Jeffries in past years studied esports business models in the months between the NBA draft and free agencyNBAE/GETTY IMAGES
In DC, Cary Chow profiled former Nuggets Dir of Pro Personnel JARED JEFFRIES, who in July '17 "made the biggest gamble of his career" as he "parted ways with pro basketball and went all-in on competitive video gaming." Now the president of League of Legends team Echo Fox, Jeffries "rosters around 25 players competing in various video game titles." In his "relatively short time there, he’s helped to rethink and recast the art of roster construction in competitive gaming." When Jeffries "decided to transition to esports, he dedicated himself to the field." Before accepting the job, he "studied esports business models in the months between the NBA draft and free agency." Jeffries also thought the NBA "would provide a fallback should his time at Echo Fox end prematurely" (WASHINGTON POST, 11/22).
NAMES: NFL Panthers Owner DAVID TEPPER was named one of CHARLOTTE MAGAZINE's '18 "Charlotteans of the Year." Tepper ushered in "monstrous change" when he bought the team this year and is "set to have a sweeping effect on the city over the next decade." He will "forge his own legacy" in Charlotte, "altering the sports and business landscapes in ways that are only beginning to emerge" (CHARLOTTE MAGAZINE, 12/'18 issue)....Hockey HOFer CHRIS CHELIOS said "recently sold his popular downtown Detroit tavern." Chelios "hung out at Cheli's Chili on Saturday" during the "last day of business for the establishment." Chelios said that he sold the building to the ILITCH family (DETROITNEWS.com, 11/24)....Former NFLer ARIAN FOSTER, whose hip-hop alter ego is Bobby Feeno, on Saturday performed in front of a “sold-out crowd of about 200 at the House of Blues Bronze Peacock Room” in Houston. The 75-minute set “marked Foster’s first live performance.” Those attending the show former Texans teammates DEANDRE HOPKINS and BRIAN CUSHING (HOUSTONCHRONICLE.com, 11/25)....LSU football assistant STEVE KRAGTHORPE was “punched on the field” following the team’s seven-OT loss to Texas A&M on Saturday. LSU Dir of Player Personnel KEVIN FAULK was also “seen in a post-game skirmish on the field” (THEADVOCATE.com, 11/25).
IN MEMORY: Cincinnati Enquirer sports reporter TOM GROESCHEN died Wednesday at 60 (CINCINNATI.com, 11/23)....Big 3 CMO ANGELICA COB-BAEHLER died Wednesday after a “year-long battle with cancer” (BILLBOARD.com, 11/21).
