It had to happen. Workout sensation that he is, it was only a matter of time before a major sports marketer came a knockin’ down Ari’s door. And so, it was no surprise last week when the head of licensing for Nike showed up at Ari’s cribside with an offer to name a new bib and pacifier set after him. Ari’s response was like, “Bib? Are you kidding? Go back and sharpen your pencil!”
I've never seen a salesman slink away so dejected. But a week later, the poor fellow showed up again. This time he offered to basically cancel the whole Michael Jordan relationship and replace it with a new “Air Ari” line of active lifestyle wear.
To that, Ari said, “that’s a little more like it. Let’s get on with the publicity photos.” So we went on over to Clark Mishler’s house and made the image at left. I had to throw Ari in the air about a dozen times before the guy from Nike said, “it’s a wrap.” And the rest is history. Look for Ari’s line in your local retailer by Christmas.
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