Marreese Speights Bartends for Charity

Marreese Speights Bartends for Charity

Although the season was over and the 76ers’ home court at the Wachovia Center was empty on Apr. 15, 2010, there were still plenty of shots being made. Philadelphia center-forward, Marreese Speights, guest bartended at CopaBanana on 4th and South Streets to raise money for the Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House, of which he is the new “friend.”

The event--featuring appearances by Philadelphia based rapper Meek Millz and streetball player AO--lasted from 8pm to 9pm and raised money for the House.

The Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House provides critically ill children and their families a home-away-from-home environment while being treated at local hospitals. Operating two houses (one on Chestnut Street and one on Front and Erie Streets), the Philadelphia--and original--branch of this internationally recognized charity serves upwards of 60 families each night.

Costing over $75 a night per family for housing and supportive services, families are only asked to contribute $15 per night, however, no one is ever turned away due to the inability to pay. Over 90% of RMH funding comes from individuals; Ronald McDonald House Charities supplies the remaining 10%.

With support services ranging from home-cooked meals to on-duty social workers, the Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House has surpassed all expectations and continues to provide a unique and caring environment for those in need.

Speights also joined center Samuel Dalembert, radio announcer Tom McGinnis, mascot Hip-Hop and Ronald McDonald earlier that evening to present the award for the Read For Ronald program at the Chestnut Street House. This 76ers-sponsored program encourages students to read and raise money, as the “elementary and middle school children collect pledges for each minute read during the month of February to help generate donations and support for The House,” the 76ers website states. During the 2009-2010 program, the children raised over $73,000. While most of the funds were donated to the Ronald McDonald House, 10% of the proceeds were returned to the schools that participated in the program.

Speights, who has said he has always had a soft spot for kids, recently became an official endorser of the Ronald McDonald House. Upon the completion of the ceremony, he added in a statement, “Supporting the Ronald McDonald House is really important to me.”

Speights--along with many hopeful fans--went into his second 76ers season with high hopes. Those high hopes, however, were torn down by a mixture of injuries, lack of on-court minutes and a faulty Princeton offense. Speights suffered two knee injuries (one in November, one in March), causing him to miss a total of 20 games, and severely hurt his minutes upon his return to the court.

The Sixers ended the 2009-2010 season with a depressing 27-55 record, but Speights ended on a high note, playing more minutes than most games in the season and scoring over 20 points in three of his final six games.

As Speights looks down the road to summer, his plans are very similar to what he has been doing the past few months; playing a lot of basketball and being a support system and role model for children.

Between his own off season camps and workouts, Speights will team with the Houston Rockets’ Kyle Lowry to host a children’s basketball camp at The Shipley School in Bryn Mawr. The basketball pros will give lessons, tips, take pictures, and sign autographs for the kids during the camp on June 26.

Speights is looking forward to the camp, and hopes all the kids are too. “It’s great to come out to support all the kids. I hope they’re as excited as I am.”

For more information on the Marreese Speights and Kyle Lowry basketball camp, visit

http://www.24-7hoops.com/

~Liz

Read More

Talk Soup

Talk Soup

Charlie Manuel, on Ryan Howard’s 5 year, $125mil deal:

“The Big Piece got a big piece of the pie.”

Beatles drummer Ringo Starr, upon hearing the Vatican’s comments about the Beatles’ “satanic” messages:

“Did the Vatican say we were satanic or possibly satanic - and they’ve still forgiven us? I think the Vatican, they’ve got more to talk about than the Beatles.”

”Octomom” (Nadia Suleman), on having more children:

“At this point in my life, that is the furthest thing that I would ever even imagine. I cannot grow additional eyes or hands. I’m not an octopus.”

Charlie Manuel, on the Phillies’ bullpen while Roy Halladay pitched to the Braves:

“They were all down there eating peanuts.”

New Orleans Saints QB Drew Brees after landing the cover of this season’s Madden NFL 11 and the “Madden Curse”:

“Here’s what I have to say about the Madden curse: Destiny is more powerful than a curse. Whatever is meant to be will happen.”

Flyers general manager Paul Holmgren, on Carter and Gagne’s - and now Laperriere’s - injuries during the playoffs:

“We haven’t used injuries as an excuse the whole year and we certainly aren’t going to start now.”

Phillies right fielder Jayson Werth, on wanting to stay in Philadelphia:

“I think we’ve started something here and I think everybody wants to finish it.”

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, in a statement to Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger:

“In your first six years in the NFL, you have first thrilled and now disappointed a great many people.”

 
Jessica Simpson, on only brushing her teeth a few times a week:

“My teeth are so white and I don’t like them to feel too slippery. I don’t brush them every day. My lips just slide all over the place...I can’t catch up with my mouth. I need a little coating.”

Kobe Bryant, on his fractured index finger:

“I just have less margin for error with the finger. I got to find a new finger--maybe the middle finger--to adjust it.”

Royal and Ancient Club chief executive Peter Dawson, thankful that “novelty” of Tiger Woods’ return to golf will have worn off by the British Open:

“I am very pleased that we are not the guinea pigs in this.”

Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr., joking about first baseman Ryan Howard’s $125mil contract extension:

“As part of this deal, he has agreed to buy a second home for me.”

Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard, on his new “mega deal”:

“That wasn’t a very hard decision. I tell you what, it’s a great feeling to have security and know where you’re going to be.”

-Liz

Read More

A New Balance on Marathon Monday

A New Balance on Marathon Monday

It's one of the most famed races in the United States, and basically a holiday in good ol' Beantown. With the marathon drawing in runners and spectators from all over the world, it is a perfect opportunity for sporting goods brands to market themselves. But what happens when you can't get the prestigious role of being the sole sponsor? You bend the rules.

Just ask New Balance, the Boston-based shoe company, who has launched a full ambush on Boston in preparation for Marathon Monday. They are outpacing the official shoe sponsor of the race, Adidas, and tying their brand in with just about everything that has to do to with the trek from Hopkintown to Boston. Why? Because according to New Balance, "We Run This Town." The motto is the spark behind the largest promotional campaign they have ever run -- no pun intended. In fact, they are doing everything they can besides paying the sponsorship fees that Adidas is shelling out.

They are outfitting the Upper Crust pizza chain employees throughout the city, leading course tours, assisting runners and spectators with tips through their website, handing out goodie bags full of their merchandise, plastering the city with promotional banners, and providing a "Recover Faster" post-race event at all Boston Sports Clubs. This carefully crafted campaign also includes a limited edition shoe, sold exclusively at Tanners in Boston. The shoe is a customized version of the heritage running shoe, called the "Boston 993". The 72 pairs -- 36 for males, 36 for women -- are inspired by the prestigious event, with black suede and lime or lake blue piping. They also say "RUN" and "BOS" on the back of the respective shoes.

While their tactics may not exactly be traditional, and will probably piss off a lot of competing companies, they are definitely turning some heads. It's this kind of risk taking that makes a brand. Since they aren't breaking any specific rules, there is nothing anyone can do to stop them. New Balance has strategically rode the lines, and are using their knowledge of the city to put them to the forefront of the running shoe market, at least for today. Placing ads and kiosks in everyday places, in places where the runners themselves are going to frequent besides the course itself, makes them have a presence. While their campaign's success is yet to be determined, the buzz that is being generated around their strategy alone is definitely helping. Besides, having your name associated with any marathon is huge, simply for the sheer number of people, but to successfully work the Boston Marathon into your repertoire may be the largest honor you could have when it comes to running sneakers.

According to their running marketing director, Josh Rowe, "We are looking to capitalize on the fact we know Boston best -- we live here, we run here." Well, welcome runners, to New Balance's city.

-Mia

Read More

Markets are the Name of the Game

Markets are the Name of the Game

An idea by the worldwide leader in sports has taken off in an unexpected way. The experimental launch of city-specific ESPN websites (see ESPNDallas.com, ESPNBoston.com as examples) have left execs “blown away” by the results.


The sites work to offer content that is geared toward local markets of super-fandom – in order to bypass national sporting news, but provide the quality of content that is expected from the original. The idea was to put centrally-located options for fans in the cities themselves, suburbs, and transplant fans.

In order to keep the standards of ESPN, the site developers searched for reporters and feature writers that have a history in the city and a strong value in sports reporting. This included nabbing staff from local newspapers and websites, and offering them the most coveted job in sports, working for ESPN.

Working as their own miniature version of SportsCenter, the sites provide clips of news – in the familiar format – allowing for centralized content that may not have gotten the same attention on the national version. We’ve all been there: casually turning on SportsCenter as you’re getting ready for your day, anticipating if the best play from the game will appear on “Top 10” or seeing what they’re going to say about the latest trade rumors for your local team. You scan the side bar to see when you’re favorite is going to be highlighted and the ticker has never moved slower. What about scanning ESPN’s posts online, just to see your team is not featured? Don’t worry, ESPN felt your pain, and it’s just what the doctor ordered.

The five sites that are in place were selected because of their market power and the fact that affiliated infrastructures were already in place. For example, Chicago teamed up with their ESPN radio affiliate, and Boston partnered with a local advertising company.

ESPN may have engaged in this process in a little backward but the idea of backing into a goldmine does not seem to phase them. More markets are reportedly in the works – so look out Philly – we’re probably one of them, since ESPN950/97.5 The Fanatic has been fighting for sports radio’s top spot on the local airwaves and our sports fans are insatiable, not to mention we’re one of the largest markets in the country.

It seems the selection process for the cities has relied solely on ease of transition, but it would be assumed fan bases played into it as well. The competitive nature of local sites by national providers also rushed the process, as both Comcast and FOX Sports have revamped locally-based sites (New England, Philadelphia, D.C., Baltimore, to name a few).

The move seems to work for long-term survival for all parties. The content generated beats out local bloggers that focus on the nuances of the game and provide access that may not be otherwise realized. The understanding that this local component of a national outlet can only support, rather than detract viewers is a key piece for ESPN. The use of existing affiliates to work to their advantage, as well as hand-picking contributors from competitors, allows ESPN to remain the worldwide leader in sports, even on the local level.

-Mia

Read More

Talk Soup

Talk Soup

Atlanta Tipoff Club president Gary Stokan, on presenting Tina Charles with the Naismith Trophy after UConn's 2010 NCAA Championship:

"Tina took a talented UConn team and made it even better, which is representative of the leadership qualities she possesses. She enjoyed a remarkable senior season and we are thrilled to reward her with the most prestigious trophy in college basketball."

Now ex-Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb, on his new future with the Washington Redskins :

"Hail to the Redskins.”

Diablo Cody to New York Magazine, on the shortcomings of her film Jennifer’s Body:

"I hate it on American Idol when they do a horrible performance and they go, ‘Well, I had fun.’ I think thats [ridiculous]. If you failed, you didn’t have fun."

Dancing With The Stars contender, Evan Lysacek, tweeting about the many twitter updates about his broken toe:

“Toe needs his own Twitter page.”

Lil’ Wayne, in the letter ‘Gone ‘til November’ to his fans from his new blog site:

“During my prison stint, I want my fans to know I love you. I want all of you to know I appreciate all the mail I get, and this is my way of saying thank you.”

A Master’s Tournament audience member, on forgiving Tiger Woods and focusing on his golf game:

“The man’s a Buddhist, and this is the Bible Belt. We forgive. This week, people in Augusta look at one thing--how well do you hit a white ball?”

Brian Dawkins, on why he believes trading McNabb was a bad idea, saying that the rest of the Eagles are finally playing at McNabb’s level:

“So you're finally getting...all those weapons in place and now you don't allow him to grow with those weapons and have those weapons grow with him, so that they can see if this is the mix that could finally get Philadelphia that championship. You know what? For me, I would say yes."

Nationals manager Jim Riggleman, when asked if the Nationals enjoyed President Obama’s visit and their home opener against the Phillies:

“That’s like asking Mrs. Lincoln how she enjoyed the rest of the play.”

Butler head coach Brad Stevens, proud of this team during the extremely close 2010 NCAA title game against Duke:

“We just came up a bounce short. There’s certainly nothing to hang your head about. I told them in there, what they’ve done, what they did together, will last longer than one night, regardless of the outcome.”

Serena Williams to People magazine:

“Everyone is obsessed with weight! Seeing I’m not a size 2, I could hopefully encourage people to be like, ‘Thick is in.’ But sometimes, I’m still like, ‘I hate these thighs.’”

Pitcher Roy Halladay, on his new home with the Phillies:

“Nothing against Toronto, but it kind of gives you a renewed energy coming over here.”

Umpire Joe West, on the slow pace of play by the Red Sox and the Yankees:

“It’s pathetic and embarrassing. They take too long to play. They’re the two clubs that don’t try to pick up the pace.”

Read More

Talk Soup

Talk Soup

Yankees’ Derek Jeter, on talk about the Yankees being favored to enter the World Series again this year:

“The message is, ‘Last year is over.’ It’s a mind-set that you have to have in terms of staying hungry.”

Jay Leno to Joy Behar, when asked if he feels bad about replacing Conan O’Brien as host of The Tonight Show:

“Conan got screwed; I got screwed. I mean, this is TV. The reason show business pays a lot of money is so when you get screwed, you got something left over.”

Donovan McNabb, on the possibility of being traded:

“I don’t want to be anywhere else but Philly. I don’t believe in starting somewhere and going somewhere else to finish your career. I believe in starting somewhere and finishing what you’ve started.”

Georgia Bureau of Investigation public information officer John Bankhead, on when the investigation of Roethlisberger will be completed:

“I don’t know. I’d have to have my crystal ball out but I don’t have it with me.”

 Michigan State Spartans head coach, Tom Izzo, on his team making the NCAA Final Four:

“There is nothing greater than going to a Final Four that I know of, except winning it.”

Bon Jovi, on not retiring from rocking any time soon:

“I don’t plan on being the next Mick Jagger and to keep on going till my late 60s. But at the moment I don’t see a reason why I should stop.”

Tom Roletter, treasurer of Philadelphia Union’s supporter group Sons of Ben, on the team’s inaugural game on Thursday, March 25th, 2010:

“This day is like Christmas, New Year’s, Thanksgiving, all the holidays you can think of, rolled into one.”

Chad Ochocinco, contestant in season 10 of Dancing with the Stars, on another show performance:

“Holy Mexican jumping beans, it is Monday and another night to perform in front of a small crowd of 24 million viewers. Showtime.” 

WVU Mountaineers forward, Da’Sean Butler, on making it to the Final Four

“One day you’re in the backyard pretending you’re in the Final Four...and then you’re there!”

76ers forward Samuel Dalembert, on the team’s not-so-good season:

“We understand we didn’t have a great season...People from outside might say we have nothing to work for, but personally I think we [do]. We have to work for ourselves.”

Tom Burgoyne, occupant of the Philly Phanatic costume, on the Phanatic For Art statues being displayed around Philadelphia:

“For the Phanatic, this is one big ego trip. He’s become very hard to live with.”

Minnesota Twins’ Denard Span, on his foul ball that hit his mother in the chest during a spring training game against the Yankees:

“She was more mad at me for coming out of the game than me hitting her.”

-Liz

Read More

The Artistic Value of the Phanatic

The Artistic Value of the Phanatic

The Phillies and the Greater Philadelphia Tourism and Marketing Corporation have come together to launch a public art project that centers on quite possibly the most lovable character in Philadelphia history. No, stop thinking Founding Fathers, Ben Franklin, etc. and think more along the lines of the Phillie Phanatic.


The Galapagos Islands native and fuzzy green face of the Phillies has been transformed into immortal form with 20 fiberglass statues of his likeness being placed around the city.

The 5-foot-tall, 100 pound statues have been painted by local artists, each with their own original designs that have been inspired by everything from Vincent Van Gogh’s “Starry Night” to Frankenstein. The unveiling of the statues yesterday marked the beginning of the “Paint the Town Red” week in Philadelphia. During the week leading up to Opening Day, the city has launched many inventive marketing plans over the years, but nothing like this.

In fact, this is the first time a Major League Baseball mascot has been used for a public art project. Of course, using the Phanatic was an obvious choice. The start of baseball season ignites this city, especially with their recent success. And, according to the Phillies, the Phanatic is just as popular and identifiable with Philadelphia as cheesesteaks and soft pretzels.

The placement of the statues will spotlight local attractions and distinctive neighborhoods throughout Philadelphia, such as Historic Philadelphia, Center City, Fairmount, and South Philly. The locations are even using the promotion as an opportunity to provide special offers and discounts for people who wear red or Phillies gear during the launch week. While the discounts may not last the whole summer, the Phanatic statues will, standing tall on their home plate-shaped pedestals through August. For a full list of where you can find him, check out the VisitPhilly “Paint the Town Red” page.

The combination of the baseball season and historic places in Philadelphia was a really smart campaign for the GPTMC’s latest launch. Philadelphia has always been known as a sports town, and I have never met a person who doesn’t like the Phanatic, let alone someone who doesn’t absolutely adore him (Tommy LaSorda, you do not count). By using local artists and opening up the selection pool to anyone who submitted an idea, the campaign accomplished an authentically locally-generated promotion.  In years past, the week dedicated to the Phillies didn't do much to generate buzz, but this year's inventive launch has Philadelphia locals excited.  In fact, Visit Philly (and various Phillies-centric blogs) is encouraging fans to send in their pictures with the artistic installations. 

This year’s “Paint the Town Red” week has provides a winning combination that may be their most successful. By motivating locals to employ their creativity and show their support for their beloved Phillies, the weeklong launch of baseball season moves beyond discount coupons and giveaways. This is one public art project that is on-track for victory.

- Mia Spadoni

Read More

Dear Tiger: Nice try.

Dear Tiger: Nice try.

Unless you’re living in a black hole, you’ve at least heard through the grapevine that Tiger Woods is indeed going back to golf and will be playing in the Masters Tournament beginning April 5.  Tiger has recently come forward and given his first interview since the sex scandal that completely crushed his image surfaced in November of last year. 

The mechanical, horribly impersonal press-conference-involving-no-press-whatsoever that he led on February 19 was obviously the dress rehearsal to this interview’s opening night. 

Although I still think that this five-minute interview screams “Just tell them what they want to hear,” it was more successful in that he at least appeared to be something resembling a living, breathing, emotional, semi-remorseful human being. So to Tiger, I say: Nice try.

But frankly, actions speak louder than words, and where he will convince people of his true reconstructive efforts is on the fairways.  

During this brief TV interview last Sunday, he talked to ESPN reporter Tom Rinaldi, and answered--or refused to answer--questions regarding his marriage, infidelity, rehab, fans, and his feelings toward returning to the sport that made him an icon.  

While he didn’t put a block on the 19 questions he was asked, he did sound like something of a broken record, repeating “That’s between Elin and myself,” numerous times.  And, when asked what type of treatment he is seeking, he quickly spouted that  “that’s a private matter as well.” Denying the public details that they so crave is not going to make this go away, so why not just come clean and move on? Surely as Tiger should know better than almost anyone at this point, secrets will come out.

Does he really think he can get through the Master’s just answering questions about birdies and course conditions? It’s obvious he’s avoiding facing all the uncomfortable, richly detailed questions that most want answered.  But--after 3 months of complete silence and an additional month before even taking questions--if he would just bite the bullet and address the facts, he could surely speed up the process of rehabilitating his image and putting this all behind him.

While I don’t mean to bash him this whole time (wait...yes I do), I just think that, although finally not digging any deeper, now he’s just sitting in the hole he’s dug himself, rather than trying to climb out of it. People want to see him as the well-rounded, near perfect idol that they once thought he was; perfect athlete, perfect husband, perfect man. Winning the Master’s (which I’m sure he believes he will do) will only get one foot out of that hole.  

Oh, and one more thing: enough with the Buddhism stuff, already. 


-Liz Trubey

Read More