Topps, an international marketer of collectible trading cards, announced today the signing of an endorsement contract with Ohio State center (and likely number one pick in the NBA Draft) Greg Oden.

There are several interesting subplots to this story.  The first is that this is the first of what’s sure to be many endorsement deals with Oden.  Oden signed a three-year contract worth a reported $3 million to become a spokesman for the Topps Company.   However, the other top prospect in this draft and sole competitor in the race to be the first player introduced by NBA commissioner David Stern in June’s draft,…

Earlier this week I was watching the ESPN morning show Cold Pizza in my hotel room.  ESPN’s uncanny ability to transcend sports is nothing short of astounding.  We’re talking about the sports network who built an empire by creating a 24-hour-a-day television channel comprised entirely of sports programming.  That feat in itself has revolutionized the industry.  Now, clearly in an effort to remain cutting edge, they seem intent on venturing outside the realm of sports programming to broadcast events of a very different nature, apparently with relatively successful results.  This particular episode of Cold Pizza illustrates my point perfectly. 

Just a quick note from last night’s NBA playoff coverage…

For those who might think game operations folks don’t have a high pressure job, consider the remarks following the Utah Jazz/Golden State Warriors game last night in which the Jazz won, clinching a berth in the Western Conference Finals.  Following the game, TNT’s sideline reporter Pam Oliver was interviewing Jazz guard Derek Fisher.  They had just capped off an emotional series win and a light shower of confetti was streaming down from the rafters during the interview.  Oliver, taking note, said to Fisher that the confetti was a “pathetic display”, given…

I just read this in today’s online version of the Boston Herald…apparently the U.S. Postal Service feels that tradition alone will carry enough sales appeal to merit the release of stamps commemorating this year’s Celtics team.  The stamps were made available today and will feature a Celtics logo designed sheet, as well as sheets for several individual players (Paul Pierce, Al Jefferson, Ryan Gomes, Delonte West and Gerald Green). 

Although I think the timing is questionable for releasing a “collector’s edition” set of stamps given the Celtics on-court struggles this year, I do think it is a unique and creative way for connecting with…