLM JENKINS "decided to take a full plunge" into the fashion industry this spring with business partner JAY AMIN. In June, the duo "launched Damari Savile," and both Jenkins and Amin "had a hand in designing that line." The "ready-to-wear collection at Damari Savile runs between $599 and $749, while made-to-measure custom suits start at $899" (JERSEYMANMAGAZINE.com, 8/16).
AWARDS & HONORS: Orioles manager BUCK SHOWALTER yesterday was inducted into the Single-A New York-Penn League HOF as "part of that league's All-Star Game festivities" in Troy, N.Y. (Baltimore SUN, 8/16)....Cowboys TE JASON WITTEN's name will be "attached to the new 'Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year' award for college football leadership" (DALLASNEWS.com, 8/15).
NAMES: NESN analyst STEVE LYONS is "eager to resume his duties" on Red Sox telecasts after a California Superior Court judge "dismissed domestic battery charges ... stemming from an argument with his girlfriend" in January (BOSTON GLOBE, 8/16)....KENNY CHESNEY's new album, "LIVE IN NO SHOES NATION," includes a "prominent ode to Chiefs nation." The cover of the album is a "photograph taken inside Arrowhead Stadium," which shows Chesney in a Chiefs tanktop during his July '16 concert there. The album will be released Oct. 27 (K.C. STAR, 8/16)....Custom bat designer and manufacturer Warstic, co-owned by musician JACK WHITE and Tigers 2B IAN KINSLER, will open a storefront in the Dallas-Ft. Worth area that "includes a sporting goods shop, batting cage, and attached bar and restaurant" (GUIDELIVE.com, 8/15)....T'Wolves G JEFF TEAGUE's The Factory fitness and training facility, "aimed at serving athletes from children to professionals in a range of sports," opens Sunday (IBJ.com, 8/15).
