2011 Biggest Sports Story: "The Year of Bargaining"

The realignment of the labor agreements in all major sports consisting: the NFL, NBA and MLB, were without a doubt the biggest stories of 2011 sports calendar year. We’re talking about sporting markets that makes American sports and our athletes so unique and special. Each sport holds a specific season and time of year where Fans are excited from their end of work week to unwind, gather their family and friends, start up the grill and watch their favorite sport interest.

Major League Baseball, “Americas Past Time”, the sport where every child in the country has heard stories of, passed down from generation-to-generation. Out of all three leagues, Major League Baseball probably transitioned a new Collective Bargaining Agreement “C.B.A” with the least amount of press coverage and positional bargaining standpoints. Commissioner Bud Selig and Player Association Director Michael Weiner agreed to a 5yr deal to reinsure league play.

The National Basketball Association however was one of the most storied association lock out’s in its’ history. Losing two and a half months worth of games, and playing a shortened sixty-six game season, were a number of injuries occurred at a drastic rate.  The positional bargaining on each side was far off than any negotiation amongst all three leagues. Commissioner David Stern and Player Association Director Billy Hunter, with the help of league wide representation from each team came to a ten-year agreement.

The National Football League, “America’s Game”, this coveted backyard game for nearly every family in the country carries the largest fan base, according to “therichest.org”. Football is the sport of choice across the country. League Commissioner Roger Goodell and Player Association Director DeMaurice Smith, worked diligently over the one hundred thirty two day lockout. Nearly threatening the entire football season, both sides were able to agree to a new C.B.A that will last to 2021.

Sports in this country, has been the nations living room recreational activity since the beginning of each sport. Imagine erasing each sports for the entire year, in some associations, two years to a country largely populated with middle-class blue collar individuals who’s work weeks end every weekend with the thought of rooting for their favorite team. Seeing our athletes perform on stages the vast majority of the nations fans can only dream of. The collective bargaining agreements in 2011 were vital for the country and by far the story of the year. 

Interview Blog: Ace Styles

Brief Summary: I was able to interview an up and coming artist from the Brooklyn area. His name is Ace Styles; he’s a writer, actor and rapper. Only twenty-one years of age but has gained valuable knowledge in his experience within multiple industries negotiating.

Q: How do you separate the people from the problem when negotiating?

Answer: When negotiating a new deal or contract, I try my best to stay focused and take my time. Paying attention to the content being used during the negotiation is key. Especially because I am a young artist, some companies try to take advantage of the situation, thinking my lack of age reflects on my lack of experience. Details are the main reasons why business is being conducted; I try to remain focused on that. Often emotions get tied into negotiations because no one wants to feel like their being cheated or being taken advantage of.

Q: Do you use any dirty tricks when negotiating?

(Laughing) No, I have definitely been apart of negotiations that really try to “Hard Ball” you and trap you in a position where you have to either answer yes or no. Often than not the answer is “No”, people who do negotiate in that manner tend to develop a reputation. Whether received negatively or positively, it’s still a “reputation”. I try my best to be as knowledgeable as possible about the business at hand prior to going into the negotiation, this way I’m prepared.

Q: How do you handle positional bargaining tactics?

It can be challenging at times pending on the negotiator. If the negotiator positions themselves on a certain end then I’ll go in a direction that’ll position myself more towards my interest or even higher. Going into the negotiation I definitely have an idea of what my target goal is, it really depends on how the negotiator presents the information.

CL: Thank you for your time, good luck with your continued career.

Link: www.moesportstalk.blogspot.com

Lessons Learned:

Being patient was stressed within this interview. It's interesting to see a young entertainer within the industry have such depth from the experience in negotiations. 

Welcome To "Johnny Football"

“The Heisman” probably the most recognized individual trophy in sports, has just graced its newest fraternity member, Freshman Quarterback Johnny Manziel of Texas A&M University. Started in 1935 by program Director John Heisman, it’s the oldest coveted award presented to the most outstanding player in college football.  Former Players such as; Charles Woodson (‘97), Reggie Bush (‘05), Tim Tebow (‘07) have all won the award and of course Archie Griffin (‘74&’75), the only player in history to win the award twice.

This is why the significance of Johnny Manziel winning the award is such a formidable feat. Not only is he only a freshman in college but also, he has the potential to only get better. For the first time in nearly forty years, there may be a two-time winning Heisman Trophy Holder in Manziel. Johnny Manziel was able to set NCAA Freshman Quarterback records within; rushing yards for a season, total offensive yards for a season and the first freshman to throw for three thousand yards and rush for one thousand yards in a single season.

It is an understatement to say, that this player deserves to be not only a candidate, but to be a Heisman Trophy winner. Two other outstanding players who equally deserved the award were: Manti Teo, Linebacker from Notre Dame University and Kansas State Quarterback, Colin Klein. One interesting fact is how “Johnny Football” was able to beat Alabama on their home field in Tuscaloosa. He was able to scramble when he needed to, run when he had to, and adjust to the different pass coverage Alabama was showcasing.

Another freshman Quarterback, Everett Golson of Notre Dame University, resembles some of the same abilities of Jonny Manziel. Golson will have a chance to manifest some of the same outcomes when he leads the “Fighting Irish” into this years National Championship game against Alabama. Johnny Manziel has elevated the new standard for all incoming freshman quarterbacks in college football.

www.moesportstalk.blogspot.com

Notre Dame Football: "Return of a Champion"

For the first time since 1988, Notre Dame Football will make their first appearance on the National Championship Stage. Why is this so relevant? A program with a storied tradition re-captures their place in the national spotlight. Led by sophomore Quarterback Everett Golson and Heisman Trophy candidate Manti Te’o.

Holding already thirteen National Championship Trophies in their possession and seven Heisman trophy winners, the Fighting Irish are vastly new to this era of champions. What may be even more intriguing, is the possible match up of facing last years National Champion, Alabama. Notre Dame is second in National Championship titles only to Alabama, and the Tide have been on a steady roll since the arrival of Head Coach Nick Saban. Winners of two National Championships since became Head Football Coach.

With an astonishing 44 collegiate Hall of Famers and a host of individual accolades received by players past and present, Notre Dame Football has returned to its championship form. With coaching transitions being changed radically after the Lou Holtz era, Brian Kelly has provided a solid presence within the program. Formerly, Head Coach of the Cincinnati Bearcats, Coach Kelly has revamped a program that has a tradition for winning. In 2010, Coach Kelly won the vacant position of Head Coach and began re-shaping what he felt was a program close to a National Title contender, he was right.

Since his arrival, the Fighting Irish have produced a 28-10-win loss record and voted unanimously number one for the first time in the new BCS system. The team also defeated their rival the University of Southern California Trojans for the first time in ten years. Icing on the cake to complete their universities first perfect season since 1988. Without a doubt, the cherry on top would be a National Championship win in Miami, where they’ll either face the University of Georgia Bulldogs or the reigning National Champion Alabama Crimson Tide. 

Company Profile: IMG, Leader in Entertainment

In pursuing a career within the sports entertainment industry, there are many companies that a candidate may choose as an employer. With a wide variety of avenues being; Sports, Fashion, Entertainment and Marketing, there is one company that has excelled in nearly every avenue imaginable for nearly 50 years, IMG. Originally titled International Management Group within Sports Media. An ideal company that provides multiple avenues in Sports and Entertainment is IMG. A world leading power house in providing talent recruitment and setting the standard in delivering the very "best" quality representation.

Arnold Palmer and Mike McCormack started the company in 1960. Mr. McCormack was a lawyer who believed in athletes capitalizing their revenue earned through promotions, advertising and sponsorship. Arnold Palmer was his first client, a legendary Golfer with a marketing presence. In 2004, entrepreneur Ted Fortsmann purchased IMG and has established the company's position as the leader in Sports and Entertainment business industry. Employing nearly 3,000 employees and representing 1,000 talents across the globe, is only a glimpse of the prestige that is IMG. The most remarkable attribute of IMG, is the top level success that ranges across the board within; Fashion (Calvin Klein, Lancome, David Yurman) partners, Sports (Football, Basketball, Soccer etc.) and Television (MTV, Disney Networks) to name some of the widely known companies in the world.

IMG provides internships and opportunities to undergraduates and post graduate students. With a variety of different avenues already being represented by the company, their are many different opportunities career wise within the IMG corporation. The main corporation is based in Cleveland, Ohio. Since their original corporate office opening in 1965, the company has ventured across the globe.   The company also has its own academic university and class offerings within various universities in the U.S. Given their history, business structure and balance within all industries, IMG would be a great opportunity.