The Blazers are tightening the screws with an Allen Wrench (npi)!

 

When I moved to Portland nearly 10 years ago the first new player they brought in was JR Rider.  As I look back it was the beginning of the end of relationship with the fans.  Now, one of the richest men in the world is threatening bankruptcy and moving the team if the city of Portland will not assist, 

 

Bring on the Ryder (npi) truck Mr. Allen.  By the way, where will you go?

 

MLB Players are treating Fans as a Statistic(npi)

The players are claiming their ststistics are for sale for a premium to Fantasy Baseball Websites. What will be next? Foul Balls caught by fans in the stands will have a royalty tax depending on the market value of the player who hit it. This new greed leaves a foul (npi) odor with me.

Jacobellis’ early celebration is a cruel reminder how far sportsmanship has fallen in America

When I started watching the Olympics I was looking forward to the beauty and innocence of competition on the global platform. Needless to say, the premature and unecessary celebration by Lindsey Jacobellis has reminded me how our highly visible professional athletes in our most popular sports have influenced the rest of the sports. Hopefully, Lindsey will see the silver (NPI) lining in her mistake. Hopefully!

NASCAR’s attempt to penalize “bump drafting” will depend on the Penalty

 

I am anxious to see how NASCAR will referees the new enforcement pledge to curtail the out of control “bump drafting”!  We all know the controversies surrounding any call by a referee in other sports, but what we don’t know is what is the penalty for this foul.  I predict there will be a collision of ideas (npi) from the drivers before they come up with the definition of the Bump.  Needless to say, they will be drafting (npi) some new rules in the process.  Just think of all the controversy in the NCAA with the so called Bump Rule in recruiting.

Put Gretsky in the Penalty Box and Wire his Mic!

 

This gambling scandal involving Gretsky is just the beginning of a meltdown.  Needless to say, Wayne is skating on thin ice (npi)  Has anybody noticed that Gretsky’s agent, Mike Barnett (Coyotes GM) also bet knowingly!  He claims he broke no laws.  Da? What about an Ethical Compass!

 

 

 

You can bet that Bettman won’t gamble on Betting Scandal!

 

The alleged bookmaking scandal involving Phoenix Coyotes assistant coach Rick Tochet is serious.  To make matters worse the wife of the owner and coach Wayne Gretzky has placed bets with the group.

Looking through my Rose (npi) colored glasses there is nothing positive to be found of these allegations. With all the good happening in the “New NHL” this is definitely not the Icing on the Cake the NHL needs now! (npi)

 

 

Montana and Bradshaw did not act like Super Bowl MVP’s

 

When Joe and Terry denied an invitation from the NFL to participate in the pre-game ceremonies at the Super Bowl because they wouldn’t pay enough it gave me a sour taste.  Once in awhile an athlete needs to Just Do It!  I wonder if their agents recommended the decision?  It is my belief the exposure would reap plenty of fees for the future and by no showing it will only negatively impact their image.

 

 

 

Are SFX and IMG going through growing pains or going pains?

 

Watching Arn Tellum depart from SFX and Peter Johnson resigning from IMG, I am wondering if the consolidation game in the sports agency world is starting to go through some growing pains or they just going back to being the individual super agent.  I have always said it is about relationships, relationships, and relationships.  Does the client really care which corporate umbrella his or her agent is under?  IMG, SFX, or SMWW J