Scalise Blog: Ovie & IMG? That Only Means 1 Thing...

As I'm walking through the streets of Bethesda to the office, I'm reading my google alerts on my blackberry.  There's a hundred articles on Alex Ovechkin and his injury and predictions on his return.  However, one article really catches my attention.  "Alex Ovechkin Signs with IMG".  This makes me stop in my tracks.

See, I'm a former IMG employee.  I worked for Barry Frank a legendary agent that now oversees the broadcasting department.  I was at IMG when CEO Bob Kain, who I believe had been with the company since the Mark McCormack days, was let go after the acquisition of the company by Ted Forstmann.  I was there through the typical transition of a new owner and new management sweeps through.  IMG lost some incredible agents and clients.  But, slowly and surely, they rebuilt the empire under the leadership of Ted Forstmann and now, i would think, they are even more powerful than they ever were.

So that brings me back to my point about Ovie signing with them.  That can only mean one thing.  Ovie is going to absolutely blow up.  If you think he's making an impact off the ice now, you have no idea!  Think Peyton Manning and the million commercials he's in: Directv, Mastercard, Sony, etc...Imagine what they can do with Ovechkin.  The 24-year old rolls with the punches and has the personality to match his play.  He will be everywhere.  And if he's everywhere, that can only mean one thing for the team...they'll be getting A LOT more attention!