Jose Cuervo 'Locks In' Pro Beach Volleyball; Vows Against a Lockout

NEW YORK, July 26, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Fed up with news of labor disputes among professional sports leagues, Jose Cuervo, the world's largest producer of Tequila and title sponsor of the recently announced Jose Cuervo Pro Beach Volleyball Series, today declared to always keep beach volleyball in play.  The show of commitment to both professional beach volleyball players and sports fans alike earned the support of professional basketball player Kevin Love, who simultaneously announced he will compete in the Jose Cuervo Pro Beach Volleyball Series.

On a beach volleyball court constructed amidst New York City's Times Square, representatives from Jose Cuervo and tour organizer IMG joined Olympic volleyball hopefuls Sean Scott and John Hyden to sign a proclamation that states Jose Cuervo intends to always keep players on the court and fans in the stands. Representatives have agreed to settle any future differences on the beach volleyball court capped off by a shot of Cuervo shared among the two sides.  Furthermore, Jose Cuervo has promised to waive all ticket costs and offer free admission to every Jose Cuervo Pro Beach Volleyball Series event in 2011.

In an effort to remain active during a time of uncertainty within his own league, basketball star Kevin Love sought out the Jose Cuervo Pro Beach Volleyball Series and will compete in the $200,000 Manhattan Beach Open, arguably the best known and most historic beach volleyball tournament in the world, on August 26-28, 2011.

"We are excited to bring Jose Cuervo back to the sand and epic experiences back to the sport of beach volleyball," said Brian Radics, Brand Director, Jose Cuervo. "Jose Cuervo will ensure that fans of sport and of Tequila will be able to experience the fun and entertainment of professional athletics this year and for evermore.  We encourage fans to enjoy both responsibly, of course."

The three-event series features a $500,000 cumulative prize purse, the richest in the U.S. this year. The series will take place on the following dates in 2011:

• Manhattan Beach Open, Manhattan Beach, CA – August 26-28
• Jose Cuervo Miami Beach Pro, Miami Beach, FL – September 16-18
• Jose Cuervo National Championships, Hermosa Beach, CA – September 23-25

In addition, the series will host the Jose Cuervo Pro Beach Volleyball Shootout at Bradford Beach, Wisc. from July 23-24.  The event will feature top mens and womens players, a "grassroots" competition and a $60,000 prize purse.

 "I have always been a fan of beach volleyball and when I received the opportunity to play in the Jose Cuervo Pro Beach Volleyball Series, I knew I wanted to be a part of it," said Kevin Love.  "I'm tall, I'm quick, I can jump, and I've spent some time playing beach volleyball during my time in Los Angeles. Now that I have to start thinking about a backup plan with the basketball lockout, I thought 'why not?'"

In 1978 Jose Cuervo saw a unique opportunity to get involved with beach volleyball and the fun-loving, action-packed lifestyle and culture that is synonymous with the brand. Jose Cuervo became beach volleyball's first major sponsor in 1979, with the Manhattan Beach 'King of the Beach' Tournament. Cuervo again played a significant role in the sport during the mid-80's ultimately leading to the Cuervo Gold Crown in 1988, considered the Triple Crown of beach volleyball.  The Gold Crown events were among the first televised in the sport and helped pave the way for pro beach volleyball to become an Olympic sport.  From 2006 - 08, Jose Cuervo resurrected the Cuervo Gold Crown series with the Association of Volleyball Professionals (AVP).

For more information, please visit www.josecuervoprobeachvolleyballseries.com. When enjoying the offerings of Jose Cuervo, please remember to do so responsibly.

About Kevin Love

Putting the entire NBA on notice with his consistently record-breaking performances, All-Star Kevin Love, recipient of the 2011 NBA Most Improved Player Award, is the real deal. One of the league's top rebounders, the 6'10" Minnesota Timberwolves power forward holds the modern day record for the longest streak of consecutive games recording double-doubles at 53, breaking Hall of Famer Moses Malone's record of 51. He also recorded the NBA's first 30-30 game (30 rebounds and 30 points) in 28 years during a win over New York in 2010. Helping to lead Team USA to the gold medal in the 2010 FIFA World Championships, Love, a Portland native, was selected in the first round of the 2008 NBA Draft. He enjoyed a stellar college basketball career at UCLA, where he led the team to a Final Four appearance and earned honors as Pac-10 Rookie of the Year and Pac-10 Player of the Year. In addition to his phenomenal play on the court, Love's funnyman personality has deemed him a media and fan favorite off the court as well. He is an avid Tweeter and shares his commentary on his popular GQ.com blog. Love is the son of former NBA forward Stan Love and nephew of Beach Boys' singer Mike Love. Follow Love on Twitter @kevinlove.

About Jose Cuervo

Jose Cuervo is the largest producer of tequila throughout Mexico and around the world. The Jose Cuervo portfolio of tequilas includes Jose Cuervo Especial Gold, the number one tequila worldwide, Jose Cuervo Especial Silver, Jose Cuervo Black Medallion, Jose Cuervo Tradicional 100% Agave Reposado and Silver, Jose Cuervo Platino, Jose Cuervo Reserva de la Familia, Jose Cuervo Golden Margaritas, Authentic Jose Cuervo Margaritas and Jose Cuervo Margarita Mix. For more information, visit www.josecuervo.com.

About DIAGEO

Diageo is the world's leading premium drinks business with an outstanding collection of beverage alcohol brands across spirits, beer and wine. These brands include Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, JεB, Windsor, Buchanan's and Bushmills whiskies, Smirnoff, Ciroc and Ketel One vodkas, Baileys, Captain Morgan, Jose Cuervo, Tanqueray and Guinness.

Diageo is a global company, with its products sold in more than 180 countries around the world. The company is listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (DEO) and the London Stock Exchange (DGE). For more information about Diageo, its people, brands, and performance, visit us at Diageo.com. For our global resource that promotes responsible drinking through the sharing of best practice tools, information and initiatives, visit DRINKiQ.com.

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SOURCE Jose Cuervo