Sport/Entertainment Spins (AA Focus)

Beijing

noreply@blogger.com (evol) — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 06:00:00 +0000

With the Olympics set to begin in less that two weeks, we're poised to see some breakouts from some old favorites (Track & Field, Basketball, etc), but also I'm sure a plethora stars being born in surprising categories (Fencing, Gymnastics and more). Make sure you do yourself a favor and check out what will be heartfelt stories and dreams coming true.

All Star 08'-Post New Orleans

noreply@blogger.com (evol) — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 03:56:00 +0000

Took a couple of days to shoot down to New Orleans for this years NBA All Star festivities. First of all, the city is ready. Minimal problems with a high flux of people, events and mostly good weather. Get back down there if you haven't been or if you haven't been-it's a must do this year.

As usual a lot of stars, athletes and aspirational lifestylers. One thing that stuck out was the adidas presence everywhere with it's "Basketball is a Brotherhood" mantra. You could not but help how they'd integrated itself in every subtle crevice of the city. I just told someone earlier that it's a great campaign that I believe has soon many legs in terms of becoming viral and engaging the consumer.

The game itself was also pretty entertaining this year. King James re-emerged and took home MVP after dunking on a few players from the West early on. Dude is a monster, believe me, I saw some things in person against the best in the league and he's going to only get better for a long time to come.

Next, let me just say Dwight Howard has so much marketability in his future as a big man. His progression on and off the court since his rookie year was purely illustrated as he donned the Superman cape and brought the dunk contest back from flat-lining. I think even Soulja Boy would have to admit that he can't match the pagentry Howard brought out the phone booth.

I'm predicting a rise in NBA viewership going into the second half of the year and continuing into the playoffs this year, much higher than the last 4-5 years. Why? One, the West has long been the weighted most competitive conference, but now with Boston, Detroit and a young Orlando led by the aforementioned Howard and we have some balance. Don't forget Cleveland, trading deadline isn't over yet. And speaking of trades...JKidd's back in Dallas and the West just got even more interesting. Who is not going to be watching NBATV this year? With a set of moves that now calls for three reconfigured teams (PHX, Dallas & LA) along with the others and we have something to look forward to. Combine that with young Portland and Seattle and the NBA has set itself up nicely (and lucratively) for the next 5-10 years. Not to mention the recent announcement that there will be five additional European team, plus whatever becomes of the teams in China.

Mark it down, the NBA is now officially, NBAE (E is for 'entertainment').

Let the games begin.

News

noreply@blogger.com (evol) — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 03:50:00 +0000

CNBC's piece on Nike ran tonight and covered some great topics-iconic athletes, labor practices, action sports and the emerging Sneakerhead demographic. Crazy, I've known sneaker heads since elementary school; anytime a parent would come and pick up a 6th grader to go cop the new Jordan's and bring him/her back to class so they could be fly, sounds like a sneaker head to me.

Shaq still will be waiting for the first game in a Suns jersey, which I am sure will soon be a top 5 seller with the quickness since he has a new team and the Phoenix area is clamoring for a title. Look for him to inch past Kobe and KG and probably settle around the 9-12 area.

ESPN has an outstanding article up in honor of Black History Month in regards to the Iowa State University stadium be named after an African American athlete (Jack Trice), certainly worth a read.

Someone finally noticed that most hits over the last 18 months in the hip-hop music genre usually encompass a dance move instructional. From Soulja Boy, Fat Joe, Lil Mama, and more most evenings at the clubs are spinning these tracks multiple times a night-but it doesn't stop there. You Tube has countless imitators, fans and unique individuals taking part, from the suburbs to the Sudan, North Dakota to North Korea the infectious, simplified lyrics and physical gyrating inspired illustrations are everywhere. Seems like the quickest way to a deal or at least a look at one right now.

Hitting NBA All-Star weekend starting Thursday, so expect some analysis and a story or two post that trip.

Headed into overtime....

Toilet Paper

noreply@blogger.com (evol) — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 03:46:00 +0000

Politics are everywhere you turn...the job, dating, parking spots, pretty much anywhere we are these days, could be political. Now whether it be a democracy, dictatorship or something else is unique to each situation.

With politics, things can get heated, emotional-dare I say, um sh...y. For those situations, you usually want to have some TP on hand, your Charmin's, Scotts, etc. What I don't get however with this is when the stuff starts flying, then you know the politics are serious, the issues have taken a back seat, but strategy is in full force and lines are drawn, battle upon us.

Take Bob Johnson, overall wealthy African American male, endorses said Caucasian female candidate and verbally rebukes a candidate some may have felt deserved Johnson's endorsement regardless. He recently was quoted questioning the candidates background based on statements from his memoir.

Tavis Smiley recently had an overall excellent breakdown in his weekly commentary imploring minorities to fully examine their needs and the issues being addressed by all candidates and not blindly handing over their vote to anyone-including someone who looks like you. Seems like Mr. Johnson was doing just that-while his style might have been abrasive to some who took notice. I do however believe it's neither here nor there, but as Mr. Smiley stated, more important to address how while in Iowa none of the candidates addressed the issue of the overwhelming disproportionate number of African American males in prison and Iowa is one of the top 5 states for male incarceration. But hey--it's politics, no one's going to address that on their own right?

A wise man once said, "...it's only entertainment" and you better believe the founder of a media station with that very word included in it's acronym and billionaire is entertaining...but not as a show, but as the audience.

If you missed the underlying contexts of this one, sorry it got a bit complex, you might need a re-read.

Around my way, when things got um, you know, we had the TP handy and either some air freshener or incense...with super Tuesday just a few weeks away, they might want to stock up out there on those trails.

Heard T.O. once say to get the popcorn ready...we'll seeing as how he's done for a while, he may want to take his own advice and get ready for the coming weeks to unfold...we may be about to see a show like none other.

Let me have extra butter on that...

Dang

noreply@blogger.com (evol) — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 19:03:00 +0000

Going so fast you move at fractions of a tenth of a second...not anymore.
A judge today told former Olympian champion Marion Jones she's going to be spending six months in prison for crimes including steroids and check fruad scam.

Once a darling of the media and public, Jones has had a hard fall from grace in recent months. While unfortunate, as she exuded many positive qualities for our young women in America and across the world, she still I am sure is held in high regard by her two young children she will soon have to seperate with to serve her sentence. Keep ya' head up Marion and know that you have support systems in place.

Pardon me while I reflect-

Life

noreply@blogger.com (evol) — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 02:53:00 +0000

Most often, we don't realize how very precious the thing we all awake to each day-that present called life. You have to maximize it if you don't want to feel minimized; every so often someone arises and illustrates just how much potential each one of us truly possesses.

Here, a man who has done truly wonderful things in the lives of those playing football and those who do not. His book is an outstanding read, check it out. Whether he leaves or stays, he's made a huge impact.

Same league, similar opportunities, but I often hear, NFL stands for "...Not For Long".

With record sales lagging, alternative streams of sales have ringtones being one of the best ways music recording artists to come up and get paid equally...if you know anyone under 15, then you know Soulja Boy. Young cat is out here with a plan, all I can say is viral marketing at it's finest whether you're a fan or not...learn a thing or two about knowing your demographic and core customer base, he mos def does.

Dave Stern is pressing forward on maybe the greatest privatized investment known. Trust me when I tell you, the NFL only has a few more years as the number one sport in America. While soccer won't be derailed, this move is going to put the NBA in a place even the U.S. can't do.

If you wake up tomorrow, you get 86,400 seconds-hope you maximize em'.

props to sohh, espn and the wall street journal

2008

noreply@blogger.com (evol) — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 02:47:00 +0000

We're Back!

Stay Tuned for More Details

Sparta!

noreply@blogger.com (evol) — Thu, 02 Aug 2007 02:00:00 +0000

Tony Dungy continues to exhibit dignity, leadership and poise-even in other fields of endeavor.

An interesting article from Joan Voight here, she reports on the rise of digital content.
As we continue to progress forward, digital content will gain market share as the leading source for sports content, with access to video, personal websites/blogs and total access, traditional media must acknowledge the movement and also continue to adapt and integrate with technology.

Finally, Beantown should be alive with excitement for the rest of the year. First R. Moss comes to town to play with an already extremely talented "team" (though he got hurt today) and now the Celts' fans are getting their tickets to see The "Big Ticket". I predicate in addition to the sales spike, increased viewership and memorabilia sales, Boston will also be selling additional hotel rooms from those in the area looking to catch these re-configured teams and suites going for a higher premium. Now if either of the teams ventures to the playoffs, especially the Celtics, look for a bump in season ticket prices next year to help absorb those new contracts and the need to capitalize. I'd suggest off-season fantasy experiences as well, Boston has some of the most passionate, albeit at times crazed fans on the planet, though they won't go Celtic Pride and doing anything too crazy.

Game time!

Listen up

noreply@blogger.com (evol) — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 23:26:00 +0000

Brandweek has an excellent interview with Robert Birge (IMG-CMO worldwide) over on their site on the state of Sport Marketing and the future there of.

Too bad and even worse.

Game, Set, Match

noreply@blogger.com (evol) — Sat, 07 Jul 2007 16:38:00 +0000

It happened. A Williams sister took home the Wimbledon crown, however it was Venus and not Serena this time, taking home her fourth title. Both sisters are playing significantly less tournaments than their competitors these days, however when they show up, everyone must take notice.

By going deep into the tournaments they play in and doing it with such poise and often through injuries, they continue to enhance their legacy, exhibit grace and dignity, all while ensuring they will continue to be highly sought after marketing representatives and future in demand speakers.

I tip my hat to Venus who nearly was sent packing twice in earlier rounds, but decided to stay and pick up another trophy before leaving.

I'm sure the Queen of London was notified at some point, that an Empress was a guest of state.

I've often heard the NFL stands for "Not For Long", and whether you're a former or current superstar in the league, eventually, you will be tackled. By whom-or what is the only question. As we see here, these former players are desperately trying to get their former employer to tackle the dismal disability policy that is constantly knocking them down today. As the premier sports league in the US, I wonder how long it will take for the focus to become unbearable; the recent hearings in Congress undoubtedly will be weighed against the restructuring of major employers in the manufacturing industry facing similar circumstances. While it must be noted, the NFL is not a publicly traded company, they do choose to compete in the public eye.

Word is T.I. (C. Harris) is currently on pace to put up the best first week numbers for Rap/Hip-Hop all year. His marketing strategy of employing two persona's has some what appealed, however hasn't completely been a huge victory. Yet, with a big club single and the smart strategy of a holiday related release he's definitely learned from his last album, "King" which he released in conjunction with the movie ATL that it takes more than just giving the people the product. The second half of the year will see releases from 50 Cent, Kanye, and even possibly Dr. Dre among others. Big names who have generated big numbers, however today it takes ring tones, branding and a gimmick to turn a profit. Either way, little things are stoppin'...

Play it Again

noreply@blogger.com (evol) — Fri, 06 Jul 2007 01:51:00 +0000

Hanes and MJ continue to play the same hits. Per the article, MJ's a winner no matter what, he just keeps finding a new Pippen, in this case, Cuba Jr. The cost cutting measures while I'm sure will be devestating to some, will probably aid in the bounce back of the company and bottom line.

Rise & Shine...

noreply@blogger.com (evol) — Tue, 03 Jul 2007 02:14:00 +0000

Right now if you're not aware, the Williams' sisters are once again turning Wimbledon into their personal marketing, branding and legacy building arena. Today Serena exhibited why she can never be counted out and not only has the heart of a champion, but also why the brands she represents are seeing a great ROI.

Fast enough for the Olympics, but outrunning evil doesn't happen.

More Details

noreply@blogger.com (evol) — Fri, 04 May 2007 01:34:00 +0000

I'm suprised IMG would be involved in something like this. We'll have to stay posted.

Homage

noreply@blogger.com (evol) — Mon, 16 Apr 2007 03:31:00 +0000

Today we honor a man who made this world a better place, who shifted his personal agenda aside and took steps to not only integrate a game, a business, but to establish a history and legacy of distinguished elegance and leave an impact, that man is Jackie Robinson.

I've had the opportunity to read, hear and listen to the many anecdotes of why Jackie was so important to the way baseball did business. Today, African-American athletes enjoy spoils far beyond what Robinson might have imagined this day back in 1947. However, Robinson still might chide Major League Baseball for only having two African-American managers, just as he would have to the NFL a few years ago. Robinson firmly believed in expanding opportunities in management and the front offices of the Billion dollar sport & entertainment industries.

Baseball did an excellent job honoring the historich anniversary and I believe we'll hopefully begin to see the numbers of African-Americans playing today rise. (Currently at 8.4%)*

With two drafts quickly approaching that will change the fortunes and tax brackets of many of it's minority participants, I hope for today at least, they realize the gravity of their next few years.

So as I reflect on the changes the NFL needed to make to align it's employees off-field behavior, analyze post-Don Imus situation and think back to the NBA's need for a dress code and tighten it's in game discipline, I wonder where things shifted to drastically. While rights, salaries and opportunities have increased, so has disenfranchisement, moral responsibility and courage. However, it's not happening on a large scale, for the most part, the majority of our athletes don't receive enough credit for the positive contributions they make. I've personally experienced countless examples of athletes either diffusing a negative situation or coming to the aid of someone whom has experienced one. And for that, I'm sure Jackie would be proud.

*Source: ESPN News

Updates

noreply@blogger.com (evol) — Wed, 11 Apr 2007 03:07:00 +0000

Hmmm...who's going to be next?

Maybe he's got a timeshare, something to kick his feet up.

Serena is in-out-in-out...she'll get it eventually.

I don't know what Bonzi's plan is, but I hope he holds an off-season workout to play himself into a better contract, because he won't be rocketing into the post-season.

Sad, Sorry & Sick

noreply@blogger.com (evol) — Sat, 07 Apr 2007 21:02:00 +0000

I find it odd that the FCC is much like a parent, loving all it's children very much the same, but differently. Take for instance, when Janet Jackson suffered the infamous 'wardrobe malfunction' the largest fine in broadcast history was levied. And before Howard Stern migrated to satellite radio, his station producers and managers regularly must have needed soothing lotion for their thumbs to take all the calls for Stern's 'colorful commentary'.

Yet when Don Imus, proceeds to call a group of college, female athletes, "...nappy headed hos" he's fine with an apology and the disclaimer that his views aren't necessarily those of his employer is ludicrous. I'm sure Janet's nipple ring wasn't the choice for the board or that Stern's appetite for sexually charged innuendo was parallel to that of his employer. Yet both felt the pain and public grief, and had to pay for their transgressions.

However, Imus lets some comments fly on a nationally syndicated radio show that mirror Jimmy "The Greek" Snyder and he's let off with a hand slap. So it's ok to degrade others? Is that what we're emphasizing? So often I see athletes taken to task for their actions and being held accountable, yet we don't offer the same standards for those with a bit of celebrity? If Pacman Jones, members of the Cincinnati Bengals and other athletes need help, why not Imus?

Though no one's an angel, ignoring the weakness that the FCC here wields shows me a sad disparity in where our priorities lie. I only hope that it doesn't cost as much to realize it before it's too late.

Million $ Physiques

noreply@blogger.com (evol) — Tue, 06 Mar 2007 04:34:00 +0000

Label mates, 50 Cent and LL Cool J are known for among other things, hard lyrics, forays into acting and massive amounts of jewelry for their commitment to fitness. Most recently both have signed deals to provide residual income from all those crunches and trips to the gym.

I have to say their management is doing an excellent job of tapping into cross-functional marketing opportunities by tying into natural alliances. Fifty, already a spokesman (and early investor) for Vitamin Water will make a nice extra chunk of change if the company is acquired by Pepsi or Coke as insiders think will happen this year.

Meanwhile, Vitamin Water is making sure to hit those 18-21 year olds everywhere they go.

No doubt the recent change in domestic market will have investors scrambling for save havens for the falling dollar, but I wonder how many have thought about first of all doing a financial analysis to ensure their house is in order. It's not what you make, but what you 'net' or keep after expenses.

Obama is a movie star, so Hillary decides on music.

Rest Easy...

Hiatus Averted

noreply@blogger.com (evol) — Sun, 04 Mar 2007 04:24:00 +0000

Yeah, yeah, yeah-I know. So I've missed one here or there, had to take care of some urgent matters outside of the blogsphere and make sure I'm properly ready for the future and that this serves as a tool of knowledge, profit and thought provoking points of view.

Now, to start off on the right foot, try this game on. Keeping with the NFL action, it's great to see Lovie Smith is getting broken off accordingly. I'm sure the Bears enjoyed their ROI on his low salary this year, now if he delivers a win via the Super Bowl over the next 3 years I'm sure he'll increase his commercial marketability, however due to his high ethical standards he may pass on them.

Next up, if I were a teacher, I'd make this video standard issue I found over at freakanomics.com We need to make sure people are aware money doesn't come easy for most, but there are ways to take care of it, grow it exponentially and hopefully positively impact the next generation.

Updates...

noreply@blogger.com (evol) — Sun, 11 Feb 2007 04:42:00 +0000

Check out what's happening in VA this week.

Terrence Howard along with Bernie Mac will start in a movie entitled, Pride. Looks to be a nice piece, based on a true story. ESPN has a story of a parallel situation in today's day and age.

It's official...Obama is in.

Remember people, we are all a brand. What are you doing each day to promote yourself? Your skills, talent and abilities? Who are you helping to step their game up? Just as any coporate logo or slogan, whether established or start-up, you as well have a legacy, what defines it is up to you. How are you advertising yourself? Who are you surrounding yourslef with? Postive influences or a circle of limitation and discouragement? What I hope you continue to do and I'm sure you are, is learning more, experiencing something new and sharing it with others. The world is immense, commerce stretches to each corner of the globe today and our future the youth needs to know this.

I'm getting off the box for now...I've got my circle to get to.

Super Bowl, but no Shuffling...

noreply@blogger.com (evol) — Sun, 04 Feb 2007 01:22:00 +0000

On the eve of Super Bowl XLI my thoughts find me wondering how both coaches are reflecting before tomorrow's historic game. I've poured through articles this week on the rates of ad space during breaks, reports covering the costs of tickets, the future impact this game will have on legacies-all indicating the media impact this year as usual will be huge.

The over-indulgence that will occur tomorrow with food, commercialism, and superstar dreams translate into the greatest show on earth. I read a recent article that the Super Bowl contributes to the greatest amount of lost productivity compared to any other event, translating into millions of dollars of lost revenue. While I may not agree with everything that now is influenced by such this great sporting event, I do disagree over all with the detractors. Perhaps they should examine the positive influence this may have on business, I would argue the following.

Take Lovie Smith, a man of principles and ethics, yet the lowest paid coach in the NFL; Tony Dungy, who last year lost his son and continued to lead his team in the face of adversity, both shining examples of how I'd like to someday be characterized. As a business owner, I'd be thrilled to employ individuals I knew whom possessed said traits and sleep better knowing I could call them friends as well. However, tomorrow is a battle and though two friends will just be getting together for a student vs. teacher scenario, only one will be described as victorious, but I take heart in knowing that both are already champions.

A little theme music while you ponder from two Chi-town Bears fans.

Wha??? Really?

noreply@blogger.com (evol) — Fri, 26 Jan 2007 01:56:00 +0000

We have to stop the overshadowing of success.

Check ya guy out at the end of the article.

Did You Know...?

noreply@blogger.com (evol) — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 15:02:00 +0000

I don't want to jinx what could very well be history in the making, but you have to give it up both to Tony Dungy and Louvie Smith. I'm thrilled the story is getting some exposure and USAToday covers the brief but successful history of minority coaches in the NFL, and the added benefits of the lineage these guys have contributed to, ala the Walsh era. Check it out for yourself.

Update

Free the Dreams...

noreply@blogger.com (evol) — Tue, 16 Jan 2007 00:33:00 +0000

Continue the Dream

Looks like it's time to get paid and make dreams come true.

"Stomp the Yard" did it's thing this weekend, by topping the Box Office. Unfortunately, the author of the article fails to note, 'urban' does not mean African American or black. One is a way of life that translates into a marketing culture, the other an ethnicity to define a group of people. Combine them both, and you have the trendsetters of the youth in America which the rest of the world then follows and translates into dollars for companies that successfully find a way to marry the traditional with the emerging hot joint of the moment.

Alright, time for me to create and help fufill dreams of my own and others.

Peace-

Not Again!

noreply@blogger.com (evol) — Sun, 14 Jan 2007 05:02:00 +0000

Bowl games have come to an end, the NFL playoffs are in full swing and I'm waiting to see how Tiger comes out the gate this year though it will be a bit tardy. However, the issue of a University of Tennessee defensive back's academics command my attention this evening.

Demetrice Morley executed an improbale turnaround during his senior year of high school by improving his grades nearly an entire point in one semester. Though I believe nothing is impossible, I as one of Morley's former teachers agrees, there unfortunately was more help preventing a proper education than providing one.

Stories such as these are not new, rare or in my observation being strongly combatted. As long as the BCS or the media machine continues to line their proverbial pockets with the instant gratification of student-athletes versus long term self improvement through a quality education, we'll have a system that fails us and those who participate in it.

You Know?

noreply@blogger.com (evol) — Fri, 12 Jan 2007 05:00:00 +0000

One step forward, one step back.

Kobe's jersey is back...um, do you think it has anything to do with him having a new number on his uniform (from #8 to #24) and not that he's emerged from marketing exile?

Unfortunately, I'm sure the NCAA will find additional ways to penalize teams in hopes of "helping" promote sportsmanship. I wonder how much the sprain will cost Ginn in his contract if he comes out.