LeBron Fined 25K, McDonald's Picks Up The Tab

Sports News - January 29th, 2010 - Written By John Ritter

The bad news for LeBron James is that he was recently fined a cool $25,000 by the NBA for kicking a water bottle on the sidelines of last Wednesday's game against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

The good news is, he made it all back, plus a couple million more to spare about a day later. Soon after the fine was levied, the Associated Press announced that James added to his global sponsorship by signing a multi-year deal with McDonald's. The exact terms of the detail are currently private, but what is known is James will now support McDonald's' programs like the Ronald McDonald House, and will appear in several ads for the next few years.

"McDonald's and I make a great team," James said. "We share many of the same core values, including a commitment to excellence and giving back to the community. I am also excited about the opportunity to work with Ronald McDonald House Charities, which helps improve the lives of so many children and their families around the world."

The first installment of commercials will come during the Super Bowl on Feb. 7, where he and Orlando Magic forward Dwight Howard will remake the 1993 "Nothing But Net" commercial in which Michael Jordan and Larry Bird competed in a game of H-O-R-S-E.

"McDonald's is one of the best known and most recognizable brands in the world," James' business partner, Maverick Carter, said. "LeBron couldn't ask for a better partner and for him to be involved with such a company says a lot about where he is in his career."

James is said to have around $40 million in endorsements annually, which is just behind Tiger Woods (although that may soon change). He is a six-time NBA All-Star in just seven seasons, and recently became the first player to receive over 2.5 million fan votes three-straight years. In a contract year, he is averaging 29.6 points (.01 behind league-leader Carmelo Anthony) and has the Cavaliers as favorites to win the East in most NBA Betting Lines.

He and Howard, who last year became the only NBA Basketball player ever to receive three million votes in a single ballot, are two of the three most popular players in the league, in terms of votes over the last three seasons.

Howard is already part of McDonald's, after signing a $9-million, three-year deal.

"We really like what LeBron stands for on and off the court," said Peter Sterling, vice president of marketing of McDonald's USA. "He shares the same values as McDonald's. He's hard working. He's community minded and charity driven. LeBron is also that rare athlete that transcends his sport."

James will also return to the McDonald's All-American high school game after being named MVP in the game in 2003. As part of the agreement, he will be on hand for the game, as well as appearing in television and print ads.