SPALDING ADDS ANOTHER TOP ATHLETE TO ENDORSEMENT ARSENAL SIGNS NFL QUARTERBACK SENSATION VINCE YOUNG

SPRINGFIELD, MA (August 2, 2007) — Looking to solidify its standing as a top sporting goods marketer and manufacturer, Spalding has signed Tennessee Titans quarterback Vince Young as its newest endorser.

Young joins Spalding's recently named endorsers, the #1 NBA draft pick (Portland Trailblazers) Greg Oden and Washington Wizards guard Gilbert Arenas.

Spalding, who plans to aggressively broaden its base across the sporting goods industry and inflatable products, will leverage Young in worldwide advertising, marketing communications, trade/consumer promotions and youth initiatives through its partnership with Pop Warner. Spalding will also tap into Young's expertise to help develop new products, exploring both innovation and Vince Young-inspired footballs. Terms of the multi-year deal were not disclosed.

"Vince Young is a dynamic and versatile athlete, a proven winner and community leader who epitomizes Spalding's 'True to the Game' ideals," stated Dan Touhey, vice president of marketing, Spalding. "Our endorsement trio — Vince Young, Greg Oden and Gilbert Arenas -- provides us with tremendous marketing opportunities to reinforce our leadership in the sporting goods marketplace."

On the gridiron, Young's overwhelming list of achievements includes his selection as the NFL's 2006 Offensive Rookie of the Year and an AFC Pro Bowl selection. The dual threat quarterback was also a member of a BCS National Championship with the University of Texas Longhorns. Young's commitment to reaching out to youth and strengthening the community stems from his early playing days with Pop Warner.

"Playing youth football was an important factor in my current day success," stated Young. "I'm eager and proud to represent the Spalding brand, one I've known since I was a kid, and I'm excited to be associated with a company who is committed to top quality products for all levels of play."

About Spalding
As a Division of Russell Corporation, the Spalding Group consists of three business units: Spalding in Springfield, MA; American Athletic, Inc. (AAI) in Jefferson, IA; and Huffy Sports, in Sussex, WI. The three companies, collectively combined, are now the largest basketball equipment supplier in the world. Spalding is the official basketball supplier of the National Basketball Association (NBA) and Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA), the official backboard of the NBA and NCAA, the official volleyball of the King of the Beach Volleyball Tour and the official football of the Arena Football League (AFL) and Pop Warner. For more information, visit www.spalding.com.