NFLshuts down 49ers', Chiefs' Super Bowl viewing parties.... Weather causes delays, confusion at Super Bowl festivities.... Lakers pay grand tribute to Kobe Bryant at Staples Center
NFL Shuts Down 49ers', Chiefs' Big Super Bowl Watch Parties
NFL officials "vetoed" a 49ers event in which the team had "looked into the possibility of screening" Super Bowl LIV at Earthquakes Stadium in San Jose (DAILY MAIL, 2/1). An event planned for K.C. also was "scratched by the NFL," according to a source who said that the league "usually prohibits teams from sponsoring Super Bowl watch parties." NFL VP/Communications Brian McCarthy said, "This is not anything new and has been the same for previous Super Bowls, including those in Miami" (San Jose MERCURY NEWS, 2/1).
The average resale price for tickets to the game as of this morning was $7,049 on the secondary market, according to SeatGeek data, with the average ticket sold each of the past two days at more than $8,500. The previous high for average resale price was $5,373 for Super Bowl LII, so today's game is 32% more in-demand than the prior record. The latest get-in price is $6,613. See more Super Bowl ticket data, including comparisons to previous years, at SeatGeek.com (THE DAILY). The forecast in Miami today for 49ers-Chiefs is "nearly perfect: a high temperature of 69 degrees under sunny skies." The temperatures tonight "will drop to 54" (K.C. STAR, 2/1).
POLITICAL FOOTBALL: The Trump campaign is "planning to fly two 'Keep America Great!' aerial banners" around Miami from 1:00-4:00pm ET, as tens of thousands of football fans gather for the game ahead of the 6:30pm kickoff. The planes will be "grounded before restrictions on banner-towing take effect" at 5:30pm today (South Florida SUN SENTINEL, 2/1). House Speaker Nancy Pelosi will be in Miami today to "cheer on her home city's" 49ers as one of "six Pelosi family members" at Hard Rock Stadium (South Florida SUN SENTINEL, 2/1).
Super Bowl Festivities Disrupted By Rainstorms In Miami
Rain in Miami overshadowed rapper Post Malone’s pre-Super Bowl show, "shutting down the red carpet and delaying his set until the early morning hours of Saturday." The weather caused "multiple delays and confusion" at the show and plunged the red carpet into "total chaos, as non-celebrities took the opportunity to try to get in front of the camera." Nearby, the "relentless rains" forced Harry Styles to cancel his show (AP, 2/1). Styles, a surprise guest at singer-songwriter Lizzo's concert for Pepsi, instead "opted for a quiet dinner" at the Surf Club, where Endeavor CEO Ari Emanuel was also seen dining (N.Y. POST, 2/2).
Meanwhile, NFL legends Joe Montana, Tom Brady and Michael Strahan were spotted at businessman Wayne Boich and Related Companies President Bruce Beal’s "starry South Beach party" at Boich’s waterfront mansion. Other "big names at the party" included Pro Football HOFer Dan Marino, Dolphins Owner Stephen Ross, Related Group Chair & CEO Jorge Perez, SoftBank Group Int'l CEO Marcelo Claure, Texans WR Deandre Hopkins, Rams RB Todd Gurley and Heat F Jimmy Butler (N.Y. POST, 2/2).
Some of the "biggest stars" in music and entertainment were at Fanatics' part yesterday at the Loews Miami Beach Hotel, including Jay-Z, Kevin Hart, Post Malone and Meek Mill. Also spotted were Guy Fieri, La La Anthony and Emily Ratajkowski (EONLINE.com, 2/1). The party "served as a star-studded tribute" to Kobe Bryant. Shaquille O'Neal "made an emotional speech," while party host, Fanatics Founder & Exec Chair Michael Rubin, "gave out 1,500 Bryant jerseys to everyone in the crowd" (N.Y. POST, 2/2).
Rundown Of In-Game Commercials For Super Bowl LIV
Super Bowl Sunday is finally here, as the 49ers and Chiefs are set for a showdown in Miami. Fox announced an early ad sellout for Super Bowl LIV despite all-time high pricing, and this year's spots have a mix of comic relief, serious messages and politics.THE DAILYpresents a tentative quarter-by-quarter rundown of the advertisers in today's game. The list, compiled via research and other media reports, is likely to change by gametime. Pregame, halftime and postgame spots are not included in the chart.
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ADVERTISER
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LENGTH
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AGENCY
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FIRST QUARTER
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Frito-Lay (Cheetos)
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:30
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Goodby, Silverstein & Partners
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Mars Wrigley (Snickers)
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:30
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BBDO, N.Y.; AMV BBDO
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New York Life
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:60
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Anomaly, N.Y.
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P&G (Olay)
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:30
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Badger & Winters
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Quibi
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:30
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BBH, L.A.
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Squarespace
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:30
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In-house
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Walmart
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:60
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n/a
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SECOND QUARTER
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||
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Avocados From Mexico
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:30
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EnergyBBDO
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GMC (Hummer)
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:30
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Leo Burnett, Detroit
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Hyundai (Genesis)
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:60
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Innocean, Huntington Beach
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Kellogg (Pop-Tarts)
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:30
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MRY, N.Y.
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Kellogg (Pringles)
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:30
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Adult Swim; Grey, N.Y.
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Kraft Heinz (Heinz)
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:30
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Wieden + Kennedy, Portland
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PepsiCo (SodaStream)
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:30
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Goodby, Silverstein & Partners, S.F.
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TurboTax
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:45
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Wieden + Kennedy, Portland
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WeatherTech
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:30
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Pinnacle Advertising, Schaumberg
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THIRD QUARTER
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||
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Frito-Lay (Doritos)
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:60
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Goodby, Silverstein & Partners, S.F.
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Hershey (Reese's Take 5)
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:30
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McGarryBowen, N.Y.
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Kia
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:60
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David & Goliath, L.A.
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Kraft Heinz (Planters)
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:30
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VaynerMedia
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Little Caesars
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:30
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McKinney, Omaha
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Turkish Airlines
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:30
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David Miami
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FOURTH QUARTER
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||
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A-B InBev (Budweiser)
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:60
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David Miami
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Discover
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:15
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The Martin Agency, Richmond
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Discover
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:15
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The Martin Agency, Richmond
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Facebook
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:60
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Wieden + Kennedy, Portland
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P&G
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:60
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Grey Midwest, Cincinnati
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T-Mobile
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:60
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n/a
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TBD
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A-B InBev (Michelob Ultra)
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:60
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FCB, Chicago
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A-B InBev (Michelob Ultra Pure Gold)
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:60
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FCB, Chicago
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A-B Inbev (Bud Light)
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:30
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Wieden + Kennedy, N.Y.
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A-B InBev (Bud Light Seltzer)
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:30
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Wieden + Kennedy, N.Y.
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Amazon
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:30
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n/a
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Amazon (Prime Video)
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:60
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n/a
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Audi
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:60
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72andSunny, L.A.
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Coca-Cola
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:60
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Wieden + Kennedy, Portland
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Fiat Chrysler (Jeep)
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:60
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HighDive, Chicago
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Google
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:60
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In-house
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Hard Rock Int'l
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:60
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VaynerMedia
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Hyundai
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:60
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Innocean, Huntington Beach
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NFL
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:60
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72andSunny, L.A.
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Michael Bloomberg
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:60
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n/a
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Microsoft
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:60
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McCann, N.Y.
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P&G (Tide)
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:60
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Woven, N.Y.
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PepsiCo (Mtn Dew)
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:30
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TBWA/Chiat/N.Y.
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PepsiCo (Pepsi)
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:30
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n/a
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President Trump
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:30
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n/a
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President Trump
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:30
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n/a
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Quicken Loans
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:60
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In-house; HighDive
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Sabra
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:30
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VaynerMedia
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Secret Deodorant
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n/a
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n/a
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Toyota
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:60
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Saatchi & Saatchi, L.A.
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Verizon
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:60
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McCann, N.Y.
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Volkswagen (Porsche)
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n/a
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Cramer-Krasselt
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NFL's Goodell Talks TV Packages, Labor Talks On Fox News
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell appeared on Fox News today and touched on a bevy of NFL business issues:
- On changing the NFL TV packages: “Our discussions are always ongoing. I wouldn’t say we’re in formal negotiations, but we always have discussions. But we are very open to changing packages. We’re very open to changing partners. We’re very open to do the best things we can do for our fans and for the league overall for the long term.”
- On CBA negotiations: "When people really put their focus on, 'OK, here are the challenges, now let’s work to try to find solutions,' our players have been extraordinary in looking at that. ... It actually leads to really terrific solutions when two parties can come together to say, 'Here’s a great outcome.'"
- On player safety: "We all want to make sure the game is as safe as possible for our players. What do we do to do that? How do we train them? How do we take techniques out of the game? ... We’re improving on the equipment. We’ll have six new helmets being introduced this year.”
- On legalized sports betting: “I don’t think you can ever take your eye off the integrity of the game, and so that’s number one for us, two and three, but I also think it’s an opportunity to engage fans on different platforms. ... We’re all still going through a transition here, but what we want to do is focus on the consumer experience and making sure our consumers are protected when they do engage in any kind of gambling activity on the NFL" (“Sunday Morning Futures,” Fox News, 2/2).
Fox, Roku Resolve Dispute To Keep Apps Online For Super Bowl
Roku and Fox have "resolved their streaming-video skirmish with a deal that keeps the network's apps online" for Super Bowl LIV, and Fox' rights to the game were "used as leverage in the negotiations." The companies "did not disclose the terms of the new deal." Roku had "notified its customers that it would pull Fox' apps if they couldn't reach a deal" (ADAGE.com, 2/1). The dispute was "noteworthy because it did not involve traditional carriers such as Comcast or AT&T, which viewers are abandoning by the millions as they opt instead for antennas and streaming apps" (South Florida SUN SENTINEL, 2/1).
Lakers Pay Grand Tribute To Kobe In First Game Since Death
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) February 1, 2020
The Lakers played Friday for the first time since the death of Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna and seven others in what "felt like a state funeral, dwarfing in emotional importance the game itself." The "lights went off inside the area, sparking chants of 'MVP!' and a star-studded tribute to Bryant." Singer Usher started the night with “Amazing Grace” before R&B music group Boyz II Men "followed with the national anthem." Laker greats Magic Johnson, Elgin Baylor and James Worthy were there along with Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Flea and Galaxy F Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez. Lakers Controlling Owner & CEO Jeanie Buss "sat with boyfriend and comedian" Jay Mohr and VP/Basketball Operations & GM Rob Pelinka (USA TODAY, 2/1).
Lakers F Lebron James delivered a "classic pregame speech honoring Kobe Bryant by tossing away a wrinkled piece of paper and speaking from his heart" (L.A. TIMES, 2/1). Bryant's presence was "everywhere at Staples Center," from the T-shirts bearing his name and uniform numbers -- 24 and 8 -- that thousands of fans wore, to the "video clips that appeared on the scoreboard during timeouts" (N.Y. TIMES, 2/1). The Lakers are "expected to announce a public memorial for Bryant and the others in the coming days" (L.A. TIMES, 2/2).
ESPN's "Hoops Streams" digital pregame show "set its streaming record with 2.4 million views." The previous record of 2.1 million was set during the NBA Finals last year (ESPN).
Pegulas Plan To Keep Bills' New Era Field Lease Agreement
Bills co-Owners Terry and Kim Pegula told the Erie County government they have "no intention of exercising the early termination clause" of the New Era Field lease agreement. The existing 10-year deal "gives the Bills a seventh-year out option, provided the team notified the county by Feb. 28." County exec Mark Poloncarz said that he "asked the Bills to submit a letter showing their 'commitment and good faith' to sticking with the existing stadium agreement until its expiration" in July '23. The county, state and team are in the "early stages of negotiations" for a new lease (BUFFALO NEWS, 1/31).
J.J. Watt Delivers Laughs As Latest Athlete To Host "SNL"
The comedic chops of Texans DE J.J. Watt were on full display as he hosted NBC’s “SNL” last night, eliciting laughs during his monologue and appearing in eight skits. Watt during his monologue said, “When I found out that I was going to be hosting ‘SNL,’ I told some of my teammates. And not to fulfill a stereotype, but at least half of them asked me, ‘What day do they tape that?’” There were three sports-themed skits: a parody of the film “Rudy,” titled “Robbie;” a satirical commercial for Oil of BrOlay Eye Black; and a sketch where Watt played himself recording audio for EA Sports' new “Madden” game ( “SNL,” NBC, 2/1).
NFL.com writes Watt "might not have been as at home at 30 Rockefeller Plaza as he is on the gridiron, but he delivered some laughs." HOUSTON CHRONICLE: "Watt carried himself admirably, but we won't know if he can carry any sort of comedy since the writers for the show didn't bother to show up." DEADLINE.com: "Watt proved himself fairly nimble with the night's skit and monologue duty." He was "especially good as the square-jawed, vacant-eyedPilot Hunk " looking for the "stewardess of his dreams on a reality show."
Speed Reads....
The NBA and Nike have "edited" the recently unveiled All-Star uniforms to "pay homage to Kobe Bryant, his daughter, Gianna, and their seven friends and teammates," who passed away in a helicopter accident last Sunday. Team LeBron will wear the number 2 for Gianna, and Team Giannis will wear the number 24 for Bryant (WWD.com, 1/31).
MLS expansion club Inter Miami yesterday announced that its USL team "will be called Ft. Lauderdale CF and will kick off its inaugural season" against Union Omaha on March 27 at Fort Lauderdale stadium (MIAMI HERALD, 2/2).
ESPN will "not be getting the NWSL broadcast rights this year." The finalists are "CBS Sports, NBC/Telemundo and BeIN Sports" (TWITTER.com, 1/31).
The Duke-Syracuse men's basketball game at the Carrier Dome yesterday was the "highest-attended game in college basketball this season" with an announced crowd of 31,458 (SYRACUSE POST-STANDARD, 2/1).
Quick Hits....
"I have no interest in selling the team. Zero. Got it? People can write what they want to write. I'm going to own it until I die" -- Dolphins Owner Stephen Ross, on reports last week that suggested he was considering selling the team to Vice ChairBruce Beal(MIAMI HERALD, 2/1).
"They're trying to erase him. Even if you're not going to talk about the controversial part, at least talk about what he did on the field -- which was electrifying" -- Giants S and NFLPA VP Michael Thomas, on the lack of discussion about former 49ers QB Colin Kaepernick leading up to Super Bowl LIV (WALL STREET JOURNAL, 2/2).
"The existential threat to football is the specter of concussion. ... It would not kill football. It would just turn it into a gladiator sport with participants being people from economic deprivation" -- California-based NFL player agent Leigh Steinberg (PALM BEACH POST, 2/1).
"The CBA was a huge win. I think it just demonstrated the players really stepping up and knowing what our value was and sticking to that and not wanting to budge" -- WNBA Seattle Storm G Sue Bird, on the league's new labor deal (Louisville COURIER JOURNAL, 2/2).
Twitter Me This....
The mystery of the ambiguous photo @TomBrady posted last week will be solved today. Sources tell me and @RapSheet it was a teaser for a commercial that will air during #SuperBowlLIV. #ad #walkingaway? #walkingforward? pic.twitter.com/1D2PmC2Djc
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) February 2, 2020
Some very rough news. Per @GlennStout, the Best American Sports Writing series will end after the 2020 edition. End of a great run.
— Ben Baby (@Ben_Baby) February 2, 2020
Two once-major media sites said a final farewell yesterday: TV By The Numbers, the last vestige of Tribune's Zap2It; and TV Week, once a mighty weekly trade. I owe my career to Crain's Electronic Media (later TV Week), starting as a Chicago-based editorial asst. in 1995. RIP!
— Michael Schneider (@franklinavenue) February 1, 2020
This summarizes everyone’s time here in Miami for #SuperBowlLIV The traffic has been #CES like. Cruise ship moving faster than cars on causeway heading into SoBe pic.twitter.com/UrYUn5sDLh
— Michael A. Neuman (@michaelaneuman) February 1, 2020
With all due respect NFL, and we mourn them all, how do you not acknowledge @steelers assistant coach and former NFL player Darryl Drake when doing the tribute to those the league lost this year. I just don't get it.
— Teresa Varley (@Teresa_Varley) February 2, 2020
So, an update: 8 weeks after my surgery, my surgeon said Friday that my blood test came back very good, my PSA is undetectable, and he is turning me back over to my other doctor for continued monitoring for the next few years. He's not expecting to see me again. Good news! 😆
— Larry Bohannan (@Larry_Bohannan) February 1, 2020
Tweet Pic Of The Day....
WOW!! My dream came true! It’s been an incredible journey for me to get to where I am today holding Daphne 🏆
— Sofia Kenin (@SofiaKenin) February 2, 2020
Thank you everyone for being there with me every single match, for supporting me, this means everything to me ❤️ Feel so special in this gorgeous Jason Grech dress! pic.twitter.com/NpO4yi8vLF
Weekend Hot Reads: Football, Spectacle & Society
Under the header, "Jay-Z Takes On The Super Bowl," the N.Y. TIMES asks, "Why are Roc Nation and the NFL doing business this Super Bowl weekend? Well, social justice is expensive." The PALM BEACH POST goes with, "Frustrations Mount As Minority Coaching Hires Decrease In NFL." At the same time, the Dolphins are being "honored at Super Bowl LIV for commitment to diversity." TRIBLIVE.com writes the "belief in the tight-knit women's football community" is that 49ers assistant Katie Sowers "won't be the last female coach to chase the Lombardi Trophy." The BOSTON GLOBE looks at Chiefs WR Tyreek Hill as evidence that the issue of domestic violence in the NFL"continues to take a back seat to the action on the field."
Elsewhere:
- Super Bowl is "still TV's ballgame" despite rapid rise of streaming.
- Sports writer Jerry Izenberg sitting out Super Bowl after attending 53 of them.
- Chiefs LB coach Britt Reid shares personal reflections of his dad, Andy Reid.
- What if Patrick Mahomes had played baseball for the Toledo Mud Hens?
Sunday Comic....
A sneak preview of Sports Business Journal's weekly editorial cartoon:

Today's Back Pages....
The Weekend Rap offers today's back page sports covers from some of North America's major metropolitan tabloids:
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Hit The Ground Running: The Week Ahead
THE DAILY's week ahead: Feb. 3-9.
MONDAY
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•
• ATP Open Sud de France begins (Montpellier, France)
• ATP Tata Open Maharashtra begins (Pune, India)
THURSDAY
SATURDAY
SUNDAY











