Zidane recruits Gerrard in graphic novel video

In preparation for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, tournament sponsor adidas is releasing a series of graphic novel-type videos staring international soccer legend Zinedine Zidane as he searches the globe to assemble the "Ultimate Team."

In the first chapter below, an animated Zidane visits Liverpool where he recruits Steven Gerrard to be the team's "Powerhouse." Check out the full graphic novel here.

Kobe Signs Deal With Panini

The Panini Group announced yesterday that the company has signed a multi-year deal with Lakers G Kobe Bryant, making him an official company spokesperson and trading card ambassador. Panini is the NBA's exclusive trading card partner and Bryant's deal includes autographs and memorabilia.

Bryant had been an Upper Deck spokesperson since 2000, but will now appear on Panini packaging and TV ads. Panini's inaugural NBA card release the "Panini Prestige Basketball," will launch on October 7th.

Bryant is excited about the new partnership: "We share the same vision and passion for trading cards. Growing up as a kid, you collected so many different cards and so forth. They have so much energy and passion, they're kind of pumping that new energy into the business. We share that same goal."

CNBC's Darren Rovell spent some time with Bryant at Lakers media day yesterday and wrote there is little doubt that Bryant is the hottest marketing commodity in the NBA. His other sponsorships include Nike, Coca-Cola Co.'s Vitaminwater, 2K Sports, as well as two China-only deals with Sina.com and Alibaba.

Check out Rovell's full interview with Bryant from CNBC's “Street Signs” yesterday.

Jefferson eats fresh

Subway has been making a splash in the sports marketing world the last few years and might have their most honest endorsement on the horizon. The company counts Olympic Gold Medalist Michael Phelps, New Orleans Saints RB Reggie Bush, Los Angeles Clippers F Blake Griffin and San Francisco 49ers holdout Michael Crabtree as spokespeople, but none have seen the benefits of a footlong like Minnesota Timberwolves F Al Jefferson.

Jefferson has always been big-boned, but after eating Subway sandwiches during this past offseason, the 6'10" player has dropped 31 pounds. Jefferson has gone from 293 to 262 simply by eating ham and turkey on wheat bread.

According to the Pioneer Press, Jefferson does not have a deal with Subway but he is going to speak to his agent about the possibility. This should be an easy sell for Jeff Schwartz of Excel Sports Management, although he might still be in wedding-mode from being in client Lamar Odom's wedding party.

If Schwartz can get Jefferson a similar deal as Crabtree, than Jefferson will be a very happy camper. According to the Sports Business Journal, the 49ers' holdout has made enough money from endorsements (Subway being his biggest), that he doesn't NEED to play football this year to support himself.

Crabtree's marketing agent and the man behind Bush's Subway deal, Mike Orstein (Bush ultimately fired him) said that "Crab has made over 750 grand in marketing dollars. It is not that he doesn't want to play, but he is not under the gun to."

Subway should stop partnering with random athletes who don't even make an impact on their respective fields, and focus on spokespeople who actually eat their sandwiches and see the healthy benefits.

The return of FNL

Four weeks from tonight marks the return of the greatest show on TV, "Friday Night Lights." Season Four will premiere of DirecTV's "The 101" on October 28th and will be replayed on NBC starting next summer.

Season Three ended with many questions both on and off the football field. Coach Eric Taylor's Dillon Panthers contract was not renewed and Buddy Garrity and the boosters handed the job over to up-and-coming offensive coordinator Wade Aikman. Taylor surprised us all by announcing that he would take the vacant head coaching position at the newly re-opened East Dillon High School. Will he be able to rebuild the Lions' program using his coaching magic? Let the rivalry begin!

As Billy and Mindy's stylish wedding took place, Tyra awaits word on her college wait-list status, Matt prepares to leave for art school in Chicago and Tim and Lyla consider their futures together.

Can Season Four just start already? The new season of FNL will feature a re-opened high school, new characters, both on the field and in the classroom and NCAA coach cameos. Check out this promo that will surely fire you up for October 28th at 9pm ET/PT.

"Clear Eyes, Full Hearts, Can't Lose!"

(via FridayNightLightsFan.com)

Seau gets sacked by a bull

A few weeks ago, we reported that Versus began filming a reality series starring NFL free agent LB Junior Seau titled "Sports Jobs with Junior Seau." The show follows the unemployed linebacker as he tries his hand at various sports jobs including working as a batboy for the Dodgers, a caddy for golfer Natalie Gulbis and a cornerman for UFC fighter Forrest Griffin.

Over the weekend, Seau attempted to work in the ring a Pro Bull Rider event in Ontario, CA. and the below video shows the 40-year-old taking a massive hit at the hands of a bull.

"Sports Jobs with Junior Seau." will launch December 2nd and air weekly on Wednesdays at 10 pm ET.

(via ESPN's Going Viral)

LeBron to the NFL?

With only a few days until LeBron James' documentary, "More Than a Game" hits theaters, the NBA MVP has been on a worldwide media tour leading up to the start of Cavaliers training camp today. But is James' mind on another professional sport?

Last week at the Interscope Records party for the "More Than a Game" soundtrack, James told Fox411 that he has pigskin on the brain.

“I’ve been thinking about transferring to the NFL. I played a lot of football in my school days," he laughed. "I may make it happen one day – you never know!”

This comment shouldn't scare Cavs fans, as last year there was some online chatter that James might be joining the NFL as a wide receiver. In all actuality, he was just appearing in a State Farm commercial last year as a member of the Cleveland Browns.

Much like the dream sequence in the commercial, fans can only imagine what the 6'8" 250 lbs. James would be able to accomplish on the gridiron. Eric Mangini's two-headed QB monster of Brady Quinn and Derek Anderson could sure use a target like LeBron.

NBA.com to stream exclusive training camp coverage

With training camps across the league starting today, NBA.com will stream live the "2K Sports NBA Real Training Camp," featuring exclusive looks at practices as well as interviews with players, coaches and officials.

NBA TV hosts Rick Kamla and Andre Aldridge will each be working with guest analysts to give insight into the teams' rosters and explore the top storylines for the upcoming season. NBA.com's live stream of each team will be followed by an encore presentation each day on NBA TV.

This show will give fans exclusive access to NBA training camps for five teams, including the defending NBA champs, Los Angeles Lakers. Check out the full schedule below.

Mr. Big Shot has got milk

With NBA training camps starting today, proper hydration is key to an injury-free and successful camp. Nuggets PG Chauncey Billups will be extra hydrated out in Denver as he is the latest athlete to pose for a "Got Milk?" advertisement.

Billups' print and billboard milk ad will be unveiled this afternoon at the Nuggets' Pepsi Center. According to the Denver Post, in addition to Billups' ads, photos of students from his alma mater, George Washington High School in Denver with milk mustaches will also be on display.

New Gillette TV Spot with Matt Ryan

Since the Wall Street Journal named him the best looking QB in the NFL, Atlanta Falcons 2nd-year signal caller Matt Ryan has surely seen his marketability increase.

Gillette launched a new ad campaign yesterday featuring the 2008 Rookie of the Year, who appears in a 30-second TV spot promoting the "Fusion MVP razor." This product is part of Procter & Gamble’s “Official Locker Room Products of the NFL” family of brands and Ryan will also promote Gillette body wash, hair care, antiperspirants and shave gel products.

According to MediaPost.com, the Ryan TV spot, via BBDO New York, starts this week on network and cable television programming. It touts the razor as a solution to sensitive skin by and features Ryan getting pummeled on the football field under a harsh sun, in a downpour, in the snow and in wind while it extols the virtues of the shaver's multiple-blade surface.

Tony Parker signs cartoon deal

Random sports cartoon news out of Paris today. French cartoon production company Tele Images Kids has signed a deal with San Antonio Spurs PG Tony Parker to create "Basketball Adventures," an animated basketball series.

According to Variety, the series' first season will follow Parker and his street basketball team (boys and girls in their teens) in an amateur tournament across the U.S.

Every episode will take place in a different city and will have a theme that echoes the lifestyle or culture of the location.

Parker said that the series will feature guest stars, including his wife Eva Longoria and told Variety, that he "liked the idea of being part of the first French cartoon on basketball."

"Basketball Adventures" budget is Euros 6 million ($8.8 million), has been picked up by French net M6 and production will start next January.

Parker and the Spurs open the 2009 NBA season on Wednesday October 28th at home vs. New Orleans.

Ochocinco to take endzone dances to DWTS?

After making such a lasting impact on viewers during this past season of HBO's "Hard Knocks," Bengals WR Chad Ochocinco's creative endzone dances might just appear on primetime TV this offseason.

The Cincinnati Enquirer reports that ABC's "Dancing with the Stars" is interested in #85 for next season as Ochocinco should be available for the show, which starts in February after the Super Bowl. Chad wouldn't be the first NFLer to appear on the show, as Emmitt Smith won the third season, while Jerry Rice, Warren Sapp and Taylor finished second in other seasons.

Video director Matthew “Mac” Cherry, a former teammate of Ochocinco in Cincy confirms that the show wants the WR next season. He told the Enquirer that a producer talked to him about Ochocinco when Cherry attended ABC’s live “DWTS” results telecast Wednesday night,

The show’s new celebrities usually are announced in January and ABC VP of reality programming, said the new “Dancing” cycle has “no confirmed bookings yet.”

Ochocinco on "DWTS" would be a perfect fit and he would be an early favorite to take home the crown next season. He actually said this week that he has a "Spanish-themed touchdown celebration" for Sunday against the Steelers. He wouldn't divulge any details, but perhaps he is already practicing for next season of "Dancing with the Stars."

NFL Moms team up with "The Dr. Oz Show"

20 NFL mothers have teamed up with “The Dr. Oz Show,” for an Ultimate Health Challenge to get fit and educate on risk factors contributing to heart disease. Starting today, two teams comprised of 10 AFC and 10 NFC moms, will take on each other to tackle their health issues as part of a national viewer challenge. The teams will be coached by former Tennessee Titans RB Eddie George and his wife Taj, a former “Survivor” contestant.

In six episodes this season, the mamas will battle head-to-head to reduce blood pressure, cholesterol, waist size and weight. “Dr. Oz’s Ultimate Health Challenge” kicks off today and culminates on Feb 5, 2010, the Friday before Super Bowl XLIV.

In the end, only one individual mom and one team can win “Dr. Oz’s Ultimate Health Challenge.” The most successful NFL mom will receive the coveted title of MVP and the winning division will take home the dream title of “Dr. Oz’s Ultimate Health Challenge” Champions.

Check out the teams and trailer below.

AFC MOMS:
Deborah Johnson — Son: Jay Richardson – Oakland Raiders
Tammy Davis — Son: Brandon Williams — Pittsburgh Steelers
Sherri Clements — Son: Shaun Phillips — San Diego Chargers
Terri Terrell – Son: Laurence Maroney — New England Patriots
Therese Mangold — Son: Nick Mangold — New York Jets
Mary Gallery — Son: Robert Gallery — Oakland Raiders
Karen Barber — Son: Dominique Barber — Houston Texans
Laverne Suggs — Son: Terrell Suggs — Baltimore Ravens
Donna George — Son: Eddie George –- Tennessee Titans (Retired)
Jackie Posluszny — Son: Paul Posluszny — Buffalo Bills

NFC MOMS:
Char McNabb — Son: Donovan McNabb — Philadelphia Eagles
Pauline Sharper — Son: Darren Sharper — New Orleans Saints
Jackie Randle El – Son: Antwaan Randle El — Washington Redskins
Michelle Green — Son: Bryant McKinnie — Minnesota Vikings
Diane Wells — Son: Reggie Wells — Arizona Cardinals
Constance Davis – Son: Anthony Adams — Chicago Bears
Gayle Jackson — Son: DeSean Jackson — Philadelphia Eagles
Venita Gyimah – Son: Ken Hamlin — Dallas Cowboys
Sheila Davis — Son: Danny Clark — New York Giants
Sue Warner — Son: Kurt Warner — Arizona Cardinals

Oregon going retro for Cal game

This past summer, Oregon unveiled an entire new set of Nike uniforms for the sixth time in the last ten years. The latest and greatest collection adds up to 80 possible uniform combinations and this Saturday versus Cal, the Ducks will be sporting their 81st combo.

Rob Moseley of The Oregon Register-Guard reports that the Ducks will be going retro for their match-up against the Bears at Autzen Stadium this weekend. At practice yesterday, the team wore yellow helmets and kelly green jerseys, much like the 1994 Rose Bowl team.

In addition, on sale in the Duck Shop are throwback jerseys and new T-shirts featuring Oregon’s old interlocking UO logo.

Unofficial team uniform coordinator Casey Martin declined to talk specifically about this week’s uniforms but he did say, “We’ll have some interesting stuff coming up in the future.”

According to Moseley, throwbacks from the era of the ‘94 team have been long rumored but Nike officials downplayed the idea when Oregon’s most recent generation of uniforms was introduced earlier this year. Check out a few photos of Oregon's retro unis from practice yesterday via Moseley's blackberry.

ESPNDallas.com To Launch Before MNF

Mirroring the launch strategy of ESPNBoston.com, the Worldwide Leader in Sports will introduce the network's Dallas-specific site in conjunction with the Cowboys' Monday Night Football home game on the 28th. The Boston site launched prior to the Patriots' MNF home opener versus the Bills on the 14th.

ESPNDallas.com is the third site in the network's local content project after the Boston site and ESPNChicago.com launched last April. According to the Sports Business Daily, ESPN/ABC Sports President George Bodenheimer spoke at Interactive Advertising Bureau's MIXX Conference in N.Y. this week and detailed the local initiative.

"What motivated us with local was the same thing that always motivates us -- our culture and passion to serve sports fans wherever they are. We were surprised by the quick start we had [this past spring] in Chicago, we launched Boston last week, and we're now looking forward to getting Dallas started."

The expansion of ESPN's local coverage will most likely negatively affect local Dallas newspapers as they will have a tough time competing with the network for news stories and ad dollars. Destinations for New York and Los Angeles specific sites are slated for early 2010 launches.

Herbstreit loves his meat

Even with today's slow economy, College Football's main man is getting some endorsement love. Armour-Eckrich Meats has announced that the company has extended its deal with ESPN's Kirk Herbstreit, who will continue to serve as a spokesperson for the brand through 2013.

As part of the agreement, Herbstreit will appear in ads and promotional materials for a national consumer contest.

The contract extension comes only one year after Herbstreit signed with the company and the former Ohio State QB will continue to promote products ranging from smoked sausage and lunchmeat to franks, bacon and pepperoni.

Herbstreit definitely loves his meat: "Growing up, my family shared many special moments over meals made with Eckrich smoked sausage, and Eckrich products are a part of my family's meals today. I'm proud to be the spokesperson for Eckrich, a brand that stands for so many of the same things I do - family, tradition and striving to get better each day."

Herbstreit will be busy the rest of the season promoting Eckrich's Rose Bowl Family Getaway, a national sweepstakes with a grand prize of a trip for six to the 2010 Rose Bowl Game including airfare, hotel, spending money and a VIP party with Herbstreit. Sounds like the perfect way to end the College Football season. Meat, Kirk and the Rose Bowl.

LeBron makes music video debut

LeBron James' documentary "More Than a Game" hits theaters in a week and half and Hip-Hop/R&B sensation Drake has released the music video for the film's featured track "Forever," featuring an All-Star cast that rivals St. Vincent–St. Mary High School's "Fab Five."

The song features rap superstars Kanye West, Lil’ Wayne and Eminem but also marks the video debut of James. The NBA MVP makes a cameo at the start of the video and throughout the song, director Hype Williams showcases images and footage of James during his childhood and basketball career.

The album hits stores on September 29th and includes tracks featuring Jay-Z, Soulja Boy, Mary J. Blige, Chris Brown and Tyrese. The movie will be released in LA and New York on October 2nd.

Special hat tip to ST for the head's up. Enjoy the video.

(via KanyeUniverseCity.com)

ESPN Radio Launches iPhone App

This week, ESPN has launched its newest application to the Apple iTunes App Store for ESPN Radio. The awesome program allows listeners access to live radio streams, SportsCenter updates every 20 minutes, network podcasts, play-by-play broadcasts, live scores, newsfeeds and text messaging. In addition, the new application offers iPhone call-in capabilities directly to ESPN Radio and ESPN affiliate stations.

Check out a short demo video of the ESPN Radio mobile app below. The ESPN Radio app is available on iTunes for $2.99 and includes:

Popular ESPN Radio Shows: Access to live audio from fan favorite shows like Mike & Mike in the Morning, The Herd with Colin Cowherd, The Scott Van Pelt Show, The Michael Kay Show, The Michael Irvin Show and many more.

Live Radio Station Streams: Over 15 ESPN Radio stations, including ESPN 1050 New York, ESPN 1250 Pittsburgh, ESPN 1000 Chicago, ESPN 103.3 Dallas and ESPN 710 Los Angeles.

Podcasts: Over 35 ESPN Radio podcasts available including The BS Report with Bill Simmons, Pardon The Interruption, Around The Horn and Fantasy Focus.

Live Play-by-Play Broadcasts: Listen in on ESPN Radio play-by-play for college football games in real-time.

SportsCenter Updates: The latest news from SportsCenter updated every 20 minutes.
Live Scores & Newsfeeds: Access to NFL, MLB, NHL, college and professional sports teams scores and news.

Text Messaging: User can send a message directly to the studio of an ESPN Radio show.

NBA 2K10 Nintendo Wii Trailer

Last month we featured 2k Sports' trailer for the upcoming release of NBA 2K10, showcasing cover boy Kobe Bryant's signature moves. The game, which hits stores on October 6th, will be available for all platforms including Nintendo Wii. 2K has released a specific trailer for the Wii version that highlights the movements necessary for success in the game. Make sure to only play amongst friends because no matter what, gamers are going to look extremely goofy.

(via First Cuts)

LeBron's New State Farm Spot

LeBron James' "More than a Game" documentary hits select theaters in a week and half and in support of the release, State Farm has launched a new TV commercial. The :30 second spot called "Memories" features James shooting in an empty gym, reflecting on his high schools days at St. Vincent–St. Mary High School in Akron, OH.

(via True Hoop)

Is "Dude Perfect" really perfect?

A video of "The World's Longest Basketball Shot" is all over the Internet today, but is it real or fake? The clip below was created by "Dude Perfect," a group of six A&M students who film amazing basketball trick shots. The video shows a perfect bank shot from the third deck at Kyle Field at Texas A&M.

But are the group's shots real? They were actually featured on Good Morning America last April and Diane Sawyer even said you can't trust everything on the Internet. However, the group's "About Us" section tries to end the discussion:

And yes, the shots are real. If you don't think so, we love that. One of our hopes was to film some shots that would look fake. So keep on telling us they're fake. It makes our day.

Regardless of the authenticity of the shots, the group's videos are supporting a good cause. For every 100,000 views of their Summer Camp edition clip, they will sponsor a child through Compassion International.

(via The Dagger)

Bid on Miller Lite NFL viewing party

Tired of watching football with the same guys every week? Miller Lite has launched a promotion that allows football fans (of legal drinking age of course) to bid on viewing parties with former NFL stars including Jerome Bettis, Tony Dorsett, Richard Dent, John Randle and Antonio Freeman.

Winners of the promotion will host the special guests in their home and the players will provide food and beer, talk football and reflect on their own careers. The best part about the promotion is that all proceeds from winning bids will go to The V Foundation for Cancer Research, founded in 1993 by ESPN and Jim Valvano.

The games and players up for bid are:
Sept. 28th: Carolina @ Dallas with Wesley Walls and Tony Dorsett
Nov. 1st: Minnesota @ Green Bay with John Randle and Antonio Freeman
Nov. 22nd: Philadelpha at Chicago with Keith Byars and Richard Dent
Dec. 10th: Pittsburgh @ Cleveland with Jerome Bettis and Eric Metcalf

Sounds like a great program from Miller Lite. Who wouldn't want to throw a few back with the Bus or John Randle? It is also great that the winning party for each game includes one former player from each team. A few beers in and there might be some major smack talking in your living room. For more information on the promotion or two bid on the player visits, check out www.ebay.com/MillerLite.

Dwight Howard vs. Dwight Shrute to promote SuperFan.com

After filming an "NBA on TNT" commercial together last week, Orlando Magic C Dwight Howard and his co-star Rainn Wilson shot some behind the scenes footage for new social networking site Superfan.com. The duo "battles" it out in a trivia contest to promote the site.

SuperFan is a networking site for fans of all things pop culture related and you can use virtual currency called "credits" to become the top "SuperFan." As the SuperFan, you can control the Fave page to customize the profile picture and the page design plus get your own picture on the Fave profile with your personalized quote.

SuperFan also is a video game, where the more active you are on the site, the more points and credits you'll earn. As you earn Points, you'll unlock new "reputation levels" and features.

Howard has been promoting the site since August and offers a great explanation on his blog. According to Mr. Howard: Superfan.com is all about showing what you are a fan of and meeting people with similar interests. It’s fun because I can compete with other people to become not just a fan, but the SuperFan of my favorite things. You can compete on Superfan to show that you are the superfan of your favorite artist, athlete, restaurant, charity, etc. They have virtual currency so you can steal the SuperFan crown from each other to decide who is the biggest fan.

(via NESW Sports)

ESPNU debuts new TV spots

ESPNU will launch a campaign this week with three new 30-second spots across the ESPN networks. Commercials focusing on the University of Florida and Duke University will premiere today and one featuring the University of Texas will debut later this week. All three commercials were created by Portland-based ad agency Wieden + Kennedy.

The Florida commercial features two UF fans posing as band members in an attempt to get in to a Gators football game. The Duke spot showcases a campus tour guide escorting prospective students around campus.

Check them out below via today's Sports Business Daily.

adidas and Puma squash the beef

Today is a historic day for sports brand companies adidas and Puma. The two rivals, founded 60 years ago by brothers Adi and Rudolf Dassler will officially squash the beef as part of "Peace Day."

In a joint release, the two companies said they were making up to support the Peace One Day organization, which has its annual non-violence day on Monday. Today is an international day of peace initiatives supported by the United Nations.

Company employees will play a soccer match today against each other in Herzogenaurach, Germany and watch the Jeremy Gilley film "The Day After Peace."

"I am looking very much forward to our Adidas and Puma football match and I hope that our joint initiative helps to raise further awareness for Peace One Day around the world," Adidas CEO Herbert Hainer said.

The event represents the first joint activity by employees of the two companies since the Dassler brothers left their shared firm in '48 and established adidas and Puma, respectively

Leach makes FNL cameo

NBC/DirecTV's "Friday Night Lights" has featured past cameos by University of Texas coaches Mack Brown and Rick Barnes and over the weekend the show included another big time coach from the Lone Star State.

According to FridayNightLightsFan.com, prior to his match-up vs. the Longhorns in Austin, Texas Tech football coach Mike Leach filmed a FNL cameo of his own Friday night. Leach shot a scene for the show at a gas station, but no word whether he is playing himself in the show.

One tweet from a Texas Tech beat reporter states that FNL producers have been "after [Leach] for months to get him on."

Leach and the Red Raiders ultimately lost to the Longhorns 34-24, but at least he has his TV debut to look forward to. DirecTV's The 101 Network will premiere season 4 of Friday Night Lights on Oct 28th at 9pm.

"Today Show" airs from Cowboys Stadium

Excitement for the first-ever regular season NFL game at the new Cowboys Stadium as gone to another level. In preparation for Sunday night's broadcast of the NY Giants vs. the Dallas Cowboys, a good portion of NBC's "Today Show" this morning aired live from the Cowboys' new home in Arlington.

Matt Lauer interviewed Cowboys owner Jerry Jones from the field during the opening half-hour of the show and Jones gave keen insight into the economics behind the stadium construction.

Jones: "We probably could have built this stadium for about two-thirds of what we spent. We are all sensitive to the times that we're in, but at the end of the day the way that we're going to get out of this is to sell our way out of it."

Lauer: "So this is a stimulus package in some ways?"

Jones: "In a way. Obviously, it brought great economic benefit to this region."

Later in the show, Al Roker gave a weather report from the stadium with his weather map displayed on the infamous punter-friendly video board. This morning's show also featured Lauer touring the locker room with former Cowboy Emmitt Smith, a cooking display with the Cowboys Stadium chef, a look at the artwork in the facility and appearances by NBC football announcers Al Michaels and Cris Collinsworth.

Jones is looking to set a NFL attendance record Sunday night at the new $1.2 billion facility. Cowboys Stadium seats only about 72,000 including suites and club seats, but it can top 100,000 for special events. To break the attendance record (103,467 when the 49ers and Arizona Cardinals played 10/2/05, at Azteca Stadium in Mexico) at Sunday night’s game, the Cowboys unveiled a $29 “Party Pass” that gives fans access to the six party decks in the end zones.

So will Jones and the Cowboys set the new record? The Michaels/Collinsworth duo will call the NFC East Division battle Sunday night on NBC at 8:20 pm EST.

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Ventriloquist Thornton sells Sharks tickets

Although we don't cover hockey too much on the site, there are a few regular readers who are fans of the sport and die hard San Jose Sharks fans.

Check out Sharks star and up and coming ventriloquist Joe Thornton and his dummy Slappy in this new TV spot. The commercial promotes Sharks tickets and features some good old fart jokes. (Note: The same TV spot loops three times...one viewing is plenty)

(via Puck Daddy)

Nash's Vitaminwater Infomercial

Vitaminwater pitch man Steve Nash has created an infomercial to promote the company's new Facebook promotion, allowing fans to develop the next beverage flavor which will be sold in stores in the spring. Nash combines the knowledge of the late Billy Mays with the energy of Vince Shlomi, the ShamWow guy.

The video is good for a few chuckles, although Nash's voice sounds exactly like Rex Kwon Do. Vitaminwater forefather 50 Cent makes a nice cameo in the infomercial.

Check out www.facebook.com/vitaminwater for more details on the flavorcreator promotion and to develop your own taste of Vitaminwater.

(via Ball Don't Lie)

"Jewish Jordan" Retires

Back in April we featured a post on basketball player Tamir Goodman and a NBC Washington D.C. segment exploring his life 10 years after bursting on the high school basketball scene as "The Jewish Jordan." After recovering from knee surgery and returning to the Haifa Heat of Israel's top basketball division, Goodman has retired from basketball.

The announcement came yesterday at a news conference yesterday at the Jewish Children's Museum in Brooklyn, N.Y., where he was also introduced as the director of the Haifa Hoops For Kids program.

“Now I’m at the point where I just can’t physically play anymore. I know I gave 1,000 percent every day, so it makes it easier for this transition, which is even more beautiful.”

Goodman won't be leaving the basketball world though as he will now serve as director of Haifa's charity. According to the Baltimore Sun, Goodman's work will help pay for tickets to Maccabi Haifa games for underprivileged and special needs children in Israel. He will be based in Cleveland, near his wife's family, but will travel the U.S. making public appearances and organizing events such as benefit basketball games.

Although he never lived up to the hype on the court, Goodman has surely influenced the game of basketball off the court in Israel and will now extend his charity work to the States.

Psycho-T is a marketing star

While some NBA Rookies have appeared on TV in shoe commercials (Bucks' Brandon Jennings for Under Armour) or shaving products (T-Wolves' Ricky Rubio for Gillette), Pacers F Tyler Hansbrough is showing off his social networking and lost dog searching skills.

In a new spot for AT&T that is debuting this week, Psycho-T leverages his circle of friends at UNC to find a lost puppy.

(via Ball Don't Lie)

ESPN signs free agent analysts

With NFL teams cutting down rosters to 53 players prior to the season, a good amount of quality free agent talent is still looking for work. ESPN has jumped into the free agent pool and signed two former players to add to their roster of NFL analysts.

The network announced today that former Tampa Bay Bucs LB Derrick Brooks is officially joining ESPN2's "First Take" as an analyst for the '09 NFL season. Brooks will make his debut on the show this morning and will work primarily Thursdays and Fridays with analyst Lomas Brown.

Brooks fits right in at ESPN as he is a former teammate of three of the network's current NFL analysts, Brown, Keyshawn Johnson and Trent Dilfer (as well as college football analyst Shaun King). Brooks was also coached by ESPN Monday Night Football analyst Jon Gruden with the Bucs.

Sounds like a nice match for Brooks, although he still might end up playing somewhere this season. ESPN’s Adam Schefter noted that Brooks talked to the Bears and Patriots this week about signing with the teams. “I think he’s still in play, and ESPN might have to look for a new correspondent for ‘First Take’ in the event that another team makes an offer.”

Either team would be a great fit for the 36-year-old 'backer as he still has some good football left. Brooks did say on the show this morning that the chances of him playing in the NFL this year are "high."

In addition to the free agent signing of Brooks, former NFL WR Drew Bennett is also joining the "First Take" as an analyst this season. Bennett debuted Monday and will appear on the show on Mondays and Tuesdays. Hopefully after his first week on the job, Bennett doesn't decide to retire a la Baltimore.

"First Take" airs on ESPN2 Monday thru Friday from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. EST.

LeBron to make feature film debut

In June we reported that Orlando Magic C Dwight Howard would be spending his offseason going Hollywood as he made his acting debut debut in a Garry Marshall romantic-comedy, "Valentine's Day." Howard now has some company on the big screen, as MVP LeBron James will make his feature film debut, playing himself in "Fantasy Basketball Camp," a Universal Pictures and Imagine Entertainment comedy.

According to Michael Fleming of Variety, the film is about five guys from different backgrounds who come to Vegas to live out their fantasy by attending the LeBron James Adult Basketball Camp. The campers drag James into their various life issues, ranging from serious to idiotic.

Brian Grazer is producing and Lowell Ganz and Babaloo Mandel are writing the script. Grazer said the picture came out of meetings he had with James and his partner Maverick Carter. He felt confident that James could make the same easy transition to the screen that Eminem did in his screen debut on "8 Mile," which Grazer also produced.

If Nike's "The LeBrons" commercials are any indication of James' acting prowess, fans are in for a treat in "Fantasy Basketball Camp." Let's just hope that the script calls for him to play multiple characters, both young and old.

James will be an executive producer and the movie will shoot next summer. For those that can't wait to see LBJ on the big screen, you only have to wait a few more weeks as Lionsgate is releasing the documentary "More Than a Game," which explores James' high school years in Akron, Ohio. The doc opens October 2nd in Los Angeles and New York.

Thanks for the head's up ST. Check out the "More Than a Game" trailer here.

"True Hollywood Story: Football Wives" to premiere in November

Back in July, we reported that E! Television premiered a new "True Hollywood Story" focusing on wives of MLB players. News came out this week that the network is now working on a follow-up episode for football season.

"True Hollywood Story: Football Wives" will premiere on November 18th and stars Christy Cooley (wife of Chris), October Gonzalez (wife of Tony) and Jennifer Walcott (wife of Adam Archuleta). According to First Cuts, the wives of LaDainian Tomlinson, Quentin Jammer and possibly Jeff Garcia will also appear on the show.

Christy Cooley will no doubt be the biggest star of the episode. She met her future husband Chris while a cheerleader with his Washington Redskins and was ultimately fired once management found out they were dating. So why did E! select Christy for the new show? Producer John Formichella filled in Dan Steinberg of the Washington Post:

"First of all what caught my eye was the story of how they met. So that was sort of the initial impetus. And then obviously calling and talking to her, she seems really sweet. In casting we talked to a bunch of people, to see who would be good on TV. Chris seemed like a really cool guy and I knew he would be good too, kind of open, down to earth. Obviously he's the fact that he's a well-known personality in the NFL helps. That didn't hinder the process."

The Cooley's hilarious wedding photos appeared all over the Internet in 2008 and today they are the one of the most popular and fun-loving couples in the league. Don't be surprised if down the road they get a reality show of their own.

MJD now a Winn-Dixie man

In his first season as the unquestioned star running back in Jacksonville, RB Maurice Jones-Drew will be fed extra well. Grocery store chain Winn-Dixie yesterday announced that the Jaguars star as the company's newest spokesperson.

MJD will be featured in the company's "Fresh Checked Every Day" ad campaign throughout the NFL season in TV spots, billboards and on signs in North Florida and South Georgia stores.

At a tailgating event yesterday in Jacksonville, Winn-Dixie and MJD announced the partnership and debuted the the $5 footlong "GoMoJo" sub that he designed. No word on the meat selection or any special ingredients.

Jaguars Owner Wayne Weaver and several Jaguars teammates including Clint Ingram, Quentin Groves, Derek Landri and Atiyyah Ellison attended the tailgate. According to the Florida Times- Union, the event also marks the grocery chain's continued commitment as the official supermarket sponsor of the Jaguars.

Hockey Moms star in new 2K Sports campaign

2K Sports released their latest NHL game yesterday and the company's marketing campaign for the NHL 2K10 features a demographic never seen before in sports video games commercials, "the hockey mom."

The company released :30 and :90 TV spots that feature three insane female hockey fans hosting weekly meetings to play NHL 2K10. The 30 second spot features a special appearance by Ryan Kesler of the Vancouver Canucks and in the longer commercial, the women play against NHL 2K10 and Hart Trophy winner Alexander Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals. He joins them via the Wii Speak add-on which allows live conversation during gaming via the Internet.

According to Media Post, 2K Sports and its ad agency 72andSunny are hoping to extend the hockey mom concept beyond the TV. They're working on longer online videos of the trio playing against other well-known hockey players and there is also talk of having the moms make personal appearances on college campuses and hockey programming.

Check out the very entertaining hockey moms in 2K Sports' new campaign for NHL 2K10

Obamas to host Chicago Olympic bid event today

President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama today will host an afternoon of speeches and sports demonstrations on the White House's South Lawn to promote Chicago's bid to host the '16 Games.

The Obamas will host Chicago Mayor Richard Daley and other high-profile backers of the bid in addition to USOC members, Olympic/Paralympic athletes and local school children.

According to the Chicago Tribune, White House officials announced last Friday that Michelle Obama will lead a delegation to Copenhagen for the International Olympic Committee's Oct. 2nd vote to decide which of four finalists will be awarded the Games. The finalists are Chicago, Madrid, Tokyo and Rio de Janeiro.

Although he is "deeply invested" in Chicago's Olympics bid, officials said that President Obama was busy pushing for health-care reform and unable to commit to travel to Denmark. He did tell Bloomberg News that the first lady is "the best Obama representative that we have."

ESPN to air college bball around the clock

ESPN will be airing college basketball in the wee hours of the night and at the crack of dawn this season. The network plans to announce today details of its "12 games in 24 hours" basketball broadcast event in the early part of the upcoming men's NCAA season.

This year's live broadcast will take place on November 17th and will include a Monmouth-Saint Peter's game at 6:00am ET and a Drexel-Niagara match up at 8:00am ET. ESPN has never had any games in those early morning time slots. Obviously nobody on the West Coast will be watching those match ups, but will anyone back East check out these games before work on a Tuesday?

The ESPN event will tip off at midnight ET the night before with Cal State Fullerton-UCLA followed by San Diego State-Saint Mary's and Northern Colorado-Hawaii before Monmouth faces St. Peter's over breakfast.

So why the early morning schedule for ESPN? USA Today's Michael Hiestand believes it is isn't just about TV dollars. ESPN, which has aired about 8,200 college hoops games, says it's never had any in those time slots. But given how college teams have grown willing to play in new time slots for the TV exposure — it's not just for money, since TV money is paid to conferences rather then schools themselves — maybe this should have been seen as inevitable.

ESPN programmer Nick Dawson on getting schools to play at offbeat times: "There were definitely schools who weren't interested. But to my surprise, lots of people were interested."

Interesting move by ESPN, but not sure the ratings will be there. Fans of the West Coast schools will definitely watch the games on Monday night, but on a random Tuesday morning back East will fans sit down to watch an entire basketball game before heading to work?

Stewart recruits LeBron on Daily Show last night

Comedy Central's "The Daily Show" returned last night after a three-week hiatus (the longest in the show's history) and after chatting with LeBron James about his new book "Shooting Stars," diehard Knicks fan Jon Stewart attempted to recruit the future Free Agent with a few New York gifts including a "I Love NY" coffee mug, a Shake Shack burger and some T-Rex vertebrae from the Museum of Natural History.

"Shooting Stars" is a memoir written by James with "Friday Night Lights" author, Buzz Bissinger. According to the New York Times, the book says next to nothing about James' NBA career. It ends with his last game in high school and is the story of the bond between James and his friends. Apparently the book covers much of the same ground as the upcoming documentary "More Than A Game," which hits theaters October 2nd.

(via NBA FanHouse)

Oklahoma QB2 gets support from American Mustache Institute

As the starting quarterback at Oklahoma, a player receives immense media attention, Heisman Trophy speculation and NFL Draft consideration. However the Sooners' current QB1, Landry Jones is getting a different kind of support now that he has stepped in for defending Heisman winner Sam Bradford.

Although Jones doesn't posses Bradford's jaw-dropping statistics, Heisman hardware or goofy smile, the RS Freshman from New Mexico sports an amazing mustache that is reaching celebrity status in Norman, OK and around the country.

Even though Jones is getting teased by teammates, he has received support from OU's student body and a very special organization.

Unfortunately, Jones is getting any facial hair support from teammates. He might be jealous or it could be the pain meds talking, but The Oklahoman quoted Bradford as saying that Jones' 'stache "is not very manly.” Other Sooners echo Bradford's thoughts. "We tease him about the mustache all the time,” OT Trent Williams said. "I’m predicting before the year is over he’ll shave that thing off.”

In all seriousness, the American Mustache Institute is rooting hard for Jones. According to Jake Trotter of The Oklahoman, the 44-year-old mustache advocacy group based out of St. Louis is a big supporter of Jones and his mustache.

"We’ve been paying attention to Landry,” said Aaron Perlut, chairman of the Institute. "We love it. Unfortunately, when he first entered the game, there was a lot of criticism the following week about his mustache. We find that very disappointing.

Although OU students wish their record-setting Junior QB would be back behind center already, they are definitely on the Jones mustache bandwagon. Students came to Saturday’s game sporting fake mustaches and T-shirts that said, "Fear the Stache” and "Mustache Mafia.” OU football operations coordinator Matt McMillen and video director Brian Martin have even begun growing mustaches to show support to Jones.

Perlut described Jones’ style of mustache is a "Chevron,” worn wide and long to cover the top border of the upper lip. "We are inspired by Landry and appreciate everything that he’s doing,” Perlut said. "He is a shining beacon of freedom for all the young people out there who wear mustaches.”

Will Jones be able to juggle the pressures of being a "shining beacon of freedom," American Mustache Institute's golden boy AND the leader of Oklahoma's offense until Mr. Heisman returns? This story is definitely one to monitor over the next few weeks. No word yet if Bradford is even able to grow facial hair or if Texas QB Colt McCoy has stopped shaving again.

(H/T to Ben Maller's rumors and notes)

BRoy scores first cover

After earning his 2nd consecutive All-Star selection and All-NBA 2nd Team honors, Portland Trail Blazers G Brandon Roy will now appear on his first video game cover. Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. (SCEA) announced that Roy will be the cover athlete for NBA 10: THE INSIDE, which hits stores on October 6th exclusively for PlayStation Portable.

NBA 10: The Inside will be the only officially licensed first party basketball game available exclusively for PSP and will feature a 5-on-5 basketball simulation game, two new quick action mini-games called Open Lanes and Cherry Pickin,' and audio commentary from TNT's Kenny Smith.

In addition, players can take on the entire country while playing Dodgeball, Give & Go, or MiniQuest, which allows players to choose from one of four mini-games.

NBA 10: THE INSIDE will be available in stores on October 6th exclusively for PlayStation Portable.

3 NFL players to donate brains

Three current NFL players will literally give up their bodies for football (or science). Seahawks LB Lofa Tatupu, Ravens C Matt Birk and Cardinals WR Sean Morey have agreed to donate their brains after death to a Boston University medical school program that studies sports brain injuries.

According to the AP, the players' brains and spinal cord tissue will go to the Center for the Study of Traumatic Encephalopathy so researchers can better understand the effects of concussions.

More than 150 former athletes, including 40 retired NFL players are already in the program's brain donation registry. The center was created in 2008 as a joint venture between BU and Sports Legacy Institute.

Pretty crazy news as these three ballers are making the ultimate sacrifice by donating their melons for science. This research will surely benefit future generations of footballers. Will the NFL or the specifics teams provide special medical attention or equipment for these guys? This story will definitely be interesting to follow in the future.

ESPN launches Boston site

A month ago we reported that ESPN would be launching a Boston-spefic sports site ESPNBoston.com went live today in conjunction with ESPN's season-opening Monday Night Football telecast between the New England Patriots and Buffalo Bills from Gillette Stadium.

ESPNBoston.com becomes the second city-specific ESPN Web site after ESPNChicago.com launched last April.

According to Eric Fisher of the Sports Business Journal, the Boston launch marks the beginning of a marked acceleration for ESPN’s local play and its push into local markets could have a seismic effect on how fans consume news about their favorite teams.

Similar to the Chicago site, ESPNBoston.com will feature a combination of beat coverage on the local pro, college and high school teams and audio content from ESPN sports talk radio. The site will also feature Boston-oriented columns and podcasts from Bill Simmons, Peter Gammons, Michael Smith. a locally oriented online version of “SportsCenter” and locally driven social media functions.

ESPN is also planning local sites for the New York, Dallas and Los Angeles markets over the next 10 months. This expansion of ESPN's local coverage will surely negatively affect local newspapers as they will have a tough time competing with the network for news stories and ad dollars.

Serena loses cool at Open

Although rain dampened a good part of the U.S. Open last week, Saturday night was full of fireworks at the end of the Serena Williams-Kim Clijsters match. Down 15-30 in the second set, The defending champ Williams missed her first serve and then was called for a foot fault on the second. However, replays did not show that her foot touched the baseline and according to CBS broadcaster and former tennis bad boy John McEnroe, "All hell broke loose" at Arthur Ashe Stadium.

The controversial double fault gave Clijsters match point but Serena did not accept her fate and confronted the lineswoman who made the call. She dropped a few f-bombs, got in her face, waved her racket and was heard saying, "I swear to God I'm [expletive] going to take this [expletive] ball and shove it down your [expletive] throat, you hear that? I swear to God."

One can appreciate the passion here, but at the end of a semi-final match in a major tennis tournament, one would think composure is key to a comeback. Williams was issued with a code violation on match point and the match was awarded to Clijsters.

Serena was ultimately fined $10,000 on Sunday for her tirade and may face more penalties, including a possible suspension from next year’s Open. Clijsters beat Caroline Wozniacki 7-5, 6-3 last night to win her first and very historic Open. The Belgium tennis player was out of the sport for two years and become the first unseeded woman to win the Open and the first mother to win a major tennis event since 1980.

Check out Serena's tirade from Saturday night via SI's Morning Jolt.

Polamalu and his head of hair partner with Head & Shoulders

The best hair in the NFL will be extra conditioned this season as Head & Shoulders announced today a partnership with Pittsburgh Steelers S Troy Polamalu and his well known head of hair.

The two-time Super Bowl Champ will act as the official spokesperson for the brand and will work together with Operation Once in a Lifetime, a non-profit organization dedicated to making the dreams of soldiers come true.

Polamalu, Head & Shoulders and Operation Once in a Lifetime will fulfill the dreams of the seven soldiers during the upcoming football season. In conjunction with the partnership, Head & Shoulders launched http://www.troytacklesmore.com/ where fans can get fantasy football tips, enter to win tickets to Super Bowl XLIV and donate money on behalf of Head & Shoulders and Polamalu to fulfill the soldiers' dreams.

Check out the soft-spoken Polamalu and his luscious hair in #43's first Head & Shoulders TV spot.

Homeless dogs to benefit from Vick getting tackled

Main Line Animal Rescue, a Philadelphia-based volunteer organization that finds owners for homeless animals has backed off its idea to use local billboard space to humiliate Eagles QB Michael Vick this season.

According to Marcus Hayes of the Philadelphia Daily News, instead of embarrassing billboards, Main Line is instead buying ad space in newspapers in the cities where Vick and the Eagles will travel during the NFL season to do something positive for local animals.

Main Line's ads pledge that the organization will donate five bags of dog food to a local animal shelter every time Vick is tackled. They're also asking people to volunteer at local shelters on Vick game days.

This ad ran in the football section of today's Washington Post and it is perfect timing for Main Line to comment on Vick, since he spoke to local D.C. students yesterday about his past problems.

Bill Smith, founder of Main Line Animal Rescue said that, "Rather than slamming the guy for the next couple of years, we thought, Why not come up with something funny?"

Sounds like a great program for Main Line as their real mission isn't to humiliate an NFL player, but to benefit animals in need. This program will also expand their reach to other major markets around the country. Although seeing some embarrassing Vick billboards around Philly would have been good for a chuckle, the organization is taking the high road and using Vick's mistakes to benefit needy animals.

(Hat Tip to Shutdown Corner)