What’s the buzz from the world of sports? Here are some items that will have people talking:
1
To quote a Jay-Z lyric: Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning isn’t a businessman — he’s a business! Man!
Yes, the guy you’ve seen in those commercials for MasterCard, Sprint, Gatorade, Reebok and even DirecTV has now added pizza to his portfolio. On Friday, Manning — we hear he can also throw the football a little, too — announced that he signed a deal to own 21 Denver-area Papa John’s Pizza stores.
It’s moves like this that helps explain why Manning is one of the highest-paid athletes in sports. According to the Sports Illustrated list released last summer, Manning ranked as the top NFL player, raking in $31 million this year ($13 million in endorsements alone).
2
When NBA commissioner David Stern steps down from his post on Feb. 1, 2014, he will leave behind a legacy of turning professional basketball into one of the most popular games across the world. Stern will also leave a trail of conspiracy theorists.
Real or perceived, some still believe that Stern rigged certain draft lotteries as well as specific playoff series in favor of big-market teams. Case in point: Blazer fans who point at the free throw discrepancy in Game 7 of the 2000 Western Conference Finals. The Lakers shot 37 free throws. The Blazers took only 16. Los Angeles won the game and went on to the first of a three peat of championships.
3
NHL Death Watch 2012.
Now that the lockout has forced the cancellation games through November, we send our condolences to those heartbroken hockey fans for the loss of their season. Cheer up. There’s always “D2: The Mighty Ducks” at your local video store.
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