Starbury' for less: Marbury to endorse cheap kicks

Associated Press

AP Photo/Mark Lennihan Starbury won't be paid for endorsing the sneakers but will be compensated based on how well they sell. NEW YORK — Want to be like Steph? Well, it won't cost you much. Stephon Marbury is now endorsing a sneaker that costs just $14.98, a pittance when compared with the often daunting prices that companies such as Nike and Reebok charge for their footwear. The "Starbury One," a sneaker designed by Steve & Barry's University Sportswear, will go on sale Thursday. The New York Knicks guard hooked up with the low-priced apparel company after Marbury's marketing representatives spoke with Steve & Barry's about other marketing opportunities. When Marbury heard about the company's sneakers, he quickly agreed to endorse them. He is expected to wear the sneakers during games next season. "We got to know Stephon the man vs. Stephon the basketball player that we read about and saw on television, and we immediately saw how passionate he was about this vision," said Howard Schacter, Steve & Barry's chief partnership officer. "We also came to quickly learn he has a credibility, a street credibility." Schacter said Marbury is not being paid for endorsing the sneakers but will be compensated based on how well they sell. Copyright 2006 by The Associated Press Now GO TO THE WEBSITE!!! It's FANTASTIC! www.starbury.com