LEBRON: MAVEN OR NO MAVEN?

Oh I love this…the PR newswire was very interesting yesterday and I cant help but wonder where it all went wrong. The FIRST press release at 8:12 AM read: LeBron James, star of the Cleveland Cavaliers, recently selected Maven Strategies to launch a new project, The LeBron James Experience, kicking off November 3, in Phoenix, Arizona at Club Rain. The LeBron James Experience is a seven-month, 25-city tour that will give fans an opportunity to connect with James in a more personal environment following Cleveland Cavaliers games. “LeBron James is an outstanding basketball player, with a great passion to succeed on and off the court,” said Tony Rome, president & CEO of Maven Strategies. “We are delighted to join hands with one of the best basketball players in the world on his latest business venture.” Commenting on the collaboration, LeBron James stated, “I am very excited about working with Maven on my new venture because this agency is a recognized leader in the area of corporate sponsorships,” said James. “I was impressed by their creative marketing ability and I am to a looking forward to a bright future with this agency.”

SECOND release at 4:47 PM: Fred Nance, counsel for LeBron James and LRMR Innovative Marketing & Branding, said that there is not and never has been a business relationship or agreement between LeBron James and/or LRMR and Maven Strategies. This is an unauthorized project that LeBron James is not and will not be involved with in any way. We are taking appropriate and immediate measures to ensure that Maven Strategies discontinues using LeBron James’ name; and we anticipate Maven Strategies’ cooperation in that regard.

So how exactly does one of the world’s most famous athletes give a statement regarding his latest marketing gig but somehow forget to inform his attorney of it? I don’t know, but I suspect there is a massive ego behind it. It’s just too bad this didn’t happen prior to his gig on SNL. Hopefully, the Nike converted art-gallery in China that’s been renamed for Lebron has been approved by Lebron’s peeps. With the Cavaliers and Magic making the rounds in China, Nike “converted a Shanghai art gallery into a LeBron James showroom,” called the “LBJ Museum.” It includes three-on-three games on a shellacked basketball court, James’ childhood photos, high school jerseys and old Nike shoes. This all coincided with Nike unveiling the latest version of James’ signature shoe, which was only released in China instead of the U.S. James said, “You would never think that you could have your face somewhere else where you don’t even live.” Interesting quote Lebron…now maybe give some thought on the fact that your shoes are being produced by a country that is essentially funding genocide. Maybe you can produce baby Lebron kicks for all the children who run from their villages while being attacked by the militia? At least you’d get your face somewhere else you don’t live.

TIGER-ADE

I’m sure you all have heard about our mighty Tiger and his deal with Gatorade? Tiger’s first beverage endorsement, rumored to be worth as much as $100M over five years, will no doubt give baby Sam a nice trust fund? The Gatorade Tiger sub-brand will launch in March and will feature three flavors: cherry blend, citrus blend and grape, all selected by Tiger. Woods’ agent, IMG’s Mark Steinberg, said, “There have been some licensing elements to things we’ve done. But everything he does with Gatorade is going to be creating new products. It’s something Tiger and I and our licensing business have been looking at for some time.” Congrats to Tiger, but the only thing pumping through my veins is a steady diet of Vitamin Water.

MILLION BUCKS A HOLE: HIGH STAKES GOLF
Last month, I had a conversation with someone about golf and money. I gave my word I wouldn’t mention his name or which sports team he owns, in exchange he was happy to discuss his weekly poker tournaments and golf outings. In summary, Mystery Man paid Phil Ivy $1M for poker lessons, and now he hosts weekly poker games at his house with a buy-in of $10k. I was also told that he and Ivy played golf on a regular basis, while betting $1M a hole. Given the circumstances, his wealth and credibility, I believe this to be true and it’s only a matter of time before I get myself out on the greens with these men to see how its really done. In the meantime, it seems that the Mystery Man is onto something. ‘The Doyle Brunson and Dewey Tomko Invitational,’ is comprised of nine players, who play nine holes, and kick in $1M each of their own money to play for the $9M prize.

The players are not ‘golfers’, but professional poker players-or ‘gamers’ as they’re called. Doyle Brunson, Dewey Tomko, Daniel Negreanu, Phil Hellmuth, and Phil Ivy, among others — for the first time ever, will compete against each other in the Million Dollar per hole golf tournament at Bali Hai Golf Club in Las Vegas, Nevada. President of High Stakes Entertainment: “The High Stakes Entertainment Golf Tour showcases some of the biggest names in poker, playing a brand of golf that the viewers will be able to relate except for the amount of the wagers. The program will also provide our viewers with an insight into this high stakes lifestyle that exists around the world.” The first event will feature nine players, each wagering One Million Dollars of their own money to compete in a nine hole team scramble played according to the “Dewey Tomko’s Gamblers’ Rules of Golf”. The inaugural “Doyle Brunson and Dewey Tomko Invitational Event” is scheduled to premiere on ESPN this Sunday, October 21st at 3:00 pm, and will continue the following Sunday on ESPN. For more info: High Stakes Entertainment.

LEWIS HAMILTON’S ROLE MODELS

The countdown is on…this Sunday, Lewis Hamilton could become the first black driver to win the world championship, the first rookie to win a world championship and the youngest beast to win a world championship. Hamilton graces the cover of the annual Black History Month publication and was asked about his role models. “I think I have had people during my life I admire rather than have as a hero, because my kind of hero would be someone that has been the best at whatever they decided to do. Outside of Formula One, my father (Anthony) foremost, then Nelson Mandela and Martin Luther King - two great icons who continue to inspire many people…Alongside that, it would be the huge support I have received and continue to do so from my family and the team. I could not be where I am today without their backing.” Going into the final race of the season, Hamilton holds a four-point lead over Alonso, with Ferrari’s Kimi Raikkonen an additional three points back. The impact of a Hamilton victory this weekend would be huge. Its well worth it to wake up, set your DVR, whatever you gotta do to bear witness to the phenomenon called Lewis Hamilton. He is essentially rewriting the history books and it baffles me that more people aren’t paying attention here in the States.

RED CARDS FOR PIECE PEACE

Don’t they have tanning beds in Europe?

As always, thanks for reading.
delinda@athlebrities.