The FBI is investigating whether Big Baller Brand co-Founder GREGORY ALAN FOSTER, the "longtime business manager" of Lakers G LONZO BALL and his family, "defrauded them of millions of dollars." The investigation into Foster is "focused on allegations included in a lawsuit" filed by Ball against Foster earlier this month. The suit "alleges Foster took" more than $1.5M out of the BBB's bank accounts and "accepted 'substantial undisclosed referral fees' from at least eight loans he arranged on behalf of the company" (L.A. TIMES, 4/25).
THE GOOD STUFF: Heat VP/Basketball Development & Analytics SHANE BATTIER "surprised 17 high school sophomores at Miami Central High" yesterday with "four-year Florida prepaid scholarships and acceptance into The Battier Take Charge Foundation's GUIDE (Giving Underserved Individuals Direction in Education) program." This is the third year of the program at Central High (MIAMIHERALD.com, 4/24)....Phillies Managing Partner JOHN MIDDLETON and his wife, LEIGH, have “made a $100,000 donation” to the Eagles Autism Challenge (NBCSPORTSPHILADELPHIA.com, 4/24).
NAMES: Esports streamer NICK "NICKMERCS" KOLCHEFF has partnered with the NFL to appear at the Draft, beginning tonight in Nashville. Kolcheff will "be on site" during the Draft streaming "Fortnite" with Titans QB MARCUS MARIOTA and Texans WR DEANDRE HOPKINS. Kolcheff "previously worked with the NFL last year as a co-streamer during Twitch's broadcasts" of "TNF" games. The deal for Kolcheff's appearance was brokered by United Talent Agency (ESPORTSOBSERVER.com, 4/24)....Liberty Media disclosed that President & CEO GREG MAFFEI's compensation in '18 rose 2% to $20.2M, compared to $19.8M in '17. Maffei made $16.9M in '16, and $12.1M in '15 (HOLLYWOODREPORTER.com, 4/24)....U.S. Deputy Attorney General ROD ROSENSTEIN attended last night’s Hurricanes-Capitals Game 7 in DC (POLITICO.com, 4/25).
