ESPN Senior VP/Corporate Communications CHRIS LAPLACA is being inducted into the PRWeek HOF. A virtual celebration is slated to be held on Dec. 3. LaPlaca, a 40-year veteran of ESPN, is responsible for worldwide internal, public and media relations strategies, including consumer, corporate and employee communications for ESPN's 50 business units. He also oversees the day-to-day working relationship with Disney’s corporate communications group and plays a role in ESPN's collaborations with Disney's investor relations team (PRWeek).
LAW & ORDER: Attorneys for BRIAN CARIOTA, the paramedic who sued the Astros after being struck by a foul ball while working in the team’s dugout during a '19 playoff game, has "subpoenaed" former Astros President of Baseball Operations & GM JEFF LUHNOW and former manager A.J. HINCH to give depositions in the case. Luhnow and Hinch are "not defendants in the case, which is pending." Harris County court records indicate that Luhnow and Hinch, who were fired by Astros Owner JIM CRANE in January, were "served this week with notices of intent to take their oral and video depositions" (HOUSTON CHRONICLE, 10/7).
WELCOME HOME: NFL Panthers Owner DAVID TEPPER purchased a home located on the Quail Hollow golf course in Charlotte for $5.35M. The mansion was previously owned by former Panthers head coach JOHN FOX. This likely "won’t be his primary residence, as that would carry significant tax ramifications." Along with "golf club views, the home has six bedrooms, nine bathrooms, a home theater, wine cellar, and pool" (CHARLOTTEAGENDA.com, 10/6).
NAMES: The Heat and State Farm "hosted a drive-thru feeding event for families impacted by the global COVID-19 pandemic." Feeding South Florida co-hosted the event that took place Monday at Gwen Cherry Park in Miami, where 600 families "received boxes of milk, water, protein, produce, an assortment of non-perishable goods, hand sanitizer and other team gear." Former NBAer GLEN RICE participated. In addition, the Heat, NBA and State Farm "announced a $45,000 contribution to the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition’s current Fines & Fees Program, a grant that will aid the FRCC’s efforts to reinstall the right to vote for former convicted felons" (MIAMI HERALD, 10/7)....Hawks coach LLOYD PIERCE has been named to the BOD of the Joseph & Evelyn Lowery Institute for Justice & Human Rights as it launches a "week-long campaign encouraging all registered voters to cast their ballot in the coming presidential election" (ATLANTA JOURNAL-CONSTITUTION, 10/7).
