Thirty years ago, Snoop Dogg was drinking gin and juice and thinking about money.
These days, the Long Beach-based rapper and businessman runs a company that sells gin and juice products, and college football is clearly on his mind.
Introducing the newly renamed “Snoop Dogg Arizona Bowl Presenter Gin & Juice by Dre and Snoop” taking place on December 28th in Tucson, Arizona.
“College football fans are exhausted by the constant buzz surrounding the NIL, conference realignments, coach moves, transfer portals, and super conferences.” Snoop Dogg said in the video he posted on his social media accounts on Monday. “So it's time for us to go back to the roots of college football and what it was all about: the universities, the players, the competition, the community, the fan experience and the spectacular stage.”
The bowl, held at Arizona Stadium, home of the Arizona Wildcats, began in 2015 and has been tied to the Mountain West and Mid-American Conferences since 2020. Gin & Juice by Dre and Snoop is a ready-to-drink gin-based drink. canned products from a new premium spirits company launched earlier this year by Snoop Dogg and rapper, producer and business mogul Dr. Dre.
Produced by Dr. Dre and whose name is inspired by Snoop Dogg's 1994 single “Gin & Juice,” the company will be the first alcohol brand to serve as title sponsor of an NCAA bowl game.
“Snoop's passion for supporting youth football, college football, and music aligns perfectly with what we're already doing, and by joining forces, we can enhance the entire Bowl experience together. ,” Arizona Bowl executive director Kim Adair told the Times in an email Tuesday. “In fact, three of his SYFL (Snoop Youth Football League) players are currently playing at the University of Arizona, where we play.
“We also share a desire to highlight the joy and gaiety that comes with the celebration of college football through bowl games and what that means to our players, participating universities, communities and fans. I realized that right away.”
The multi-year deal with Snoop Dogg and his company follows the conclusion of the event's title sponsorship, as well as his previous three-year deal with Barstool Sports.
“We had a great run at Barstool Sports,” Adair said. “They are everything we expected and more and will forever be part of the fabric of our game.”
The partnership was seen as controversial by some. Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy has made numerous comments that can be considered misogynistic and racist. Portnoy has also been accused of sexual misconduct by multiple women. He denied all those allegations.
The Pima County Board of Supervisors voted to withdraw $40,000 in funding for the 2021 Arizona Bowl. Adair said her company has not discussed funding with the county at this time.
Snoop Dogg isn't necessarily the cleanest guy either.
Much of his music contains offensive language. He acknowledged his past as a pimp and ties to gangs. In 1996, he was acquitted of first- and second-degree murder charges in the shooting death of a gang member three years earlier.
However, Snoop's image has taken a gentle turn in recent years. He's funny, friendly and very easygoing. He is known as Coach His Snoop to the hundreds of inner-city kids who have participated in his nonprofit youth football league since 2005.
And he seems to be everywhere.
“Snoop is an American music icon, a successful businessman, a pop culture phenomenon, the face of this summer's NBC Olympics, a brand ambassador for a huge company, and the founder of his own youth football league. “He is a man who loves football so much (SYFL) is committed to serving California's young athletes,” Adair said. “He's everywhere.”
Mr Adair added: “I have heard nothing but positive things about our new partnership.”
A number of events will be held in conjunction with the event, including the Snooper Bowl, which will feature youth teams from Arizona and California. Snoop Dogg may also appear in the Arizona Bowl booth and provide color commentary.
“As a fan, coach and supporter at every level, I've sent so many players to college and the NFL through the SYFL, so it only makes sense for me to step up and help make this right.” ” said Snoop Dogg. video. “We’re ready to reinvigorate college football.”
