Electronic Arts (EA) Use of Social Media To Make The World Best Sports Games

Electronic Arts (EA) has been in the business of producing the world’s most renowned video games for decades now. They currently hold the number one publisher spot in all of Western markets, they just keep getting better and better. EA Sports has produced some of the best sports video games of all time such as, Madden NFL, NBA 2K, FIFA Soccer, NHL, NCAA Football, SSX and NBA Jam. Throughout their productive tenure EA sports has been able to connect with sports fans and video gamers of all walks of life creating highly anticipated products.

Keeping up with the current marketing trend EA Sports has turned to social media to enhance their marketing efforts breaking current record sales and producing the most authentic gaming experience possible. The use of social media has help EA sports not only promote there games but also create them. For the NCAA Football 12, NBA 2K12, and the Madden 12 game the company turned to social media to get great consumer feedback, which helped create the new set of features and effects desired by consumers.

 EA Sports use of social media outlets to market the already well-known product was brilliant. One way to connect with millions of people and get a million perspectives is buy uses a platform that will allow it, hence social media outlets. This platform is a huge tool when it comes to consumer engagement. Allowing fans to have input in the actual product makes them feel like they’re apart of something. There marketing campaign didn’t just stop at allowing fans to express their input in the game. It also allowed fans to take part in contests, sweepstakes, and other exciting incentives for participating in their social media sites. EA Sports is yet another example of how the use of social media can enhance your products and brand effort.

http://www.easports.com/

http://twitter.com/#!/EASPORTS

http://www.facebook.com/easports

Electronic Arts

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Floyd Mayweather Jr. running From Pacquio, or Is He?

Boxing fans around the world have been patiently waiting to see the so call fight of the century amongst Pretty boy Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquio. Both are viewed as the pound for pound (PFP) boxing king. Ring Magazine ranks them as #1 Pacquio and #2 Floyd Maywheater. But is this an accurate ranking one would ask given the records of the boxers. Floyd who bares a 42-0 record is ranked lower than a Pacquio record of 53-3-2 draws. Many believe that this is so because of Floyd’s alleged escape of the fight. But is it Floyd who’s running? The negotiations failed in the pass due to Pacquio’s disagreement of the Olympic style drug testing and Maywheather disagreement with the purse split. Until those issues are settled the fight will never happen. But it would seem as if the mega fight is in motion to happen based on the opponents the two fighters have selected for their up coming fights. Floyd faced off against a young aggressive hard punching Victor Ortiz September 22,2011 and Pacquio will face off against a patient southpaw counter puncher in Juan Manuel Marquez November 12, 2011. The two boxers have chosen opponents closely resembling each other’s boxing style. So will the fight of the century take place?

It would seemed like it but don’t hold your breath. The biggest difference between Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquio is not ring related. It’s that Floyd is his own promoter and Bob Arum is Pacquio’s. This means that Floyd does indeed pick his opponents and Arum picks Pacquio’s. Floyd's uncle and trainer Jeff Mayweather stated that, “Arum does not really want Pacquiao to face Mayweather at this time.” Jeff also believes that Arum wants Manny to beat everybody and makes as much money as he possibly can and allow Floyd to be Manny's last fight. This could prove to be a failed strategy if boxing fans move on and lose interest in the fight. Unless Pacquio steps over Arums head and make his own call the fight will never happen. I believe Floyd isn’t the one running, it’s Bob Arum who’s running. He’s afraid that Pacquio could lose the fight and he could miss out on millions of potential dollars.

http://www.boxingnews24.com/2011/09/rumor-mill-mayweather-thinking-of-fighting-sergio-martinez/

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/870881-is-bob-arum-standing-in-the-way-to-pacquiao-vs-mayweather-fight

http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/312062

http://www.bleuken.com/manny-pacquiao-vs-floyd-mayweather-20091206/

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Is Endorsing Michael Vick Good or Bad?

                                                                 

Michael Vick is National Football League (NFL) quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles. Many consider him to be the most dynamic and explosive player to ever play his position or any position for that matter. He attained a mega star status within a couple of years of his entrance into the league. In Vicks early stages of his NFL career he experienced some troubles that forced him away from the sport and into a down spiraling football career. He was a man who had it all, lost it all, just to get it all back.

Michael Vick made history becoming the first African American to ever be selected number 1 overall in the 2001 NFL Draft. Vick started off his career with the Atlanta Falcon were he made his mark on the league. He made 3 Pro Bowl appearances during his first 6 years in Atlanta. There he become one of the highest paid athletes in the league and had an array of endorsement deals. He was the spokesman for Nike, EA Sports, Coca-Cola, PowerAde, Kraft, Rawlings, Hasbro and Airtran. He had it all, the fame, the glory, and the money. Vick’s fame grew and his off the field behavior took a turn for the worst. In a string of events Vick reportedly missed a congressional breakfast where he would be honored for his work with the youth, he attempted to get through airport security with a water bottle that featured a hidden compartment, he shot 2 middle fingers up at the Falcon fans as he left the field, and continued to display inappropriate behavior. There was no bigger off the field issue for Vick than the indictment by a federal grand jury for conspiracy to travel in interstate commerce in aid of unlawful activities and to sponsor a dog in an animal-fighting venture. After the raid of his Virginia home where police agents found drugs and 60 dogs that were in poor health conditions.Vick pleaded guilty to federal charges in the Bad Newz Kennels dog fighting investigation. He was sentenced to19 months in a federal prison. The NFL suspended him indefinitely without pay for violating the NFL player conduct policy and he lost all of his endorsements.

Michael Vick was released from prison on July 20, 2009 and began his road to redemption. The Philadelphia Eagles signed him August 19, 2009 to a one-year deal worth less that he’d ever made in his career at $1.6 million dollars. He also partnered with the Humane Society to actively denounce dog fighting and illegal activity. He has become an influential voice in the community continuing his work with the youth and being a model citizen. After his breakout season in 2010 the endorsements started rolling back in. First was his 2-year agreement with Unequal Technologies, then Fuse Science, and ultimately the re-signing with Nike sports. Since his release Michael Vick has rebranded himself as a positive role model and leader on and off the field. Companies have viewed Vicks change and have given him a second chance at becoming a spokesman of their brands.

Is endorsing Michael Vick good or bad? In my honest opinion it can be good thing. Ruling out my biased towards one of my favorite NFL players I think that Vicks story is enough to attract any consumer to the brand he endorses. Whether you believe it or not America love a good redemption story. Of course Vick made some mistakes, who doesn’t? Him overcoming the adversity that life threw him and mostly what he brought on himself shows that he’s a winner. He has resurrected his NFL career with the most spectacular performances of any quarterback in the history of the league. The people love this guy and because he doing things the right way now they’ll buy into anything that he endorses. The Vick show is back and every smart company should be clawing to get this gone on their roster. Megan Saalfeld a (Nike, Fortune 500) spokeswoman spoke on the Nike re-signing of Vick. She stated that "Michael acknowledges his past mistakes," Saalfeld said. "We do not condone those actions, but we support the positive changes he has made to better himself off the field."

Redemption 

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/columns/story?columnist=pasquarelli_len&id=2851039

http://football.about.com/od/teamsfalcons/i/Michael-Vick.htm

http://whenfallsthecoliseum.com/2011/08/12/michael-vick-endorsements-and-role-models/

http://consumerist.com/2011/07/michael-vick-back-on-nikes-endorsement-payroll.html

http://allthingsphillysports.blogspot.com/2010/11/michael-vick-on-cover-of-sports.html

http://bet.com

http://www.michaelvickstory.com/

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Nike 2012 Sponsorship Deal With The NFL

In 2012 an ole regime will fall and the beginning of new management will begin. The age of Reebok will be no more and Nike will take the reigns of the National Football Leagues (NFL) uniform and on field apparel license.  For the last decade Reebok was granted a long-term exclusive license, beginning in the 2002 NFL season, to manufacture, market and sell NFL licensed merchandise for all NFL teams. This covered on-field uniforms, sideline apparel, practice apparel, NFL-branded footwear and an NFL-branded apparel line.

Nike’s sponsorship of the NFL will be its first return to NFL uniforms since 2001,when they only held footwear and glove rights. As of April 2012 Nike will be the official sponsor of NFL uniforms and on field apparel accompanied with partners New Era Cap Co. Inc., Under Armour Inc., Gill, VF Corp., Outerstuff Ltd. and '47 Brand. New Era is said to handle on-field headwear, while Under Armour will still sponsor the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. Gill will be responsible for manufacture and Outerstuff will continue providing the league's youth apparel. Lastly 47 Brand will do headwear for fans.

This is a huge deal for Nike signing a multimillion-dollar deal with the League. The NFL is one of the biggest business plat forms in American. Being affiliated with the number 1 sports industry in the U.S. and a beloved sport worldwide can only lead to good things. If Nike can grasp the older demographic that mostly represent the fan base of the NFL their brand should see a hug return. Similar to what they done on the collegiate level, grasped the audience.

I’m extremely excited about this deal for Nike. The uniforms of the NFL need a make over. They’re dull and traditional. Everything around us is changing technology, the culture, etc. It’s only right to get on this wave of change. Every era has to leave their mark and move on to new things. I love what Nike has done at the collegiate level using the best technology and creative minds to create amazing uniforms. Hopefully the old traditional uniforms will be replace with fresh new ideas. 

What it is!

What it could be!

http://logolitic.com/what-logo-means/

http://sportsbusinessdigest.com/does-nikes-nfl-move-kill-adidas-and-reebok

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d81b4559b/article/new-deal-establishes-nike-as-leagues-official-uniform-provider

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/10/12/nike-plans-to-dramatically-change-nfl-jerseys/

http://www.reuters.com/article/2010/10/12/nfl-apparel-idUSN1218488120101012

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/123028-the-10-players-that-should-never-change-uniforms

http://jockpost.com/nfl-nike-uniforms-2012-real-fake/

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Dana White has refused to issue press credentials to some MMA journalists

Media rights, broadcasting and press credentials can be unpredictable subjects. Not only do you have to go through many different mediums to gain the rights for all three but some come with heavy legal liabilities. In sports everybody is trying to gain admission to events or properly portray and broadcast their own clubs/teams.

On April 10, 2011 two notably reporters, Loretta Hunt of CBS and Josh Gross of ESPN and Jeff Sherwood of Sherdog.com were denied credentials for an MMA event. They were denied press credentials and have been refused access to all UFC events in recent years. This occurred after some written stories President Dana White seemingly consider not worthy of his company's PR clip file ruled out their appearance. According to Sports Illustrated the media members were required to fill out an application to receive media access for the Strikeforce event and theirs were rejected.

This stunt by the MMA may have impacted the future broadcasting of MMA events through CBS and Showtime networks. Although owner Dana White has issues with some reporters of the press it does not mean that they should be ruled out for coverage of the event. The crazy part about the situation is that CBS shares ownership with Showtime, which televised the event. One of the reporters represented the network and couldn’t cover the event. That’s bound to create some division between the MMA and the network. It seems that the relationship with ESPN is still in tact; ESPN still had coverage of the event through MMA lives Franklin McNiel. A word to the owner of the MMA, don’t allow you emotions and dislike for an individual affect your business.

http://mmapayout.com/2011/04/zuffa-media-policy-excludes-notable-mma-journalists-for-strikeforce-event/

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/writers/jeff_wagenheim/04/13/credentials/index.html

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NHL Labor Dispute Can Be Classified As The Biggest Controversy in The Last Five Years

In the world of professional sports labor disputes are never surprising. Owners are always trying to figure out ways to increase their revenue and save their bottom line. The players are always trying to increase their salary and benefits. This is and has been the trend of the Sports Industry, as we know it. There is this perception that owners are businessmen and should be greedy and the players should just be grateful they’re getting paid. These labor situations should be viewed as a form war, a war between millionaires fighting with billionaires. The disputes between the league and its players are all too familiar.

The National Hockey League (NHL) knows this better than any other. The league was forced to cancel the 2004-2005 season due to labor disputes. It became the first North American sport to cancel a season due to labor problems. The players and owners lose millions of dollars and caused thousands of people on the sideline of the league to lose incredible amounts of money as well. The bases of the dispute was surrounded around the leagues want to impose a salary cap on the players earning and link there earning to the leagues revenue. The NHLPA was opposed to this proposal stating that the cap would limit the amount of money the players could make. The back and forth offers and counter offers went on throughout what was suppose to be the 2004-2005 season. Finally on July 22, 2005 the NHLPA agreed to a 24% salary cap roll back limiting team spending to $39M on salaries for a season and putting caps on individual salaries. This depended on length of service and the rest of the team’s salary makeup.

The after effect of the NHL lockout is what makes this the biggest labor dispute of the last five years. With an already limited appeal in the United States the NHL lockout disappointed a lot fridge fans driving them away from the sport. The long-term effects that the 2004-2005 lockout has had on the NHL are still evident. The league has never regained its following in the United States. Television broadcasting has dropped and the small market teams are constantly struggling to fill stadium. The lockout almost eliminated the National Hockey League in the U.S.

http://theondeckcircle.net/2008/04/12/a-look-back-at-the-nhl-lockout/

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/hockey/nhl/2005-07-13-lockout-chronology_x.htm

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A Look at The New Orleans Saints "WHO DAT" Controversy

The New Orleans Saints were riding high the 2009-2010 NFL season. After making it all the way to Superbowl 44 the coined phrase "WHO DAT" by Saints fans was making media headlines. The full phrase "who dat said they gonna beat them saints" had become a city and nation wide battle cry for all saints everywhere. Fans were becoming addictive to the saying which started the production of  the apparel. The "WHO DAT" merchandise stirred up controversy with the NFL and the Saints organization. NFL Government Relations and Public Policy Vice President Jeffrey Mille advise those manufacturing the "Who DAT" apparel  to discontinue their operations or face trademark infringement. The NFL was concerned with the brand of the Saints football organization as well as their own, so they say.  

The NFL came under heavy scrutiny from the fans and the city of New Orleans due the lawsuits against. This lead to the Leagues dismissal and approval of the phrase, which they never controlled in the first place. In my opinion the NFL was just after more money, go figure. This is so common of them to try taking every piece of the pie that they can get their hands on. The only legitimate argument that the NFL had in my opinion was the fact that some shirts seem closely associated with NFL owned apparel. When the controversy first broke they tried to banned the use of the "WHO DAT"phrase stating that somehow it was NFL owned, Yea Right! What the NFL is trying to do here is almost disgusting. Taking a phrase made up by the people and fans of New Orleans and trying to Trademark it as there own to make money is just greedy. 

http://www.wwltv.com/news/title-here-83090032.html

http://www.nola.com/saints/index.ssf/2010/01/post_140.html

http://www.nola.com/politics/index.ssf/2010/01/vitter_to_nfl_back_of_who_dat.html

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Sports Still Draw Fans Despite Recession

                 The current economy has affected many industries. Charles Davidson, a staff writer for EconSouth wrote an amazing description of how the recession has affected the sports business industry. In his article he explains how sports fans addiction has kept the business cost-effective while unemployment has risen. He explains how even in a recession some sports in certain regions, specifically the south, still attracts sports fans. This region holds a reputation of having an unreserved love for sports. In the article Charles states that, “Southerners put their money where their passion is”.  According to Street & Smith’s SportsBusiness Journal in the year of 2007-2008 the Southern Eastern Conference (SEC) had five of the top ten revenue producers in college football collectively totaling $303 million dollars. 

                 Organizations such as the SEC, MLB, and the National Football League (NFL) have experience hardship due to the economic being down but they’re hardly threatened by it. The less established leagues and teams have felt it the most. In August of 2009 the Arena Football League (AFL) folded. Some minor league hockey teams were shutdown as well as minor league soccer teams in 2008. NASCAR has fallen victim to tough times also with high gas prices, rising unemployment, and economic uncertainty. Like other leagues they have tried lowering ticket prices and other to increase attendance.

The strain of this economy has had a devastating effect on the Sports Business Industry. Industry executives from Turnkey Sports Entertainment and Street & Smith’s SportsBusiness Journal conducted a poll of 1,100 sports in 2008. The executives found that a third of their company’s had laid off staff, while two percent stated that they had closed offices. Many minor-league professional teams have gone under and attendance for NASCAR races, Major League Baseball (MLB) games, and the games of some profession teams are down. Ticket sales aren’t what they use to be and have declined for a number of pro teams and major colleges. Our down spiraling economy is solely responsible for these events.

The decrease in attendance for sports facilities is an issue that has Facility Management searching for new ways to get fans back into the stadium. Due to the economy tickets are just not selling and stadium are not being filled. This has a trickling down effect targeting endorsers, food & merchandizing, sponsors, and every other aspect of a sporting event. People are focusing the bulk of their money towards high rising gas pricing, bills, and saving. Most sports are readily available for the consumer to access with the click of their television remote. In a down spiraling economy, why would sports fans want to leave the comfort of their home to go to the game that’s full of expenses?

A way Facility Managers could interest more fans to come out to support is by lowering the total expenses from ticket prices, parking, food & beverages, to sports apparel & merchandise. With traveling cost, gas, and hotel pricing so high plus the total expenses to attend the game it’s becoming a stressful event to plan for many families, so they’d rather just watch the games at home. Another way Facility Mangers can attract fans is by marketing the actual experience of attending the game. Many sports fan don’t value the experience of attending the game, the tailgating and the interaction with sports enthusiast alike. If facility management puts an emphasis on the whole experience portraying to fans that the in stadium encounter is worth wild it could gain fans interest. Ryan Knapp a Manager of Digital for the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) says, “My caveat with it is if the fan experience becomes so interactive while you are home, will eventually we run out of reasons to actually attend the games live.” The use of different promotional tactics can prove to be of use also. The Facilities Management can use ploys like sweepstakes, two for one-ticket specials.

http://sportsbusinessdigest.com/the-future-of-sports-sports-business-sports-economy/

http://www.ryanjknapp.com/blog/convincing-sports-fans-to-head-to-the-stadium/

http://sap-facilitymanagment.blogspot.com/

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/the_bonus/10/03/sports.economy/2.html

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The Biggest Sports Business Story Of The Decade

Biggest Plays in Sports Biz

The biggest sports business story of the decade was the enormous controversy surrounding the use of performance-enhancing drug within Major League Baseball (MLB). Over the past decade the MLB has took a huge hit to its image and its brand. Ongoing cases and trails against former and present athletes involving the use of illegal substances have forever tarnished the very integrity of the game. In the spring of 2006 The Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program was established in an effort to clean up the sports drug problem. The most noticeable names that come to mind in this scandal are those like Rafael Palmeiro, Jason Giambi, Roger Clemens, Mark McGwire, Sammy Sosa, Barry Bonds, Alex Rodriguez, David Ortiz and Manny Ramirez. Do any of these names sound familiar? These are faces of MLB franchises, players who ushered in a dominance of record setting achievements breaking those of the greats that played prior to them. Greats like Pete Rose, Hank Aaron, Baby Ruth, etc.

Question: Why is this a major issue within the MLB?

The MLB is one of the biggest sports businesses in the United States. It’s compiled of 30 franchised teams valued at over 8.8 million dollars. In this hyper-competitive environment players have took upon them selves to use whatever edge necessary to be successful. Anabolic steroids and other similar performance enhancing substances is typically the drugs of choice. These types of drugs allow muscles to recover at a much faster pace than normal. This rapid recovery permits athletes to train harder, for longer periods of time, and with greater frequency. An MLB season is comprised of 162 games. This is a very long season and to perform at a peak level day in and day out can be difficult, but not to say it can’t be done. The major issue is that these drugs remove the chance of a level playing field. Being that the MLB is a business where competition is the business, any illegal advantage can damage the integrity and legitimacy of the league

                              Question: Why is this the biggest sports business story of the decade?


Although any image is hard to repair, it can be done. For example, Kobe Bryant cheated on his wife then won a championship and was forgiven. No one really speaks of that issue anymore but the steroids scandal within the MLB is ongoing. The reason why I believe that this is the biggest story of the decade is because of its large-scale impact. This generation of elite baseball players will almost be eliminated from the history book due to the use of illegal substances. The entire baseball history is forever changed because of this decade of illegal activity. The records that were broken by Bonds, Mcguire, Sosa, Rodriguez, etc will all be eradicated if proven influenced by substance use. Another reason why this is the biggest sports story is because it has forever change the fans perspective of the sport. Once loyal and appreciative fans have now turned their backs on the league due to disgust of the stain left by these players. This is an issue that will be ongoing until the League rectifies it in efforts to change its image. In my opinion it will take a decade to clean up this mess and change the brand of the MLB.

http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/news/drug_policy.jsp?content=timeline

http://www.time.com/time/question/20050315.htmlhttp://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baseball/2007/09/09/2007-09-09_mlbs_steroid_scandal_will_grow_larger_th.html

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/magazine/specials/2000s/12/12/top.stories/index.html

http://www.realclearsports.com/blognetwork/the_steele_drum/2009/12/bonds-and-roids-ruled-this-decade.html

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/washingtonpostinvestigations/2009/02/fact_and_fiction_in_baseballs_steroids.html

http://supplementx.wordpress.com/

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Interview Blog

One of the key elements of being a sports agent is having the ability to understand negotiation. In this particular industry deal making is of paramount importance because it determines an agents pay out. Being in a fortunate position I was able to track down my nephew’s sports agent, Tom Kleine. Tom Is an NFL sports agent from the industry known JL Sports Agency. I was able to interview Tom via conference call and here’s how it went.

Tom Kleine




The first question that I asked Tom was, what ‘s the nature of an NFL sports agent’s negotiation?

Tom, “Wow, lets say it’s very intense.  There’s a substantial amount of information an agent must be familiar with. We must stay current on the news in the industry and the latest trends. This will allow us to find the best deal for our clients and seek out new opportunities as soon as they present themselves. An agent must be fluent in negotiating, marketing, sports law, and financial management.”

As far as negotiating skills, what would you say makes an agent successful?

Tom, "a successful sports agent must be skilled at negotiation to get the best contract for the client. Sports agent’s who negotiate the best deals for their clients are valuable assets. These are the guys who’re sought after by athletes. This industry requires sports agents to be familiar with contracts and trends. I would recommend a degree that prepares you for contract negotiation. Sports management, a degree program in law, financial management, accounting or business management. All of these would be beneficial to the success of an agent."

The use of Objective Criteria, how would you say this plays a role in some of the negotiations you been in?

Objective Criteria plays a major role within any negotiation. In this Industry athletes are always looking to gain what the next athlete in their shoes has. With that being said an agent’s ability to incorporate things such as market value, previous payouts to other athletes, league minimum, etc would definitely enhance their opportunity of keeping or signing that athlete. Objective Criteria is a technique that is use in every negotiation, especially in this industry.

                                                              http://www.jlsports.net/

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Sports Agents Breaking The Rules Are Only Costly For The Athletes

The controversy surrounding Sports Agents and college athletes is at an all time high. The increased media attention paid to student athletes receiving money and other benefits from sports agents has made this a hot topic within the sport community. It seems as if every time I turn on the television there’s breaking news pertaining to a new scandal of some degree. A sports agent, essentially, buying their clients through gifts, money, and other favors is the current trend of this industry. The biggest problem with this besides the fact that it’s illegal is that the players are the only ones to suffer in such an event.

Reggie Bush 

One of the biggest controversial cases was that of NFL runingback Reggie Bush. He was accused of accepting financial benefits worth more than $100,000 from marketing agents while he was playing at the University of Southern California. Although Bush was already present in the NFL when the case was launched, he was stripped of his 2005 college eligibility and Heisman Trophy. His name was also removed from the history books, demising his chances to be selected to the College Football Hall of Fame. Bush was publically humiliated for his action in this event while his agent was not. There were two NCAA by laws that were broken in Bush’s case, by law 12.3.1.2, which states that an athlete shall be deemed ineligible if he or she accepts benefits from agents or marketing representatives and by law 2.1.2.1.6, that states athletes cannot receive preferential treatment, benefits or services because of the individual's athletics reputation or skill or pay-back potential as a professional athlete, unless such treatment, benefits or services are specifically permitted under NCAA legislation.

Who should be held responsible for these types of events? Why are the players the only party being punished for this? These are questions that need to be answered. According to Alabama Head Coach Nick Saban sports agents target college players like pimps. He went on further to say that “agents entice them into violating NCAA rules at a stage of their lives when they are vulnerable.” This has become a serious issue within the sports community and has only one resolution and that is to start punishing the agents who participate in breaking the NCAA rules. The only way agents will be deterred from ignoring laws is for the states actually enforce them.

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/columns/story?columnist=maisel_ivan&id=5272888

http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/news?slug=ys-bushprobe

http://www.upi.com/Sports_News/2010/07/21/Saban-Bad-sports-agents-like-pimps/UPI-14841279756686/

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Should There Be A Stiffer Cap On NFL Rookies Earning

With the The National Players Association (NFLPA) and the NFL owners going at it over a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), money seems to be the main focus. The NFL owners are complaining about the rising salary cap and the rising cost of NFL rookies, particularly first round draft selections. According to the NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, “Player salaries are increasing faster than NFL revenues.” So what are some actions the new CBA can put into place to prevent the loose of revenue for owners? How about making a stiffer rookie salary cap.

            
From the year 2003 to the year 2007 the NFL’s salary cap has gone up from $75 million to $109 million. (USATODAY 2008)  That is just about a 69%. Is this increase surprising? Yes but not really. If you take a look at the earning of a first round draft selection from 2003 to 2008 than you’ll understand it better. A first round draft selection average guaranteed money has gone up from $6.482 million to $10.853 million since the year 2003 to 2008. This is a 60% increase in the guaranteed monies of players drafted in the first round. This increase directly influences the increase in the overall salary cap, which has resulted in the players salary increase at a faster pace than that of the NFL owners. League owners paying first round selections so much money has changed the market value of veteran players, which is on of the arguments at hand. According to NFLPA executive director Gene Upshaw, "Those rookie contracts play a role in what a veteran gets," For example, when JaMarcus Russell signed a player contract worth $61 million dollar with $35 million guaranteed, veteran Quarter backs in the league used that as negotiating leverage to increase their pay.

Jamarcus Russell 

           
 So should there be a stiffer cap on NFL rookies earning, in my opinion absolutely yes. The amounts of money these first round athletes are being paid are ridiculous because they’re not proven players yet. In any other career are you paid before you perform or are you paid as you perform? The money should be disbursed among the veteran players who deserve it. Placing a stiffer salary cap on the rookies would prevent a huge lost of money for NFL owners if the player is a bust or don't perform as well as they liked. It would also slow down increasing the rise of the overall league salary cap.

http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/23489974/

http://www.nflplayers.com/articles/cba-news/growth-of-player-salaries-compared-to-growth-of-nfl-total-revenue/

http://www.dailynorseman.com/2011/2/24/2014108/nfl-labor-crisis-owners-may-lose-their-ability-to-collect-lockout

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/2008-04-23-first-round-money_N.htm

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NFL Owners Greed Could Effect Many With An NFL Lockout

The National Football League is on the brake of a lockout for the upcoming 2012-2013 season. The controversy between the players and the owners could halt the beginning of the next season effecting a multitude of people. According to DeMaurice Smith, executive director of NFL Players Association, the owner’s are seeking a bigger share of the revenue-asking player to take an 18% pay cut that could average close to $340,000 a player.  With the player and owner’s discrepancy the NFL is almost certain that there will be a lockout of some sort for the upcoming 2012-2013 season.

         
The lockout has the potential to affect more than just league owners and its players. It could affect the revenue streams of a horde of industries. Industries such as television broadcasting live music, sports and event promotion, food service contractors, sporting goods stores, advertising agencies, drinking establishments, and celebrity and sports agents. All of these industries will significantly be affected by the owner’s decision to go forth with a lockout. David Daniels, a featured columnist of the bleacher report, states that there’s the potential for every NFL city to lose close to $160 millions dollars and 115,000 jobs.

         
The NFL lockout is a serious matter that could change the lives of a lot of people. It seems to me that the owners are being greedy in this situation, asking the players to give up 18% of their existing split, which is currently 40% the owner’s way with 60%. Its unfair in my opinion, the owners generate revenue off of any assets bearing the NFL logo, ticket sales, TV broadcasting, etc. The owner’s argument is that they’re losing money with the current split being 60-40 but has yet to open up their financial books to the Players Association with the exception of The Green Bay Packers organization.  This lockout that will effect some many people and some many cities is all a result of greed by team owners of the NFL.

http://technorati.com/business/article/an-nfl-lockout-may-have-longlasting/

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/579862-25-reasons-we-wont-have-nfl-football-in-2011

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/blog/shutdown_corner/post/Packers-open-books-prove-little?urn=nfl-256636

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Sports Agents Getting Fired

In the last month there have been some top NBA players parting ways with their current sports agents. Bob Finnan of The News-Herald listed a couple of names in his article such as Chris Paul who fired Lance Young from Octagon; Dwight Howard, Al Horford and Rodney Stuckey who all fired Aaron Goodwin; Ike Diogu who fired Arn Tellem; Roger Mason who fired Mark Bartelstein; O.J. Mayo who fired LRMR; Andray Blatche who fired Eric Fleisher; Lou Amundson who fired Mike Higgins; and Marc Gasol parted ways with Herb Rudoy. The firing of sports agents is far from a new phenomenon. In this industry if a player feels that they can get more then what their agents are getting them, they probably will jump ship and join another agent or agency. 

Randy Moss

This trend is not only present in the NBA, it exist throughout the sports industry as a whole. A notable firing in the NFL was Pro Bowler Randy Moss former agent Tim Dipiero. He parted ways with his long time agent in search of someone who could get him more sponsorship deals and other off-field business opportunities. The athletes who leave their agents are particularly looking for bigger bucks, whether it’s a new contract, sponsorships, or endorsements deals their seeking. For an agent it’s either produce or get let go. Bob Finna made a quote in his articles pertaining to athletes saying, “Sometimes players think agents can wave a magic wand and get things done. It’s not that easy. Teams have salary cap and luxury tax issues that the players don’t seem to comprehend.” Players view it just Cuba Gooden Jr. did in the 1996 film Jerry Maguire that was a film about a top sports agent, “Show me the money”. That is exactly what sports player what to see from their agent, the money. 

http://www.sportsagentblog.com/2010/12/14/basketball-agents-getting-fired-nothing-new/

http://www.footballnewsnow.com/2010/randy-moss-fires-agent-will-represent-himself/

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0116695/

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