NFL Network's STEVE MARIUCCI during Combine coverage on Saturday "issued a challenge to all NFL coaches to make a donation to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital." Mariucci "gave a $5,000 check" to NFL Network announcer RICH EISEN, who as part of his annual "Run Rich Run" campaign "runs a 40-yard dash at the end of the combine -- in his suit -- to raise money for St. Jude." Lions coach MATT PATRICIA then "responded in a 'generous' way" with an undisclosed donation (FREEP.com, 3/2). Meanwhile, Patriots coach BILL BELICHICK surprised Eisen by presenting him a check during NFL Net's live coverage of the combine yesterday (NFL Network, 3/3).
HOOPS DREAMS: The Mavericks' fourth annual Mavs Ball on Friday night "had to move from Deep Ellum to a larger venue" in American Airlines Center. BOYZ II MEN was "part of the allure for season-ticket holders' and corporate sponsors' gobbling of well over 100 dinner tables" spread across the arena's floor level. The goal of raising $1M for Mavs Foundation charities was "well-exceeded" with $1.3M in total donations (DALLASNEWS.com, 3/2)....The Heat "raised $543,000 for South Florida charities" at the team's annual Family Festival yesterday (MIAMIHERALD.com, 3/2).
SOLD TO THE HIGHEST BIDDER: KAREEM ABDUL-JABBAR has completed the auction of a "large collection of memorabilia" to benefit his Skyhook Foundation. The 234 pieces "sold for $2,947,872.25." Abdul-Jabbar said "much of the proceeds" will go to his charity. The "centerpieces of the collection" were four of Abdul-Jabbar's Lakers championship rings from the '80s (USATODAY.com, 3/3).
GIVING BACK: The Flames donated $50,000 to nonprofit KidSport in the name of former NHLer JAROME IGNILA, whose jersey was retired by the team on Saturday (CALGARYHERALD.com, 3/2)....As part of the Cubs' annual Respect Bald charity event during Spring Training at Sloan Park, manager JOE MADDON, 2B JAVY BAEZ and 1B ANTHONY RIZZO had their heads shaved on Saturday. The initiative benefits pediatric cancer research (SUNTIMES.com, 3/2).
