When business and sports collide ..

It's a conflict of ring-sized proportions facing the NBA's Denver Nuggets and World Wrestling Entertainment.
Yes, this is about business, too.
The basics: WWE, which packages "sports entertainment" (it's professional wrestling, OK) on TV screens Monday nights with "Monday Night Raw," signed a contract with the Nuggets' ownership for this coming Monday at the Pepsi Center in Denver. The Nuggets reached the NBA's Western Conference finals against the Los Angeles Lakers. The NBA has scheduled a game for this coming Monday night at Pepsi Center.
Ooof.
McMahon already is milking this matter, going on ESPNews for an interview and ripping Nuggets owner Stan Kroenke. Say what you will about pro wrestling, McMahon, WWE, etc. Vince knows how to promote his product.
Here's the business rub, too. What about the contract? McMahon and WWE checked with Nuggets officials back on April 15, making sure Pepsi Center was still a go for "Raw." Nuggets officials said yep, everything's still a go. Bring John Cena, Randy Orton and Triple H ... not a problem.
Heh-heh, they didn't figure the Nuggets would reach this point in the NBA playoffs. Now they're stuck.
As of Tuesday afternoon, one possible solution tossed around was moving "Raw" to Colorado Springs, which is an hour south of Denver.
Another possibility? WWE trucks show up outside Pepsi Center and make the Nuggets and NBA nervous.
It's billion-dollar company vs. billion-dollar company. Both in the business of entertainment ... just different flavors.
McMahon has a case for litigation if there is no settlement or agreement reached.
This should be an interesting week.
Tables, ladders and chairs ... anyone?

-- Joe Rutland

Coffee Talk Live for May 14, 2009

CVS Pharmacy: No new Laredo store

CVS Pharmacy is not looking to land in Laredo, a company spokesman said Tuesday.
“We have no plans to purchase an independent pharmacy in Laredo,” CVS spokesman Mike DeAngelis said Tuesday.
“We are not expanding in Laredo at this time.”
There was some chatter in the Laredo business community about CVS Pharmacy coming to the Gateway City.
-- Joe Rutland

Best Western Hotel not for sale ...

The Best Western Hotel in Laredo is not for sale, according to owner Blackstone Dilworth.
Dilworth said Monday that the property was on the market at one time, yet he's now decided to pull it off and retain ownership.
The Best Western is located at 1410 Hospitality Dr.

-- Joe Rutland

Coffee Talk Live for May 8, 2009 ...