SportsCenter Experiences Technical Difficulties in W+K’s Latest, Starring James Harden

Houston Rockets star James Harden takes center stage in W+K’s latest “This is SportsCenter” installation, entitled “Satellite,” which also features SportsCenter anchors Neil Everett, Kenny Mayne and Stan Verrett.

In the 30-second spot, which will run for six weeks, Harden fields a call from a mission control center as Everett and Verrett call with a technical problem on the set of SportsCenter. From here things take an unexpected turn, with a cameo by Houston Astros mascot Orbit. Without giving too much away, we can say that as far as “This is SportsCenter” spots go, this one is certainly on the stranger end. Harden, who also appeared in this memorable spot for Foot Locker a few months back, plays his part well, but we think this one will leave some people scratching their heads. (more…)

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Code and Theory, Kenny Mayne, Snapple Work to Preserve the High Five

The latest episode in Snapple’s Re-enFACTments series features ESPN old-schooler and sports history buff Kenny Mayne, addressing Snapple Real Fact #376: “The ‘high five’ was introduced by a professional baseball player in 1977.” Since then, Mayne believes high fives have gotten shakier, and he sets out to teach some lucky souls proper high-five etiquette.

If you need confirmation that high-fives are a modern-day challenge, you need only spend a minute on Buzzfeed with the sport of basketball, where many high-fives have been lost on the court.

We all know to watch the elbow to ensure a solid hand collision, but according to Mayne, a good high-five should also be “uncalled for.” Personally I disagree, since I appreciate any cue that helps me avoid high-five humiliation, and yelling “HIGH FIIIIVE!” can only add to an enthusiastic situation. But presumably, to be a member of Mayne’s National High-Five Preservation Society, you have to abide by his rules.

This spot is definitely weak in comparison to the Snapple re-enFACTment we covered, in which we learned all about the very real sport of ostrich racing. Snapple has set an impressive precedent for itself.

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