The Pro Football Writers of America recognized the Vikings’ PR staff with the Pete Rozelle Award, given to the department that "consistently strives for excellence in its dealings and relationships with the media." This is the "first time" the Vikings’ PR staff -- consisting of BOB HAGEN, JEFF ANDERSON, TOM WEST, JON EKSTROM, and SAM NEWTON, as well as interns CARLY BONK, DANIELLE BURNS and WALT SCHER -- has "won the award" (Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE, 6/19).
Buss asked followers for insights on her speech for Kobe Bryant's number-retirement GETTY IMAGES
JEANIE IN A BOTTLE: THE ATHLETIC's Jeff Pearlman profiled Lakers President JEANIE BUSS, who, with the "possible exception" of Mavericks Owner MARK CUBAN, is "more open, more accessible to fans" than any pro sports exec. Her Twitter feed is an "eclectic, funky, occasionally weird, always entertaining offering of thoughts, insight and observations." When Buss was working on a draft for her KOBE BRYANT number-retirement-speech last season, she "asked followers for their insights" and then "thanked them." The "best" aspect about her social media interactions is that "she responds" (THEATHLETIC.com, 6/18).
NAMES: PHIL MICKELSON and business partner STEVE LOY have "inked a deal to open 30 Reis & Irvy's frozen yogurt locations in San Diego." The chain's "low-overhead vending kiosks feature unattended outlets that rely on robots and self-checkout screens" (N.Y. POST, 6/19)....Mandalay Sports Media through its IMG joint venture has “set a feature film about the formation” of the UFC. ROBERT SPECLAND will write “GRACIE,” a drama that will “tell the story” of how RORION GRACIE co-founded the MMA outfit. The film will be produced by MSM’s MIKE TOLLIN, MASON GORDON, MARK CIARDI and GORDON GRAY (DEADLINE.com, 6/18)....PGA of America VP SUZY WHALEY “qualified to compete in the first U.S. Senior Women’s Open Championship.” The event will be held July 12-15 at Chicago Golf Club (GOLFDIGEST.com, 6/18)....Canadiens LW MAX PACIORETTY and his wife, KATIA, yesterday “donated sandwiches and hors d’oeuvres” at a homeless shelter in the Westmount area of Montreal before “posing for photos with men and women” at the shelter (MONTREAL GAZETTE, 6/19).
