Sports & Celebrity Newswire

Archive for 2009

The Super Bowl is the biggest single sporting event in the United States each year. It’s become an unofficial holiday and tens of millions of people tune in not only for the game but also the commercials, halftime musical performance and all the other revelry surrounding the game. Even non-sports fans become fans for a day around the Super Bowl. The upcoming game will be played in Miami, FL on Sunday, February 7, 2010.

Miami has been the host of The Super Bowl nine other times, starting with Super Bowl II in 1968 and most recently Super Bowl XLI in 2007. Miami seems to be favored often for the site of The Super Bowl because of their ideal weather conditions during the winter season along with a variety of outdoor activities that Miami offers its visitors.

Many companies, casinos and organizations host Super Bowl parties to entertain clients and raise money. And while such events can offer a lot of fun and comraderie, one of the best ways to make an event even more exciting is to hire a retired football great to sign autographs, meet/greet guests and give a pre-game and halftime chalk talk.

PFP Sports & Celebrity Talent arranges for a number of such appearances around each Super Bowl. For instance, last year former Dallas Cowboys great Ed “Too Tall” Jones appeared at a casino in California. That same casino has hired Cowboys Hall of Famer Randy White for the upcoming Super Bowl. A couple of years ago, PFP procured former Denver Broncos linebackers Karl Mecklenburg and Randy Gradishar for a Super Bowl party to raise money for a local charity. Both legends spoke about their experience of playing in the Super Bowl and gave a chalk talk about the upcoming game. PFP has also booked Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders appearances at various functions around the Super Bowl.

If you’re interested in livening up your Super Bowl event and creating an unforgettable experience for your guests, contact PFF Sports & Celebrity Talent. Call 1.800.966.1380.

I’ve read on more than one occasion since the Tiger Woods story broke last month that the endorsement market for all athletes will suffer as a result of his indiscretions. The thinking goes that if companies can’t trust someone like Tiger, who for years had the cleanest image among all athletes, who can they trust?

Tiger Woods continues to endorse Nike. The organization stands behind him.

I don’t agree with this assessment. There’s an inherent risk whenever a company utilizes an athlete. He could get hurt, traded, arrested or, in the case of Tiger, caught with his pants down. Athletes have been endorsing products for close to 100 years and will continue to do so.

For every high-profile scandal such as Tiger or Kobe Bryant earlier this decade that resulted in companies either cancelling or not renewing their endorsement agreements, there are countless examples of endorsement deals that have been successful. Do you think Nike was disappointed with Michael Jordan or Gatorade with Derek Jeter?

Over the weekend, I was watching CNN and three commercials in a row featured athletes – Howie Long for Chevrolet, Dan Marino for NutriSystem and Chris Berman for Applebees. So will there be any fallout from “Tigergate”?

My guess is that companies will scrutinize potential endorsers even closer. Morality clauses, which give companies the ability to opt out of an endorsement agreement should an issue arise, will likely be tightened even more. And most importantly, companies likely won’t build their entire advertising campaign around just one athlete, which is what Accenture did with Tiger. Some people have estimated it will cost Accenture tens of millions of dollars just to remove all the advertising featuring Tiger. How many times have you been in an airport and seen an Accenture billboard with Tiger?

Speaking of Tiger, his fall from the mountaintop has been historic. Never has an athlete of Tiger’s stature fallen so far so fast. Just a month ago, ask someone to describe Tiger’s image and you would likely hear such words as squeaky-clean, trustworthy and integrity. To date, among his sponsors who have either cancelled or scaled down their involvement with him  include Tag Heuer, Accenture and Gillette. Gatorade is phasing out its Tiger product, although it made the announcement a few days prior to the start of Tiger’s problems.

PFP Sports and Celebrity Talent Agency is a top booking agent for athlete endorsement deals,  athlete appearances and sports speakers. For more information on how to book an athlete endorsement or appearance, call 800.966.1380

WASHINGTON, DC – George Michael, Washington, D.C. legendary broadcaster who was famous for  sports television’s  “The George Michael Sports Machine” show, has died of cancer. He was 70 years old.

Legendary broadcaster George Micahel dies of cancer at age 70.

Michael, who always had a confident and boisterous style while on the air, worked in radio and television for more than 40 years. He worked on the sports desk at the NBC affiliate in Washington, D.C., from 1980 to 2007.

Michael’s daughter, Michelle Allen, said Michael was surrounded by family and friends when he died Thursday morning from complications of chronic lymphocytic leukemia at Sibley Memorial Hospital.

“He waged his battle against cancer with the same drive and determination that made him a one-of-a-kind in the broadcasting industry,” the family said in a statement. “Whether it was covering a sports story, working on his horse farm, or spending time with family and friends, he approached everything in life with passion.”

“Sports Machine” began shortly after Michael’s arrival at WRC TV in Washington in 1980 as “George Michael’s Sports Final,” a late-night local feature. Then in 1984 it grew into the first nationally syndicated sports highlights show, eventually airing in 194 markets across the United States and in 10 foreign countries.

WRC TV called Michael a pioneer in sports broadcasting and a dynamic force in its newsroom.

“He was a gifted interviewer, a master storyteller, and one of the hardest working journalists out there,” the station said.

PFP Talent extends its deepest condolences to the family.

LOS ANGELES, CA – Multiple media sources report that actress Brittany Murphy, age 32, died early Sunday morning after going into full cardiac arrest. She was unable to be revived. The LA City Fire Department reported to TMZ that a 911 emergency call was received at around 8:00 AM from a home in Los Angeles that is listed as belonging to her husband, Simon Monjack.

Actress Brittany Murphy dies from full cardiac arrest at the age of 32

Murphy was taken to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center where she was pronounced dead on arrival.

Murphy starred in such films as “Clueless,” “8 Mile,” and “Don’t Say a Word.”

Sources told TMZ that Brittany Murphy’s mom discovered her unconscious in the shower. When paramedics arrived, they quickly determined Murphy was in full cardiac arrest and immediately administered CPR. They continued CPR in route to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center several miles away, but Murphy was unresponsive. She was pronounced dead at the hospital.

TMZ reports that the LA County Coroner’s is picking up Murphy’s body from Cedars later today and will launch an investigation.

CHARLOTTE, NC – NFL star Chris Henry, 26, who suffered grave injuries in a truck accident in North Carolina yesterday, has died. Charlotte-Mecklenburg police report Henry died at 6:36 AM EST this morning. Henry played wide receiver for the Cincinnati Bengals.

NFL star Chris Henry died Thursday morning Dec. 17, 2009

It was previously reported that Henry jumped into the back of a pickup truck yesterday in an attempt to stop his fiancee from leaving a “domestic situation” at her parents’ home in North Carolina.

Henry was rushed to the hospital Wednesday after being found on a residential road “apparently suffering life-threatening injuries,” according to police.

Police said at some point when his fiancee was driving, Henry “came out of the back of the vehicle.” They wouldn’t identify the woman, and no charges were immediately filed.

“Detectives continue to work diligently on this active investigation,” police said in a statement today.

Joe McElderry battled head to head with Olly Murs during the finals of X Factor 2009. The voting was live and after 10 million votes, Joe McElderry was crowned the new winner of X Factor 2009.  Joe was never in the bottom 2 and always sang with perfect pitch. He had it all – talent, looks, likability and charm.  Congratulations Joe!

Joe McElderry, winner of X factor 2009, sings the winners song 'The Climb' by Miley Cyrus

X Factor 2009 Final Results – Watch Video

Joe McElderry sings The Climb by Miley Cyrus – Watch Video

Each contestant performed three times. Stacey Solomon sang a duet with Michael Buble’ - Feeling Good, Joe McElderry sang a duet with George Michael – Don’t Let The Sun Go Down and Olly Murs sang a duet  with Robbie Williams – Angels. The contestants each repeated the songs from their first audition and their favorite songs of the series in an attempt to get through to tomorrow’s show.

Stacey Solomon & Michael Buble’ Duet ‘Feeling Good’ – The X Factor 2009

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Joe McElderry & George Michael Duet: ‘Don’t Let The Sun Go Down’ – The X Factor 2009

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Olly Murs & Robbie Williams Duet: ‘Angels’ – The X Factor 2009

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All three contestants were fantastic, but In the end it was Stacey Solomon who was eliminated from X Factor 2009. It is now down to Joe McElderry and Olly Murs as to who will win X Factor 2009. We wish Joe and Olly the best of luck.

Stacey Solomon Eliminated from X Factor 2009

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The winner will be announced tomorrow. I love them both, but my money is on Joe McElderry for the win!

Bryant Gumbel

While co-hosting “Live! with Regis and Kelly” Tuesday morning, Bryant Gumbel announced that he recently had cancer surgery to remove a malignant tumor on his lung.

Gumbel told viewers that he at first wanted to keep his surgery private, but told them that part of his lung was removed in the surgery. He stated that he and his doctor hope that his treatment is completed.

“We had told a few people, we told my family, obviously. I even kept it from my staff at Real Sports. So I’m okay for the time being,” he said. “I’m hoping they greenlight me to play golf again.”

We all wish Bryant well!

Update Dec.6th: Danyl Johnson is eliminated!

Danyl Johnson  takes on Whitney Houston’s  I Have Nothing on X Factor – Semi Finals week.

Judges comments:

Louis: “Danyl, the song is ‘I Have Nothing’, and I think you, Danyl Johnson, you have got everything. You totally deserve to be in the final because you have the talent and a vocal ability. You’re a born entertainer. You’ve had a lot of negative criticism on this show but I want people to judge you on your voice. And I would buy that version of that song if it was available.”

Dannii: “It was a really, really good performance. I didn’t love it as much as the first one.”

Cheryl: “Danyl, that’s actually the first time I’ve seen you physically shaking so I can see how much this means to you, and after that performance I wish you the best of luck to be in the final.”

Simon: “Danyl, I don’t think you’ve had fair criticism so far for what you’ve done in this competition, which is to sing your heart out, take on songs… we deliberately gave you a girl’s song so it would be more rebalanced, it’s one of the biggest Whitney songs of all time, and on the most important night of your life. I genuinely believe after everything you’ve done you absolutely, 100% deserve your place in the final.”

Danyl Johnson sings Man In The Mirror on X Factor Semi Finals week.

Judges comments:

Louis: “Well, Danyl, as Dannii said last week this is a singing contest and you’ve definitely got the voice. I believed in you all along, you’ve had a tough time in the press, but on the vocal it was amazing. I love everything about your voice. However, Simon, what’s with the screens, the polar bears, climate change? It distracted from Danyl’s voice. Danyl, you’ve got the voice, I love it, but I think Simon will do anything to get votes.”

Dannii: “Danyl, I love that song and it was a really good performance. You’re back to the energy you had originally when we first saw you. But I agree with Louis, I was confused when the polar bear came on screen.”

Cheryl: “It was like ‘Earth Song’. But about the performance, it was really good to see you up there and giving it some. You’ve been through a lot but still come out and give 110%. That’s what you need to do to get into the final, so good luck.”

Simon: “Danyl, that was absolutely incredible, that performance. Absolutely on the money, genuine, brilliant. Sorry, but it was. What is amazing, is that you’ve got the guy’s career in the balance here after doing a fantastic performance, and all you two can talk about is stupid polar bears. He didn’t choose the polar bears, they’re not distracting from him. It’s supposed to be a tribute to the song.”