Broken News - ESPN and NFL Falling Together?

All good things must come to an end.  We know that, even if we are in denial.  That's why Hannah Montana came to an end and gave us Twerkin' Miley Cyrus.  Or at least that's why I think it happened.

Anyway, the NFL and ESPN are both monsters at the top of their industries.  The NFL tops sports leagues and ESPN tops sports media.  It just so happens that the two are also partnered in the top sports media rights deal on the planet with nearly $2 billion of ESPN's hard-earned cash going straight into Roger Goodell's deep pockets for Monday Night Football rights.  Though the cash is going out, it's also coming back in as MNF is ESPN's highest revenue generating property.

Convenient, eh?  ESPN's parent company, Disney, must be so proud.

Both ESPN and the NFL have risen to their seemingly unreachable heights over the past 40 years or so.  I know, it's hard to remember a time when the NFL wasn't king.  Same with ESPN.

Although ESPN and the NFL may be at the top of their industries, both are deeply flawed properties.  ESPN -- who controversially pulled out of a collaboration with PBS Frontline that tackles the concussion issue in football -- has struggled through a bipolar relationship with entertainment and journalism.  They are only solely one when it's inconvenient to call themselves the other which is the case with their now severed relationship with PBS.  Their journalism has taken a major step back, so they're claiming entertainment.

Aside from that, ESPN is dealing with more pressure from viewers than ever to show more highlights and less useless B.S. (note: not referring to Bill Simmons).  Regardless viewers feel like they're getting more B.S. than ever.  So as they try to keep their journalism from butting heads with the properties they hold rights to, their entertainment may actually be struggling too.  Did Aaron Sorkin write this script?

The NFL has issues of its own.  And we're not talking about potentially having pressured ESPN out of the PBS documentary.  We're talking about concussions.  Head trauma.  A lawsuit with nearly 5,000 former players over issues with concussions.  The more you read the more bleak it looks for the NFL as settlement day will eventually come.

It all makes me wonder, will the inevitable fall of the NFL be tied to the inevitable fall of ESPN, or vice versa?  This may sound crazy, but remember, all good things must come to an end.  Nothing lasts forever.  I'm not saying that the NFL or ESPN will be gone tomorrow.  They will likely last far past the rest of my lifetime.

Think about it, though.  Take a moment to think about where ESPN and the NFL will be in the year, say, 2113?

When there are issues to be investigated, people tell you to follow the money.  In the case of the NFL and ESPN, the money leads directly to one another.  The issues are already present and the dots are already being connected.  Will ESPN and the NFL eventually fall together?  It's an answer that may not be so much good as it is true.


Follow Kevin Rossi on Twitter @kevin_rossi

Dollars & Sense - Will Washington Ever Change Their Nickname?

The football team in Washington has a racist nickname.  Really there's no way around it.  Well, of course, it's only racist if you think about it.  And when you think about it, you probably have an image of the skinned skull of a Native American or of the outwardly racist former owner, George Preston Marshall, or some combination of both.  Yes, this is the same Marshall that was the last owner to integrate his football team in 1962 and only did so because the league stepped in.

Some contend that the nickname is to honor the Native Americans and their fighting attitude.  This seems to be a bit disillusioned and a Hail Mary pass to save the name in the face of public outrage.

In Dan Snyder's defense, it's tough to toy with a brand that was recently valued at $1.7 billion by Forbes.  But, you know, sometimes the hardest thing and the right thing are the same. 

Either way, tough decision or not, the name is racist.  The name needs to change. Let's be honest with ourselves; enough is enough.

Enough is exactly what many mainstream media outlets are saying to Washington's nickname.  Slate is the latest media outlet to join in a a boycott on using the nickname.  The New Republic and Mother Jones also followed suit.  The team will now be known as "the football team from Washington."  Heck, the nickname is even on the list of words band from the National Scrabble Championship that used to air on ESPN. 


So how much is a team's nickname -- their brand, if you will -- really worth?  ESPN's Peter Keating recently wrote about this, and below is a quote from his article:

It might seem that the Redskins, who have represented our nation's capital for nearly 80 years, have a uniquely powerful brand. But pro football teams get most of their value from the sport they play (62 percent, Forbes says) and the market they're in (17.4 percent). Just 6.5 percent, on average, comes from their brand equity -- the value teams get from fans being able to identify with individual franchises. Put an NFL team in DC and it would be worth more than $1 billion even if you called it the Washington Smallpox.

This is pretty major research considering how much emphasis we put on the importance of a team name (Exhibit A: New Orleans Pelicans). But, nonetheless, it shows that there are much much bigger factors into a team's value.

Many people shy away from talking about changing the name because, well, that means they need to come up with a new one.  Everybody is trying to avoid a Pelicans-esque catastrophe.  Personally, I think that Pigskins is a viable candidate.  It's a perfect candidate at least until Liberals start trying to protect pigs (Hint: If you are trying to argue for or against something, never bring up Liberal or Conservative agendas.  It makes you look like a conspiracy theorist and lose all credibility.)



So as owner Dan Snyder continues to live in his money-filled bigoted world -- "you can use caps" -- it may be coming time to change the name.  The financial hit won't be as big as Snyder or his supporters "estimate" in the press.  Changing the name is a long-term move for society and for the team.  As the number of media and people refusing to use the nickname grows, the number will sure exceed the number of those refusing to continue supporting the team if the name changes.

The time is now to change the nickname of the football team in Washington.


Follow Kevin Rossi on Twitter @kevin_rossi.

The Aftermath of the Bounty Scandal

Many people faced consequences after the New Orleans Saints bounty scandal was unravelled. Many agreed with the punishments because players may have been injured more than was necessary during games. Those who thought the punishments were too harsh typically noted that many teams around the league had similar programs intended to target certain players on other teams.

At the heart of the issue was then Saints defensive coordinator, Gregg Williams. Williams was accused setting up programs that rewarded players for targeting and hurting other players in the league. After Williams suspension was over, he was hired by the Tennessee Titans.

Williams now is facing potentially more issues stemming from the scandal. Former NFL player, Barrett Green is now suing Williams and the Redskins for ending his career prematurely. While Williams was serving as the defensive coordinator for the Washington Redskins in 2004, Barrett Green suffered a career-ending knee injury while playing for the Giants against the Redskins.

The curious part of the story is that Barrett Green was playing linebacker and was hurt by Redskins tight end Robert Royal. The lawsuit claimed that Royal had played some defense for Gregg Williams while with the Redskins. The lawsuit says that Royal "intentionally lowered his helmet and drove into Green's knee at full speed." Later in the complaint, the Redskins were accused of a bounty program when the complaint said, "Redskins coaches directed their players to disregard criminal and civil laws, as well as NFL rules, to intentionally injure opponents."

Final Thought
It will be very difficult for Barrett Green to have success with his lawsuit because of the lack of evidence. Although Gregg Williams was "convicted" by commissioner Roger Goodell, legal action outside of the league was not taken. For Green to be successful with his lawsuit, he would need to prove many aspects of the injury that are most likely unprovable. Although this lawsuit will most likely prove to be a failure, it is interesting to see how many more lawsuits come from the bounty scandal. If an injured player can prove they got hurt by Williams defense in New Orleans, it is a possibility that Gregg Williams could face some serious legal actions.

@dmrosen7

Dollars & Sense - Business Fallout For Aaron Hernandez

"You should probably lay low for a while because you're probably wanted for murder." - Anchorman

Alright, so maybe Ron Burgundy was talking to Brick Tamland and not Aaron Hernandez, but at this rate he may as well have been.  The troubled New England Patriots tight end seems closer and closer to finding himself with a murder charge on his record sheet after his Wednesday morning arrest, something that does not look so nice next to his 175 receptions, nearly 2,000 yards receiving, and 18 touchdowns.

bostonglobe.com

Of course, nothing is official yet.  Hernandez could be hit with just the original obstruction of justice since breaking a security system and busting a cell phone are not exactly aiding justice, per se.  Then again, maybe Hernandez gets off with nothing at all.  Some may cry professional athlete with that, but who knows, maybe all of the evidence that is piling up against Hernandez like the winter snow in Foxborough is just a big inconvenient coincidence.

In addition to feeling the heat from the authorities, Hernandez is beginning to feel the heat on the business end as well.  Cytosport, a sports nutrition company best known as the makers of Muscle Milk, has dropped Hernandez from their athlete portfolio.  Other athletes that endorse Cytosport are Clay Matthews (Green Bay Packers), Ian Kinsler (Texas Rangers), and most recently Clayton Kershaw (Los Angeles Dodgers) among others.

Upon hearing the news of Hernandez's arrest, the Patriots promptly released the 23-year-old.  As for his contract with the Patriots, Hernandez signed a 5-year, $40 million extension in 2012 that included $16 million guaranteed.  He is represented by Athletes First.  It remains to be seen if the Patriots could recover some of the guaranteed money that they owe Hernandez, although that will likely be contingent on the legal proceedings.

The Patriots had already asked Hernandez to stay away from Gillette Stadium and all team facilities.  Owner Robert Kraft said that he did not want the Patriots' facilities to become a media stakeout like Hernandez's North Attleboro home has become.

athletetattoodatabase.com

Many will try to breakdown Hernandez's involvement (or lack thereof) in the murder of Odin Lloyd and pin it on a certain piece of character that may look questionable.  Is it because Hernandez has tattoos?  His alleged gang involvement?  The jock culture sense of entitlement?

Circumstantially, you could make an argument in favor of any of the three.  That is the easy way out, though. Read Charles Pierce's piece about Aaron Hernandez and the American Way because he puts my thoughts in much more eloquent writing.  You will enjoy it, trust me. But even if there are guns in the world, just don't shoot people.  Is that too much to ask?  Professional athlete or not, I don't think we are asking for anything too outlandish.


Now Hernandez is arrested and in the hands of the police.  If Hernandez is charged in connection to Lloyd's murder, he will become just another athlete that threw it all away.  Then again, he already lost his endorsement and his contract, so maybe he already has.

Follow Kevin Rossi on Twitter @kevin_rossi.

NFL Signs New Deal With Verizon

More frequently than ever people are on the move. People rely on consuming news via nontraditional methods. Included in news is live sports. With the ability of technology, fans can view some of their favorite sports teams on the go with a smartphone. The increased use of smartphones to watch live games is a trend that Verizon decided to capitalize on in 2010.

In 2010, Verizon agreed to a deal with the NFL to live stream games to smartphones. The customers who paid for the service could view games that took place on Thursday, Sunday and Monday nights only. Verizon and the National Football League have agreed to a new deal that will start in 2014 and will expand the amount of games that the consumers will be able to watch.

Verizon will pay the NFL $1 billion over four years to get the rights to air more games on consumers smartphones. The new deal applies to smartphones only, not tablets. Under the new deal, those who sign up for the service will be able to watch Thursday, Sunday and Monday night games. They will also have access to the NFL RedZone channel, NFL Network, all post-season games, and home-market games starting in the 2014 season. Currently Verizon costumers pay $5 a month to watch the NFL games on their smartphones. It is not known what the cost will be after this new deal takes effect.

Final Thought
On a Sunday afternoon during football season, I like to be on my couch watching the games on television. I'm sure most do. For those who can't be in front on the television when the games come on, the smartphone option seems great. I believe this new deal will benefit both the NFL and Verizon. The benefits to the NFL are obvious. They will make a billion dollars over four years by allowing Verizon to get access to the games. In addition to the financial benefits, the NFL will help to spread an already popular sport. For Verizon this deal is a bit of a risk. They are assuming that current trends of people consuming sports in nontraditional ways continues. I think this is a safe bet.

 @dmrosen7 

Broken News - Sports Media Rights Bubble

The sports media business is a lucrative one.  We know that.  Of course over the years, especially via sports, we have become desensitized the incredibly large dollar figures (read: Alex Rodriguez's contract).  Media, namely TV rights deals, have had the same effect of late.  Look no further than ESPN's vast portfolio:

Property - Annual Payment From ESPN

NFL Monday Night Football -  $1.9 Billion

MLB - $700 Million

NBA - $930 Million (TNT shares some of the cost)

US Open (Tennis) - $75 Million

Big East - $18 Million 

ACC - $100 Million  

Big Ten - $260 Million  

Mountain West - $18 Million

Big 12/PAC 12 - $450 Million (split with FOX) 

Orange Bowl - $55 Million      

Sugar Bowl - $80 Million

Rose Bowl - $80 Million

If you cannot do math, I assure you that it is a ton of money.  And with a reported $125 million new studio in the works, money in Bristol, Conn. seems to be, well, endless.  ESPN is also in the process of creating an entire network for the SEC, so even though there are no numbers on cost floating around the Internet, we can be sure that ESPN will be going all in on the project (their recent hire of Paul Finebaum is an indication of this). 

The expenses are adding up, and that's not to say that ESPN is becoming financially unstable.  Earlier this month, Disney's (ESPN's parent company) stock hit an all-time high.  And with the television ratings for sporting events the closest thing to a sure thing in media right now, advertising will likely see a steady increase as well.

But you have to wonder, how long can this go on?  The sports media rights bubble will eventually burst.  It's inevitable.  But when?

Last week, ESPN announced that they would be laying off between 300 and 400 employees.  Certainly not a great sign of things to come.  The pressure is certainly felt in Bristol.  Whether it is from the Disney stakeholders, the competition of NBC Sports and the upcoming Fox Sports 1, cable subscribers pushing back against rising costs, advertisers becoming increasingly cash strapped, or what have you, the pressure is unquestionably there.  Nothing is forever.

The point is not to say that the pin is within an inch of the balloon, just that it is coming.  As more viewing options become available and crowds further disperse to different viewing experiences, the days of rights fees reaching nearly $2 billion annually may be closing in on us. 

The question is, "when?"

Follow Kevin Rossi on Twitter @kevin_rossi.

Dollars & Sense - All Glass Everything

The latest wave of stadium renovations has brought about some imaginative ideas for how to build a mega sports palace.  When the pockets of billionaire owners are deepened by the seemingly endless yet also cash-strapped wallets of their city and state governments – and by extension, your wallet, if you live there – the imagination roams free with uninhibited reckless abandon. 

If you have not seen the designs for the Minnesota Vikings’ new stadium plan, then you should surely check them out.  The all-glass structure to let the beautiful sunlight in through its non-retractable roof looks to be on the same futuristic level as the Atlanta Falcons’ new stadium design.  Some say it looks like it should be on a Sandcrawler.  I think it looks like one of those robots from the old show Robot Wars.

 

Whatever your opinion is of the design, we can at least all agree that it is an ode to excess.  Just as the Falcons design is.  Just as is Marlins Park or Cowboy Stadium or the new Yankee Stadium.  

And as the rich get rich and we continue to privatize profits while publicizing debts, it is impossible to ignore the hefty price tag that will fall squarely on the shoulders of the Minnesota (namely Minneapolis) taxpayers. 

In total, the price tag of the new stadium is estimated to be in the $975 million range (I can’t imagine what they had to give up to keep the tag under $1 billion).  Almost half, $427 million to be exact, will come from the Vikings and a loan from the NFL.  The rest - $548 million – will come from the state of Minnesota ($398 million) and the city of Minneapolis ($150 million).  That means the Vikings’ new stadium will be 54% publicly financed, fourth most out of the last 10 NFL stadiums built.

According to Forbes, Minnesota senator John Marty estimated that under the current financing structure, the new Vikings stadium would cost the taxpayers $77.30 per ticket per game for 30 years.  And apparently the estimated does not even include the tax exemptions that the Vikings and the construction will receive in yet another sweetheart lease deal.

Funding for the project is already hitting a snag as the state tax on electronic pull tabs that was supposed to generate the first wave of revenue has come up short.  This is all coming from a state government that has already proposed $2 billion in new taxes and looked to cut $150 million from the state Health and Human Services budget that has already sustained over $1 billion in reductions in the past two years.  Oh yea, the state has a deficit of $627 million too (yes it is progress from the $1.1 billion that it was when Gov. Dayton took over two years ago).

Meanwhile, the anti-public-funding for the stadium oppositions continues to gain traction.  The problem is not necessarily that the rich get richer; it is how they are doing it.  We are living in a day and age where we pay more, get less, and are left wondering where exactly our money is going.  The people of Minnesota know where this money is going, and it is going straight into the pockets of Vikings owner Zygi Wilf and the NFL. 

With the government strapped for cash, their actions should be rooted in righting the course, not playing into billionaire profiteering.  If only the world were as transparent as the new Vikings’ stadium will be.

Follow Kevin Rossi on Twitter @kevin_rossi.

Aaron Rodgers Extension

The big money for NFL quarterbacks continues. Not long after Joe Flacco signed a massive contract to stay with the Ravens, Aaron Rodgers agreed to an extension that will keep him a Packer for a while. Aaron Rodgers has agreed to a five-year $110 million dollar extension. This extension came while Rodgers still has two years left on his remaining deal.

The new contract extension includes $62.5 million of guaranteed money. Flacco's new deal guaranteed him just over $50 million dollars. Rodgers new deal will also make him the highest paid salary per season player in the NFL. Joe Flacco was able to hold this distinction for a few weeks until Rodgers was awarded his extension.

This upcoming season will be very valuable for Aaron Rodgers. In 2013, Rodgers will make $40 million because of the bonus money he will receive. Rodgers was very excited about the new contract (who wouldn't be?), tweeting "Thanks to the Organization, coaching staff, teammates, Packer nation for last 8 years! Excited about 7 more!"

Packers general manager, Ted Thompson, said in a statement about Rodgers, "Aaron is a true professional and a special player." He later went on to comment about Rodgers strong work ethic and his ability to be a great teammate.

Final Thought
The Packers made a great decision to lockup their franchise quarterback through the 2019 season. Quarterback is the most important position in all of team sports. The value of the position has been evident through recent contracts given to franchise quarterbacks. Maybe one day Aaron's brother, Jordan Rodgers, (who just joined the Jaguars as a free agent quarterback) will see a similar contract. Not likely, but he can hope.

@dmrosen7

Dollars & Sense - NFL Draft Primer

Radio City Music Hall in New York City is the place where 253 players' dreams were made last year and where many more hopes were dashed.  Today will begin the journey - the first of three long days - for the countless number of draft eligible players.  We do not know for sure who will be the first player to hear his name called  by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell just a little bit beyond 8 p.m. - although it is looking increasingly more likely that it will be Texas A&M offensive lineman Luke Joeckel.

We do know that those viewing the NFL Draft on either ESPN or the NFL Network will be the first people to hear the picks announced.  Last year, there was some criticism that NFL insiders were negatively impacting the viewing experience by tweeting out the picks before they were announced on television.

With over eight million first round viewers combined between ESPN and NFL Network last year, it would behoove the networks to enter a gentlemen's agreement to not spoil the picks ahead of time.  They did so, as Sports Illustrated's Richard Deitsch wrote in his Monday "Media Circus" column.  Those who decide to tune into the draft via Twitter will have to wait the few extra seconds.

We do not know if this year's NFL Draft will beat out last year's NFL Draft in terms of television ratings.  The first round on ESPN saw 6.6 million viewers and the first round on the NFL Network saw 1.4 million viewers.  But can each network repeat last year's success?

Repeating success or increasing last year's television success is going to be incredibly difficult.  Last year, the media was all over the Luck versus RGIII story line.  This year, there simply is not the same story.  Notre Dame linebacker Manti Te'o may be the biggest name in the draft, but he is only a mid-first round pick at best.  The networks will need to rely on the avid football fans to view in droves because the stories needed to bring out the casual fans are simply nonexistent.

We do know that whoever ends up getting selected number one overall will not be getting a Sam Bradford-esque 6-year, $78 million contract signed in 2010.  Due to the rookie salary scale, the past two first overall picks (Cam Newton in 2011 and Andrew Luck in 2012) have signed (still respectable) 4-year, $22 million contracts.

There are two questions that surround the draft: 1) Who will go number one? and 2) Which network will you be watching the NFL Draft on?  ESPN offers a first round crew of Chris Berman, Jon Gruden, Mel Kiper Jr., and Suzy Kolber, while the NFL Network offers Rich Eisen, Mike Mayock, Marshall Faulk, Michael Irvin, and Steve Mariucci with Deion Sanders handling player interviews.  After the first round on ESPN, Berman will be replaced by Trey Wingo and Gruden will be replaced by Trent Dilfer and Todd McShay.

For all things regarding media and the NFL Draft, check out Richard Deitsch's media column.

Teams take risks on poor character players, so why not take a chance on a high character player?  Kevin Van Valkenburg on Alabama's Barrett Jones.

Ed Sherman talks with Adam Schefter about the NFL Draft, Twitter, and more.

The NFL Draft is not complete until JaMarcus Russell's name is brought up.  ESPN documents his comeback.

Follow Kevin Rossi on Twitter @kevin_rossi.

Darrelle Revis Gets a New Team and a New Contract

The New York Jets traded Darrelle Revis to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for the 13th overall pick in Thursday nights NFL draft and a conditional pick in next years draft. The deal has been rumored for weeks and finally came true on Sunday. Tampa Bay took a significant risk trading for a player who has been great in the past but is coming off of ACL surgery.

To compensate for the risk, Tampa Bay guaranteed Revis no money in his new contract with the team. Revis signed a new deal that will pay him $96 million over six years. The Jets were scheduled to pay Revis only $6 million for his final year of the contract. Revis will now make $16 million per year of his new contract.

Although the deal does provide significant risk for Revis, he seems optimistic about the change of teams. Revis spoke on his contract calling it "unique in a lot of ways." Having $0 in guaranteed money was a surprise to most when they heard of the contract details. Although there is no guaranteed money, the contact makes Revis the highest-paid defensive back in the history of the NFL.

The 27 year old Revis will also benefit from differing state tax laws. In Revis's new home state of Florida, there is no state income tax. If Revis would have stayed and played for the Jets, he would owe $538,200 in state income tax on the $6 million he was scheduled to make. If Revis were to sign the same contract with the Jets as he just did with the Buccaneers, he would have owed over $1,000,000 in state income tax in the first year.

Final Thought
Darrelle Revis is taking a significant risk by playing with no guaranteed money. From the perspective of the Buccaneers, I can understand why they would be hesitant to give Revis guaranteed money. Revis is only six months removed from ACL surgery. Although he was one of the best defensive football players in the game pre-surgery, it is difficult to determine how good he will be post-surgery. The high value of the contract and the significant tax benefit are two reasons why the contract could be great for Darrelle Revis. If those reasons are not enough..... he doesn't have to play for the Jets. That should be enough reason for anyone to leave.

@dmrosen7

Ayanbadejo Takes High Road After Release From Ravens

When Brendon Ayanbadejo was released by the Baltimore Ravens a few days ago, the chatter was not focused on his age, his recent performance, his football ability, or really football at all.  The media chatter was focused on his activism and outspoken support of LGBT rights. It seemed like an easy topic to point to. Controversial to some, political in nature, and certainly a topic that I’m sure many owners and front offices would like their players to shy away from discussing.

Brandon Ayanbadejo via USA Today

If there were any questions surrounding what the Ravens’ motives were for releasing Ayanbadejo from his three year, $3.22 million contract, they were answered today by Ayanbadejo himself. 

In an interview with the Baltimore Sun, Ayanbadejo was quick to support the Ravens organization and say that it was no doubt a question of his playing ability, not a question of his LGBT support. He seems fully genuine throughout the interview and constantly letting his loyalty to the Ravens organization be known.  Ayanbadejo has always been a man to live life on the high road, and he was not about to change now.

The interview was conducted over an hour and touched on a range of topics and, of course, the possibility of a player coming.  To this, Ayanbadejo had an interesting response.  He said:

"I think it will happen sooner than you think," Ayanbadejo said. "We're in talks with a handful of players who are considering it. There are up to four players being talked to right now and they're trying to be organized so they can come out on the same day together. It would make a major splash and take the pressure off one guy. It would be a monumental day if a handful or a few guys come out.

"Of course, there would be backlash. If they could share the backlash, it would be more positive. It's cool. It's exciting. We're in talks with a few guys who are considering it. The NFL and organizations are already being proactive and open if a player does it and if something negative happens. We'll see what happens."

Four players coming out at one time would be an incredible event.  Since the idea of a player coming out has received such mainstream coverage, much of the thinking around it would be that one player would come out and then others would trickle out behind them before it became common place.  For the most part, we sort of envisioned a situation not unlike Jackie Robinson breaking the color barrier. 

With the one defining player idea also came the push back that it may never happen because of the media scrutiny and intense microscope that would follow.  Having four players come out simultaneously will disperse that media spotlight so that it is not so bright on one player.  Making it easier on the first wave of players to come out is key to not only having the first wave come out, but having the subsequent waves follow suit.

Players coming out is inevitable and as Ayanbadejo said, it may be soon. It is likely that the actual players that come out will get the attention from the fans and media, good and bad, but we must not forget the work that Ayanbadejo (and Minnesota Vikings punter Chris Kluwe and former NFL linebacker Scott Fujita) have done for this movement.  When we thinking of making a permanent positive mark on a sport, we rarely envision a backup linebacker and a punter making such a mark.  They have done just that, they should be celebrated, and when it is all said and done, their work should not be forgotten.

I know that players speaking out on issues like this can be tricky because so many are worried about their commercial appeal.  Hurting their brand is a risk taken when speaking out, especially on topics that are inherently political. But we need more players to use their position in society as professional, revered athletes to make this kind of change just as Brendon Ayanbadeo has done.

Read the whole Baltimore Sun interview with Brendon Ayanbadejo here.

Follow Kevin Rossi on Twitter @kevin_rossi.

Elvis Dumervil Loses Out

After a rather strange scenario, Elvis Dumervil was cut by the Denver Broncos. Dumervil was set to make $12 million for the 2013 season. After the Broncos negotiated with Dumervil, they decided that his base salary for the 2013 season would be cut to $8 million in an effort to save the team cap room.

Both sides agreed to the new contract and all that was left was the finalization. This is when things got weird.

In order for the new contract to be valid, Dumervil a his agent had to submit the paperwork by Friday at 4 PM eastern time. If the paperwork was not submitted in time, the original contact would be valid. After some confusion, Dumervil was scrambling to get the contract in on time. Reportedly Dumervil was in Miami searching for a Kinko's to fax the contract.  

The contract did not get in on time by the deadline and the Broncos were forced to cut Dumervil. If the Broncos had not cut Dumervil, they would have been forced to pay him the original $12 million base salary that would have hit the Broncos salary cap for $13.6 million.

As a result of the mixup, Dumervil fired his agent, Marty Magid. Marty made it clear that not everyone knew of all the details that went into the contract negotiation. He said about his firing, "I know the people in Denver think I should be fired, but like I said, there were a lot of reasons for why it happened." After the incident, Marty recieved hundreds of angry emails from Denver Broncos fans wondering what happened. 

Final Thought

I dont care what other reasons there were to not having the contract sent it on time. This is terrible. An agent is responsible for making sure his client gets the most value he can. The Broncos offered Dumervil fair compensation and everyone seemed to agree. Marty failed as an agent in this situation because something as serious as a new contract should be taken care of before the last minute deadline. Marty needed to make sure the contract got signed and faxed in. This potential financial loss for Dumervil is enough reason for Dumervil to fire his agent. 

@dmrosen7

Dollars & Sense - Atlanta Falcons New Stadium

Sometimes I like to joke with people about being old.  Deep down, I know I'm not old.  But do you know what really makes me feel old?  The Atlanta Falcons have received financing for a new $1 billion stadium.  Their current stadium was built in 1992...

On Tuesday, Drew Rosen wrote about the Carolina Panthers looking for $250 million to $300 million in funds for renovations for their stadium.  They asked the city of Charlotte and the state of North Carolina for a total of $184.5 million of that $250 million total price tag.  To make matters all the more infuriating, Deadspin had acquired documents that pegged the Panthers' profit over the 2011 and 2012 seasons at almost $100 million.

The Falcons Stadium construction asked for $200 million of the $1 billion price tag to be tax payer funded.  Sure, percentage-wise it's not too high compared to the Panthers' ask, but $200 million is no small number for the currently cash-strapped government.  

(Interested in reading more about sports welfare? Check out Dave Zirin's "Bad Sports")

As if billionaire owners asking struggling cities for hundreds of millions of dollars for stadiums is not enough, just look at who exactly the owner of the Atlanta Falcons is.  

Arthur Blank.

If his name does not ring the bell of irony in this matter, I'll give you a quick lowdown.  Arthur Blank is the 70 year old billionaire owner of the Falcons.  Do you know how he made his fortune?  He made his fortune by being the - wait for it - co-founder of The Home Depot.  You know, the same orange Home Depot that preaches do it yourself.  

In the case of the Panthers, the city and state turned down their proposal.  And rightfully so.  Could threats of moving to Los Angeles be next?  Eh, maybe, only time will tell there.  The Falcons' proposal, though, was accepted.  

Although the Falcons' proposal for $200 million of their stadium to be taxpayer funded was accepted, it has not come without its public relations struggles.  According to an article published on Monday in the Atlanta Journal Constitution, groups are demanding a public vote on whether or not the city of Atlanta should be throwing so much taxpayer money towards the project.

I commend Charlotte and the state of North Carolina for holding their ground against the Panthers.  I also hope that the people of Atlanta vote against their money being used.  In a time where the rich are getting richer and the poor are getting poorer, sports welfare has no place.  It's time for these billionaire owners to do it themselves.

Follow Kevin Rossi on Twitter @kevin_rossi.

Carolina Panthers in the Welfare Line?

In the 2011 and 2012 season, the Carolina Panthers made a combined $112 million in revenue. After interest expense, their net income was just over $97 million.

With a seemingly healthy financial organization, why would the Panthers be looking to the public for funding?

Because they can.

Professional sports means so much to many cities and the residents of those cities. The constant threat to move a team will scare many people into giving into demands by a team.

The Panthers are looking to renovate Bank of America Stadium at a cost of $250 to $300 million. To pay for the renovations, the Panthers asked Charlotte City Council for $125 million that would help to pay for new escalators, video board improvements and improvements to club boxes and suites. In addition to asking the city for the $125 million, they have also asked for an additional $19 million over 15 years to go toward stadium maintenance and traffic control.

The Panthers have also looked beyond the city for funding. Panthers owner, Jerry Richardson, has also asked the state to contribute $62.5 million. North Carolina Governor, Pat McCrory, said "we don't have the money in the state to address that issue."

In a still recovering economy it is difficult to imagine cities or states using valuable funds to fund stadiums. The Panthers have found a possible source of revenue from the city. Currently the city of Charlotte has a one percent tax for prepared food and beverages. A proposed legislation would double this tax to two percent. This additional revenue for the team would guarantee the Panthers stay in Charlotte for another fifteen years.

Final Thought
Whether or not the Panthers receive funding from the city of Charlotte or the state of North Carolina should not determine the future of the team in the city of Charlotte. The problem of public funding for stadiums go beyond this situation. Many cities have had to pay to keep a professional franchises. It is not right. Team owners use a city for money because they understand the attachment a team has to a city. The job creation and stimulation of the local economy never truly benefit enough to justify funding stadiums for Billionaire owners.

I hate public funding of stadiums.

 




 @dmrosen7

The Wait Pays Off For Flacco

At the conclusion of the 2011 NFL season, Joe Flacco was in talks for  a long term deal with the Baltimore Ravens. The Ravens had offered Flacco a deal that would pay him about $15 million a year. Flacco and his agent Joe Linta decided that they were not interested in the offer. That decision paid off in a big way for the Joe's. Flacco said the entire time that he thought he was worth more and deserved more respect.

Flacco has become the recent recipient of a six year deal worth $120.6 million. Of this deal $52 million is guaranteed. The guaranteed money includes a $29 million signing bonus. In comparison, Drew Brees signed a five year deal worth $100 million. Of the $100 million, $40 million was guaranteed. The new deal for Flacco has many wondering if he is worth the money.

Flacco was the beneficiary of great timing. His contract expired the year after he won the Super Bowl. Although he may not be the most talented player in the NFL, it is difficult to imagine Flacco not making the big bucks coming off a Super Bowl championship. Timing was a key factor for Flacco's huge deal, but his numbers also show his consistency as a quarterback.

Since 2008, Flacco has played in all 16 regular season games. In the five seasons, Flacco has thrown for 102 touchdowns to 56 interceptions. He has a completion percentage of just over 60 percent. His regular season number may seem just a bit better than average, but his playoff numbers have shown he is a clutch quarterback.

Flacco has shown improvement when it comes to playoff football. I his five seasons, he has made the playoffs and played more than one game every season. His first season in 2008, he played in 3 playoff games but only had one touchdown and threw three interceptions. The story was similar in 2009. Flacco played in two games and did not throw a touchdown and had three interceptions. The 2010 playoffs showed improved numbers. In the two games he played, he threw three touchdowns and one interception. The 2011 playoffs in which Flacco played two games, he posted average numbers. This season Flacco had a breakout playoffs. In the four playoff games he played he did not throw an interception, he also had eleven touchdowns.

Final Thought
Flacco timed his contract perfectly. He put on an impressive performance throughout the playoffs that concluded with him being named the Super Bowl MVP. The Baltimore Ravens were put in a position that they needed to pay the franchise quarterback. I do not think this contract means that Flacco is the most talented quarterback in the league. I do however feel Flacco is worth every penny of the contact that will make him the highest paid player in the National Football League.

@dmrosen7