Screenwriter ANDY CALLAHAN's script on the NBA gambling scandal involving former referee TIM DONAGHY, pro gambler JAMES BATTISTA and TOMMY MARTINO was the basis for a new movie, "INSIDE GAME," that on Nov. 1 will "open in 100 theaters in 20 NBA markets." Callahan had "no contact with Donaghy and Battista, though the former has seen the film and agreed to participate in promotions after its opening." Instead, Callahan "relied on Martino, who had yet to tell his story publicly." During the "lengthy process from concept to screen, Callahan and Martino spoke weekly on the phone" (PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER, 10/13).
SHOW ME THE MONEY: In Indianapolis, Joel Erickson profiled Exclusive Sports Group President & CEO BUDDY BAKER, whose agency "represents dozens of NFL clients, still has a handful of basketball clients," and represents former Colts GM RYAN GRIGSON and college coaches like Purdue’s MATT PAINTER and Missouri’s CUONZO MARTIN. If one of his players or coaches calls, Baker "always answers." If he "doesn’t, he calls back within five minutes" (INDIANAPOLIS STAR, 10/13).
NAMES: Red Wings Senior VP & Alternate Governor JIMMY DEVELLANO yesterday "underwent successful surgery to remove a non-cancerous brain tumor." Devellano is in his 38th season with the team, which makes him the "longest-serving hockey employee in team history" (DETROIT NEWS, 10/15)....The Utah Sports HOF inducted its newest class yesterday that included former Utah AD CHRIS HILL, U.S. bobsledder SHAUNA ROHBOCK and U.S. skeleton athlete JIM SHEA (DESERET NEWS, 10/15)....Oct. 29 is the formal publication date of "SCOTTY: A HOCKEY LIFE LIKE NO OTHER" -- the life story of Hockey HOFer SCOTTY BOWMAN penned by KEN DRYDEN. Published by McClelland & Stewart, the 400-page book will be "available online at barnesandnoble.com for $29.95 hard cover and $15.99 via NOOK" (BOSTON GLOBE, 10/15).
