We're All "Boston Strong"

Sports have often been an escape for all fans and participants included. In any event, one game can have a reflection of healing. This country has been faced with adversity and responded with action of absorbing a tough time then showcasing the ability to move forward. This was showcased during the opening of the NFL season in 2001 post “9/11”, Super Bowl 25 when the country was at war in Desert Storm and most recently, the Boston Marathon tragedy.

“Boston Strong” apparel has been a symbol of strength for all those affected by the incident. Bostonian or not, citizens across the country especially in the northeast have responded and contributed their support towards the city. A representation of pride and hope through sports and apparel has often help cure and soften the emotion of facing adversity. With each professional team that represents the city showcasing their support and concern, Adidas has generated over $1 Million dollars in sales towards the cause.

No team more beloved than the Boston Celtics, who were the last team to return to the city and play in front of a home playoff crowd. Though, losing in the series, to win possibly the last home game of the season seems fitting for a city built on strength and pride. The Boston marathon next year is going to be an event that will be one of the most coveted and healing events for a city that will become stronger than ever before.

JAY-Z: Mogul has conquered music and now…Sports?

Music Artist, Fashion Mogul and now Super Sports Agent, Jay-Z has established himself has one of the most influential figures in the world today. Through his developed relationships with athletes across multiple sports, Jay-Z has now established Roc Nation Sports to begin his mark on the sports industry.

According to his website, “Life and Times.com”, Jay-Z is set to sell his ownership percentage of the Brooklyn Nets back to the team. The ownership is only about one percent of the teams total, which is valued at $350,000 according to Forbes.com. Jay-Z stated; “My job as an owner is finished, it was never about ownership, it was about the Nets and Brooklyn”.  With his high profile persona and developing relationship with superstars across all sports, Jay-Z’s presence amongst the Nets staff was just enough to lure the then “New Jersey Nets”, to Brooklyn.

For the first time in 50 years not only does Brooklyn have a professional team within the borough but, they have a winning team with a winning owner now #1 fan in Jay-Z.  Roc Nation Sports is now the main focus on the Mogul’s radar. Since the NBA hinders owners to have agent relationships with the players, Jay-Z saw an opportunity to expand his brand and company. The artist/businessman has already signed young superstar Robinson Cano who is the second baseman of the New York Yankees.

With his already established music career, “Rocawear” fashion line and renowned “40/40” sports bar clubs across the country, why not sports business as well. By already signing Robinson Cano away from a powerful sports agent, Scott Boras, Jay-Z looks to embark in a new venture and multiply on his success. The artist recently debuted his response to critics who’ve commented on his decision to leave the “Nets” organization in a song titled “Open Letter”.  With a history of defeating all odds and achieving success in nearly every venture, sports seems like a “no-brainer” for the business mogul. 

The WNBA: "Winning Earned"

In years past, women's professional sports has long been neglected to receiving equal media coverage within "Male Dominated Sports". This past fact has come full circle with the recent new deal within women's professional sports. The Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) has recently resigned a media deal contract with ESPN network. This is without a doubt a huge signing for the league. Since the leagues existence in 1997, the WNBA has not only survived but, surpassed the expectations of outside critics who felt the league would not survive in a “Male Dominated” sport.

Athletes that have paved the way for such an accomplishment such as: Rebecca Lobo, Tina Thompson and Lisa Leslie to name a few, are all responsible for the leagues success today. With new talent entering the WNBA such as, Brittney Griner, Skylar Diggins and Elena Donne, the future of the WNBA is brighter than ever. According to an article by Terry Lefton and John Ourand of Sportsbusiness Journal, the new deal is extended for six years at twelve million dollars per year. An asset value of one million dollars granted to each team within the league.

Other incentives and changes were applied in accord with the new deal acquired. According to League President Laurel Richie, the deal with ESPN showed the importance of how far women sports has come and ESPN’s dedication to keeping women sports within relevance. With Thirty games being showcased on ESPN, ESPN2 and ABC, the league will be placed center stage. With a new trendy logo of a “Layup” being performed as the leagues symbol, the WNBA is clearly here to stay.

A Story to Remember and Forget: The "Bounty Scandal"

One of the most, if not the most intriguing stories within the past half decade, was the controversy surrounding the New Orleans Saints football organization regarding the investigation called the “Bounty” program. This has long been throughout the history of the sport in general. The sports is known for its violence and hard-hitting tactics the inflict punishment on the opposing teams best player.

 According to Larry Holder of the New Orleans Times, at the beginning of the 2012, Saints Head Coach was suspended from the N.F.L for a full season and eight months without pay. This is the direct result from allowing an actual form of “Recognition” and payment to players who forcefully inflicted additional punishment to opposing stars. A number of players and assistant coaches were penalized for their participation within the program.

The NFL placed a very firm and harsh penalty on the Saints organization and essentially made an example out of the teams allegations. According to Judy Battista from the New York Times, the league was already under a flux of investigations when news of this “Bounty Program” became public. At that time, the league was facing issues of former players committing suicide and players suffering from concussion symptoms.

In many reasons, the NFL had to make a statement of harsh punishment that would not tolerate such activities to occur in their league. Above all, the New Orleans Saints were a city still recovering from harsher realities. Acts of Hurricane Katrina still loomed the cities aftermath as these legal issues hindered a promising season. This legal act saw coaches and players suspended at a minimum of half a season to a full season without pay.  By far, this scandal was one for NFL history to remember and for the Saints to move past this season. 

Robert Griffin III refuses to wear Nike in Warmups

Highly coveted Heisman Trophy winner and the National Football Leagues newest exciting talent, Robert Griffin III was scrutinized for covering the Nike logo. The National Football League currently has a sponsorship agreement that entitles all NFL players to wear Nike sponsored apparel. Robert Griffin III however, is sponsored by Adidas, which caused the controversy this past season.

Robert Griffin III displayed a silent protest on numerous occasions. According the to the bleacher report.com, the quarterback dawned a “Heart” reminder clearly over the Nike swoosh symbol prior to his first start in the NFL. The NFL doesn’t deny their players wearing sponsored apparel from their companies, as long as the NFL associated company is represented, Robert Griffin didn’t showcase the same.

The NFL addressed the issue to Robert Griffin according to nbcsports.com however, the following week, the star quarterback wore a plain grey t-shirt covering the Nike swoosh once again. Though, the Nike swoosh was not deliberately covered with writings and ink, the symbol wasn’t visible to the public. With that sentiment, the NFL sat with the young star and warned him of future penalties if these events were to occur again.

During the final weeks of the NFL regular season, though injured and sidelined, the quarterback wore an Adidas tracksuit and an Adidas redskins long sleeve shirt. The apparel was worn during an interview in regards to his return to playing on the field once again. The NFL fined the star ten thousand dollars for his apparel, according to cbssports.com.

In large respect to the NFL and it’s sponsors, personally, I feel players should be allowed to wear whatever apparel they feel fit as long as the apparel represents their specific team. The NFL is the larger representative in these matters rather than the sponsors. With or without the major sponsors, the NFL fan base and large marketing corporations will fight to have a piece of a billion industry.