"Nike first in line to pursue Bush" by Brian Showman, vol.8 iss.39 pg.4

This article talks about Reggie Bush and his endorsement deals. Nike, Adidas, Reebok and Under Armour, are just some of shoe and appeal companies that are looking at Bush to be their front man. No NFL player has ever received more than 1 million dollars per shoe deal. Many people believe that Bush might break that barrier and be the first NFL player to get a shoe deal over a million dollars. The latest high profiled shoe deal by Nike was given to LeBron James before he entered the NBA draft. James holds the record by receiving a seven-year, $90 million deal with Nike. The one thing that is not in Bush’s favor is that he is more than likely going to be a franchise player on a losing record team. That means that his games won’t be televised as much, making marketing for Bush and endorsements somewhat worthless. But besides that issue, Bush will still get the best of endorsement deals out there. Bush is already signed some memorabilia things and guest appearance deals. Right now Bush is the hottest NFL draft pick out there. I believe that Bush will get the best deal out there with the best company. Right now I would say that Nike is going to pick him up because of his high-speed energy that he brings to the game. I believe that Bush will be the number one pick in NFL draft, making him likely to receive all best endorsement deals. I think he can break the record for an NFL player with a shoe deal. He’ll be the first to top $1 million a year. This all relates back to sports marketing because one of these major shoe companies and appeal companies are going to land a deal with this superstar and he’ll be

"In Detroit, ABC crew readies big finish for it's NFL coverage" -by Richie Belancik, volume 8 issue 38 page 29

I chose this article because the article talks about the tv crew for ABC bringing super 40 to Detriot. I am a big steeler fan so thats what caught my eye because they were going to be covering the steelers this sunday. ABC has been covering monday night football for over 36 football seasons which is amazing to me because they have been doing it for so long.
For the Super Bowl this sunday there will be an estimate of 130 million dometic viewers and a worldwide audience for an estimated by the NFL of one billion people watching the super bowl. Even though the players should be the only ones that are a little nervous, you have to think about the crew for ABC doing the broadcast. If a player makes a mistake there is always another play coming up to redeem themseleves, but for the camera men/women and producers of ABC if they mess up you will definitely notice the problem in front of an estimated one billion people across the world. If a lineman messes up in the game and misses a blocking assignment i will bet that a lot of viewers do not catch the mistake by the faulty lineman, but right soon the producers click to the wrong camera angle it can cause problems.
ABC also said that there will be an additional four cameras specifically for defining replay views of in-bounds and out-of bounds situation for the game this Sunday. I think that is a great idea because during the colts game three weeks ago , the officails almost blew the game for us on a clearly intercepted pass from Troy Palomalu. More cameras and more angels cannot hurt anything espically if it is going to be the biggest game of the year.

"Kobe comes through in clutch for TV" by Ryan Shellenberger, Vol.8 issue 38 pg. 8

This article is about how Kobe Bryant’s latest scoring spree has sparked the ratings for the NBA. Kobe has averaged an amazing 42 points per game for the last 10 games and capped that off with an astonishing 81 point outbreak against the Toronto Raptors. There is a graph at the bottom of the article that shows how many items were sold on EBay related to Bryant. On Friday there was 172 items related to him sold, and by Monday (after the 81 point game) the number skyrocketed to 608 items. Video of Bryant’s 81 point game has already been made available for download on Google Video Store. Turner Sports spokesman Jeff Pomeroy said that they were definitely planning on doing more story lines around Kobe during the All-Star game to boost ratings.
I think all of this is a good idea and a good thing for the NBA. I am a huge basketball fan but I can’t even watch a pointless regular season game. I am also a Los Angeles fan, so I’m glad to see Kobe doing so well. Fans need a reason to watch the games sometimes, especially when it’s a long 82 game season. Watching a player score 40 plus points a game on a regular basis is a pretty good reason. Fans haven’t had someone that consistent since Michael Jordan. It’s very smart on the NBA’s part to use this to their advantage to market the league.
Kobe doesn’t have a good track record because of his charges in Colorado and his problems with past teammates, but most fans just want to be entertained. As long as Kobe is doing this, people will watch and enjoy and slowly forget about his past. There are many great athletes with bad pasts, but their performances always cover up their mistakes.

"Steelers' arrival is solid gold for licensed goods" by Alison O'Malley , Vol. 8 Issue 38 pg. 1

This article talks about how the NFL and their licensees are excited that the Pittsburgh Steelers'are playing this Sunday in Superbowl XL. It has been suspected that with the Steelers' still playing that merchandise sales will hit an all time high. Mark Holtzman, NFLs consumer Products senior vice president said this could be the biggest superbowl ever with the Steelers' "deep roots and national following". The article goes on to say how the Steelers sell more licensed products within a 75 mile radius than any other team. It also suggests that the era of the Steel Curtain still hold alot of people as steeler fans around the nation. The article states that after the AFC championship game McArthur towels recieved an additional 200,000 orders for the Terrible Towel and plan to order 300,000 after the bowl. Licensees around the country are excited by the huge market that the Pittsburgh Steelers are making that could surpass all previous. They are also optimistic about the Seahawks being that it is their first trip to the superbowl.

"Flaw’s in NFL’s minority hiring policy hinder progress." by Brandon Schmitt,Volume 8 Issue 38 pg29

This article discusses the process that NFL teams have to go through while filling a coaching vacancy. Paul Tagliabue, the NFL’s commissioner, requires that a team interview at least one minority when hiring a new coach. This has been a heavy disputed topic recently because there was 10 teams that needed a new coach after this past season and there was only one minority, Herman Edwards, that was hired. Edwards moved from the Jets, who had a disappointing season, to the Chiefs, who feel that there future is bright and Edwards is the man to lead them to the next level due to his credentials.
While looking at the article and the coaches chosen to represent the 9 teams with a new coach (the Raiders are still undecided), I only recognize 4 of them. The article states how the first step is to stop labeling particular subjects as “black coaches” because it conveys segregation. But wouldn’t this whole process do that? I know one former “black coach” that deserves a head-coaching job is Mike Singletary; and I’m hoping the Raiders choose him. I agree with the process of the minority interview obligation, but who is to say that the people in charge even consider these candidates? I know if I were the head of an organization I wouldn’t care if the person was black, white, green, or blue, I would hire the most qualified candidate because I’d take success mixed with criticism any day. The same thing happened last year when Notre Dame needed a new coach. Everyone thought it was a big deal because Tyrone Willingham, their former “black coach” was fired and replaced by Charlie Weiss. They were bashed for the whole process, but in the end it was easy to see the success he brought them.

"High-Level suit rocks N.Y. Knicks $5.95"-by Cody White, Volume 8 Issue 38 Page 6

This article is about Isiah Thomas and a former employee for the New York Knicks. Anucha Sanders is has filed a lawsuit against Knicks president Isiah Thomas.

The way I feel about this article is that Isiah Thomas will clearly win this case. No matter what Sanders argument is, she will still be defeated just because Thomas is a former NBA star and is now the president of the Knicks. I feel she does have a reason to file a case but also she is in a lose lose situation, just because who she is going up against. I think that this case will be settled by Isiah Thomas giving money to Sanders in a way that she will just close the case and move on. Too many big name stars are getting away with severe cases. If a normal human was up against her, she would win for sure. Today it's all about what your name is. This article makes a hell of a story nationwide, but I'm sure everyone knows the outcome of this. If you don't than you should probably wake up by now. Now and former stars always escape penalty just because of who they are. Overall after reading this article I would say that Sanders has a very solid point about filing a case against Isiah Thomas. She is making enough money where she isn't trying to make up a case just to get money. I think the Knicks orgainzation should look into this deeply. If not another former athlete will escape. Good luck Sanders. What a great night. Chow Dr. Hsiao!

"Canada joins neighbor Detroit in Festivities"-by Michelle Mattis,Volume 8 Issue 38 February 2

Canada joins neighbor Detroit in Festivities
This superbowl will in many ways the only international game in the championship's 40 year history. There will be festivities in both Detroit and Windsor, Canada, which is 15 minutes from Detroit. TWenty four years ago, when Detroit hosted the super bowl the official events were only on the US borders.
I think that this is a really good idea, that the US is opening up to let people come down from Canada to watch the Super Bowl. Budwieser in Canada did a promotion for the Super Bowl, putting the logo on packs of beer. Selling 350,000 cases of beer. Boosting revenue this year. Having Canada promoting the Super Bowl helps business in Canada make money selling stuff with the logo on it. Budweiser is also sponsoring a tailgate party on the Canadian side of the border to help kick the Super BOwl of in Windsor. One problem that Canadians run into trying to cross the order is getting stopped. The NFL has arranged for pre approved vehicles to cross without being stopped. I also think that that is a good part on the NFL, welcoming the people from Canada into the US to watch the Super Bowl and hopefully enjoy and want to come back in the future.

"Samson Steers Marlins toward a new home"- by Steve Jackson. Volume 8, Iss. 38,pg. 4

Briefly this article is about David Samson (team president) and Jeffrey Loria (Marlins owner). They are in a bind because the MLB team Marlins are falling with attempts to help all they see for a next step is to either move the team somewhere else in Florida or relocate in one of the eight different places.

I believe that this is a good move for owner and team president who have made many attempts to salvage the team such as pulling Bob DuPuy and chatted with lawmakers to use a state sales tax rebate to help fund the ballpark. With such failures to this business, relocation might not be the best idea due to the fact that Florida is such a baseball orientated state. The only place they seem to be looking in Florida is South Florida, maybe looking closer to the Orlando area would make differences in thought.

One thing that sticks out in my head about this paper is that even though Samson has gone through much criticism, after failing to produce a good business for pretty much all of the 13 years they have been there. The team had a some good seasons with a decrease of pay gradually falling more and more with one less then $20 million dollars for the up coming season. With that knowledge Samson, Loria, and management have actually been doing a sufficient job, the problem I see is location. Yes it is Florida and all be the fan base was just never constructed.

"NFL Owners Approve $20M for Superdome"-Jacob White Volume 8, Issue 38,Page 3

The National Football League (NFL) has conditionally approved $20 million for the renovation of the Louisiana Superdome. The vote, which was unanimous, was very important in helping the Saints actually stay in New Orleans. There are still some issues to be resolved, however. The biggest issue is the negotiation with the state of Louisiana, as the Superdome is owned by the state. This problem must be resolved before the transaction can be completed.
The important thing is that the Saints do, in fact, want to rebuild and stay in New Orleans. This comes after many suspected owner Tom Benson to want to move his team to San Antonio permanently. Dennis Lauscha, the Saints’ chief financial officer, explained that the Saints are committed and building. He also said that the renovation money is excellent in terms of getting the building process moving. Hope still remains for a full season to be played in the Superdome this year.
The take from the NFL is a little different, however. Roger Goddell, NFL chief operating officer, says that the league expects the Saints to be in New Orleans next year, but also realizes that every day with no formal funding deal with the state of Louisiana means that it is less likely that a full season will be played next year. The Saints “home” games were played in the Alamodome and LSU’s stadium, but attendance was very poor.
I think the money for the renovation is a great step for the city of New Orleans. I also think that a funding plan with the state of Louisiana is very important. The Saints need to stay in the Superdome not only for the team to have a real home arena and a solid fan base, but for the city as well. This city has already been through enough, the last thing they need is to lose their beloved Saints, regardless of how poor the team has played in the past five years.