Jeff Barker
Jeff Barker writes about sports business and issues, casino gambling and, occasionally, politics. Since joining The Sun from the Arizona Republic’s Washington bureau in 2000, he has covered state politics, congressional steroids hearings, the Beltway sniper attacks and Terps basketball and football. He could never decide if he should cover news or sports, so he did both and enjoys writing hybrids of the two.
Recent Articles
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Under Armour signs lacrosse star Taylor Cummings
Under Armour has signed its most accomplished lacrosse player -- Taylor Cummings, a three-time winner of the award for the most outstanding female collegian in the sport. The Baltimore brand is announcing the signing of the former University of Maryland star today. ''It was an easy decision,''...
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The Cordish Cos. purchases hotel near Maryland Live casino
The Cordish Cos. said Wednesday it has purchased a hotel in Hanover near its Maryland Live casino and rebranded it with the Baltimore-based developer's new "Live!" hotel marque. Cordish is spending $3 million to renovate the former Hilton Garden Inn and Homewood Suites at 7491 New Ridge Road, across...
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Declining crowds at Camden Yards concern Orioles, fans and businesses
When the Orioles took the field to begin their most important series of the season — four games against the rival Boston Red Sox that could determine their playoff fate — they were greeted by row upon row of empty green seats at Camden Yards. That the Orioles averaged 19,903 fans over the first...
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Under Armour has college football 'zebras' on its side
When Oregon hosted Virginia in a college football game Sept. 10, it was in the most Nike of settings. Both teams wore Nike-designed unifiorms prominently displaying the signature swoosh. Nike's headquarters was less than two hours away. But Under Armour, which relishes tweaking its much larger...
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Five Minutes with Brandon Etheridge, new Ravens general counsel
At 31, Brandon Etheridge — the Ravens' new general counsel — is the same age as quarterback Joe Flacco. It's an age when quarterbacks are often in midcareer. But general counsels of NFL clubs? Older attorneys typically hold those positions. "I think it happened a lot quicker than I expected it...
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Under Armour names new North American president
Jason LaRose, who helped Under Armour build its growing online sales business internationally, has been named the company's North American president. The Baltimore fitness apparel and footwear brand said Friday that LaRose will replace Matthew Mirchin, who will remain as an advisor. The changes...
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Athletes become avatars at Under Armour lab
Torrey Smith doesn't play for the Ravens anymore. But the San Francisco 49ers receiver left a lasting impression during a visit to Under Armour's warehouse-sized lab in Baltimore. Smith visited the lab in Port Covington earlier this year for a full body scan. The resulting avatar allows the company...
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Stephen Curry is key to Under Armour’s China push
More than other American-based leagues, the NBA has a significant China presence. A sizable portion of that is attributable to Yao Ming, the Hall of Fame former NBA player. The China market has been on Under Armour’s radar for years, and the Baltimore brand appears to be intensifying its push. ...