Important Sports & Sports Law News
Week of September 3, 2017
?Tweet of the Week:
This week we have a tie:
High school football is 7 times more likely than lightning to cause catastrophic injury. Yet we clear the stadium at sound of thunder.
— Kent Johnson (@37919KJ) September 2, 2017
and
The first Ezekiel prophesied the destruction of Jerusalem. The current one may foretell an end to Goodell’s Kingdom.
— Alan Milstein (@amilst44) September 2, 2017
?Read of the Week:
Another tie; this time 3-way. There was no shortage of great journalism this week, so this was a tough cut, but I decided to go with the opinion pieces of Ed Cunningham, Evan Grossman and Steve Chapman because they truly express my own feelings about the NFL, and judging from some of the response I’m getting, many others have similar reservations. Helpful hint to NFL – If you want to improve your ratings and save your game, clean up your act and stop trying to whitewash it.
ESPN Football Analyst Ed Cunningham Walks Away, Disturbed by Brain Trauma on Field https://t.co/QcvjiZs3fD via @JohnBranchNYT
— Sheilla Dingus (@SheillaDingus) August 30, 2017
.@evan9rossman has some good reasons for quitting fantasy football. Worth the read.https://t.co/PjU2kRlWxP
— Sheilla Dingus (@SheillaDingus) September 1, 2017
I don’t think I can watch football anymore https://t.co/ia9IZE3GI2 #CTE #TBI #NFL #NFLPA
— NFLCSFacts (@NFLObjectors) September 1, 2017
⚖️Litigation Lane:
Ezekiel Elliott
Obviously, Ezekiel Elliott is grabbing this week’s biggest headlines. It’s sometimes hard to sort through all the massive amounts of media coverage, so I’ve compiled what I feel are the most essential stories and tweets in order to be up to speed with the legal battle ahead. I think it’s also important to note that Ezekiel Elliott is a challenging case for two reasons (1) Accusations of domestic violence must be dealt with, and (2) the NFL’s discipline process which in Goodell’s reign has been arbitrary, reactionary, and capricious. The CBA gives Goodell broad latitude in punishing players, often robbing them of the due process most citizens enjoy and all citizens should have access to. For this reason, until more information comes to light, I’m not forming an opinion on the former, but focusing on the latter is definitely in need of repair in the NFL. It’s also important to know who to follow in order to get the best information so here are my recommendations:
- Daniel Wallach – @WALLACHLEGAL (he’s been ahead of this one from the start with spot on and often predictive analysis)
- Michael McCann – @McCannSportsLaw (balanced and easy to understand legal perspectives)
- Stephanie Stradley – @StepStradley (thoughtful analysis and sound legal commentary)
Also great follows for the legal drama: @WerlySportsLaw @SportsLawGuy @TheAmir @amilst44
More go-to follows for Ezekiel Elliott info:
Good insider follows on Zeke:@clarencehilljr @JosinaAnderson @CharlesRobinson
Have had the good info early
— Daniel Wallach (@WALLACHLEGAL) September 1, 2017
Events as they happened…
Monday:
Link to Ezekiel Elliott’s 911 call (made by his two NY attorneys, no less!) complaining of harrassment by accuser: https://t.co/mZhQ92bjyX
— Daniel Wallach (@WALLACHLEGAL) August 28, 2017
Links to Ezekiel Elliott’s harassment claims against his accuser:
Incident Rpt: https://t.co/NqgbHDLGZV
Statement: https://t.co/1xDM6J2jaS— Daniel Wallach (@WALLACHLEGAL) August 28, 2017
Ezekiel Elliott fights an “uphill battle” against #NFL https://t.co/2Co9Pdxz2N via @tn_lipe w/ legal takes from @WALLACHLEGAL
— Sheilla Dingus (@SheillaDingus) August 29, 2017
NFLPA reportedly readying federal lawsuit after Ezekiel Elliot appeal, to hire (of Deflategate fame) Jeffery Kessler https://t.co/AREhrCS4Gy
— Dan Werly (@WerlySportsLaw) August 29, 2017
Tuesday (Ezekiel Elliott’s appeal before arbitrator Harold Henderson begins):
Lawyer: This is Ezekiel Elliott’s strongest argument in his appeal, via @khairopoulos (includes my comments) https://t.co/g2anBW8jHF
— Daniel Wallach (@WALLACHLEGAL) August 29, 2017
Compelling examination of #EzekielElliott‘s legal arguments from @WALLACHLEGAL via @InsideSportsLaw https://t.co/YmnD3ODtdq pic.twitter.com/1jYutrLMN6
— Sheilla Dingus (@SheillaDingus) August 29, 2017
Failure to turn over interview notes of a critical witness (the accuser) bolsters Zeke case (w/ Texas law on-point): https://t.co/GyVHK0ULwM
— Daniel Wallach (@WALLACHLEGAL) August 29, 2017
Most of Tuesday was spent going through evidence & hearing from investigators. Today is Elliott. Tomorrow the doc speaks about the pictures
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 30, 2017
Thursday:
The appeals hearing for #Cowboys RB Ezekiel Elliott has wrapped up after 3 days & more than 25 hours. Harold Henderson is on the clock. ⚖️
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 31, 2017
Ezekiel Elliott will play Week One if there’s no ruling by Tuesday at 4:00 p.m. ET, via Mike Florio @ProFootballTalk https://t.co/NBmSW8xUTt
— Daniel Wallach (@WALLACHLEGAL) August 31, 2017
Opening for Elliott? NFL investigator Kia Roberts recommended no suspension https://t.co/wJtNYoKrKd
— Clarence Hill Jr (@clarencehilljr) September 1, 2017
2nd craziest part of story: Kia Roberts’ recommendation of no discipline omitted from NFL report and Goodell letter. https://t.co/K8HnYeoRkE
— Daniel Wallach (@WALLACHLEGAL) September 1, 2017
Key question: Will Harold Henderson send ruling to both sides simultaneously or does the #NFL get tipped off first?
— Daniel Wallach (@WALLACHLEGAL) August 31, 2017
This was definitely the question until a middle of the night court filing appeared.
Friday:
Ezekiel Elliott files suit against NFL in federal district court in Plano https://t.co/zux4HhyYDk
— Clarence Hill Jr (@clarencehilljr) September 1, 2017
BREAKING: Ezekiel Elliott, NFLPA file federal court lawsuit vs. NFL in Texas
Link to Complaint: https://t.co/oIrhuYOQIP
(h/t to @TheAmir)
— Daniel Wallach (@WALLACHLEGAL) September 1, 2017
And here is PDF of part 2: https://t.co/sr0WBvD3al
— Dan Werly (@WerlySportsLaw) September 1, 2017
My Q&A with the Dallas Morning News on the Ezekiel Elliott lawsuit and my lack of sleep, via @townbrad @dallasnews: https://t.co/sgc90YwPHh
— Daniel Wallach (@WALLACHLEGAL) September 1, 2017
Can #EzekielElliott beat #Article46? @McCannSportsLaw looks at what would be necessary for him to prevail. https://t.co/xjlHXdx5DA
— Sheilla Dingus (@SheillaDingus) September 1, 2017
Summons issued in Ezekiel Elliott lawsuit. When served, #NFL will have 21 days to answer. They won’t wait that long! pic.twitter.com/jxIof5bBaq
— Daniel Wallach (@WALLACHLEGAL) September 1, 2017
Expecting 2 court filings today:
Elliott Motion for TRO/PI
NFL Motion to Dismiss
— Daniel Wallach (@WALLACHLEGAL) September 1, 2017
Was on the phone with @WALLACHLEGAL and he predicted a restraining order filing by NFLPA/Elliott. Five minutes later, it happened. Amazing.
— Brad Townsend (@townbrad) September 1, 2017
BREAKING: Ezekiel Elliott, NFLPA file emergency motion for temporary restraining order against #NFL. Link to Motion: https://t.co/zgE2xKafPm
— Daniel Wallach (@WALLACHLEGAL) September 1, 2017
Affidavits supporting Elliott’s request for TRO:
Arceneaux: https://t.co/QTqcXqTuqc
Cohen: https://t.co/HG4FIE9q8B— Daniel Wallach (@WALLACHLEGAL) September 1, 2017
Here is the full transcript of the Ezekiel Elliott arbitration before Harold Henderson: https://t.co/6YC5VuZGp4
— Daniel Wallach (@WALLACHLEGAL) September 1, 2017
BREAKING: Judge Mazzant sets hearing on Ezekiel Elliott’s TRO motion for Tuesday, September 5, 2017, at 5:00 PM pic.twitter.com/JSg9kynwab
— Daniel Wallach (@WALLACHLEGAL) September 1, 2017
.@khairopoulos provides important documents in #EzekielElliott case.https://t.co/ajMHyiBwAO
— Sheilla Dingus (@SheillaDingus) September 2, 2017
Saturday:
Ezekiel Elliott in meetings, preparing for season opener https://t.co/urpSpNZamA
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) September 2, 2017
Excerpts and analysis:
Probe into #Cowboys Zeke Elliott isn’t first time #NFL investigator Lisa Friel has been accused of concealing info https://t.co/xxiUhk7RlL
— Charles Robinson (@CharlesRobinson) September 1, 2017
Fallout of the lawsuit to block #EzekielElliott suspension-detailing the arguments on both sides https://t.co/Ze91RFkaiR via @khairopoulos
— Sheilla Dingus (@SheillaDingus) September 2, 2017
Several experts weigh in on #EzekielElliott tactical moves in a thoughtful analysis from @ZachZagger https://t.co/B6oKAKRhvd pic.twitter.com/LSPqQ1i4n5
— Sheilla Dingus (@SheillaDingus) September 2, 2017
.@BloggingTheBoys rounds up best #EzekielElliot takes from @CharlesRobinson @WALLACHLEGAL @ProFootballTalk & more. https://t.co/t7gTaGrCo1
— Sheilla Dingus (@SheillaDingus) September 2, 2017
I included this because:
#NFL PR machine trying to spin 2 separate issues to 1
Did Elliott commit DV? Maybe
Did Elliott receive due process? No https://t.co/ycBasGC57k— Sheilla Dingus (@SheillaDingus) September 2, 2017
Don’t be sidetracked. These are two separate issues of equal importance, NFL is interested in good PR and power – not in getting either right. Don’t buy the spin. Weigh the evidence as it comes out for yourself.
Tensions escalate around Elliott appeal as NFL accuses NFLPA lawyer of trampling victims’ rights https://t.co/U64yI8aXG0 via @MarkMaske
— Sheilla Dingus (@SheillaDingus) September 2, 2017
Excellent point regarding the power from Alan Milstein
@WALLACHLEGAL, Dan, it’s not that the NFL failed to learn anything from Deflategate; it was emboldened by it. That will be its comeuppance.
— Alan Milstein (@amilst44) September 2, 2017
.@JarrettBell brings up the clause “credible evidence” in the CBA, Will it help #EzekielElliott? https://t.co/FXxnCQiSc3
— Sheilla Dingus (@SheillaDingus) September 3, 2017
NFL Seems To Have Punished Ezekiel Elliott For Not Cooperating With Its Investigation [Updated] https://t.co/EYIxfNa49R via @domcosentino
— Sheilla Dingus (@SheillaDingus) September 2, 2017
Sports litigator @amilst44 weighs in on the Ezekiel Elliott legal saga with a post of biblical proportions: https://t.co/GkGFTBZWmv
— Daniel Wallach (@WALLACHLEGAL) September 2, 2017
Exchange between Mary Jo White and Lisa Friel (from Ezekiel Elliott’s lawsuit): pic.twitter.com/w1wRFQx3wh
— Daniel Wallach (@WALLACHLEGAL) September 1, 2017
Paragraphs 51 and 52: pic.twitter.com/xRkU3EZTyq
— Daniel Wallach (@WALLACHLEGAL) September 1, 2017
Paragraphs 54 through 58 will not be on Lisa Friel’s highlight reel: pic.twitter.com/0UctKQ5uR8
— Daniel Wallach (@WALLACHLEGAL) September 1, 2017
Last 3 sentences of Paragraph 61: pic.twitter.com/6DlWEyoL7N
— Daniel Wallach (@WALLACHLEGAL) September 1, 2017
Paragraphs 62 and 63 focus on Henderson’s decision to bar accuser’s testimony and notes of her interviews: pic.twitter.com/AXtK3U6deX
— Daniel Wallach (@WALLACHLEGAL) September 1, 2017
“On the second day of the hearing, Friel testified, and the conspiracy became further exposed.” pic.twitter.com/rPJ9Ye0QB5
— Daniel Wallach (@WALLACHLEGAL) September 1, 2017
Best thing for NFL is to have Harold Henderson vacate suspension.
Otherwise, bad federal court precedent looms. Would negate #Deflategate.
— Daniel Wallach (@WALLACHLEGAL) September 1, 2017
Game. Changer. Run for the hills. There is a reason the owner and GM felt he would be cleared. Maybe he got wind from investigator. https://t.co/ojsvJNrrDN
— Amir (@TheAmir) September 1, 2017
@CowboysNation @JoeyIckes @ShoreSportsNJ
So she discussed her concerns with NFL PR? Umm why is he even part if the investigative process? pic.twitter.com/2TWAsTeIDh— Amir (@TheAmir) September 3, 2017
So they didn’t want to box Rog by including a recommendation (specifically no suspension) ~ allowing Rog the outcome they preferred? pic.twitter.com/1DuHE9USaj
— Amir (@TheAmir) September 3, 2017
Also interesting that one doctor backed out. Was it really “timing” or other reasons perhaps? https://t.co/exGPruOV7u
— Sheilla Dingus (@SheillaDingus) September 3, 2017
One possible tactic by NFL: if no arb decision by 4 pm Tues, argue no irreparable harm to Elliott (since he plays) & Texas case is premature
— Daniel Wallach (@WALLACHLEGAL) September 3, 2017
If Texas case dismissed on this basis, then later release of Henderson decision will trigger new courthouse race. https://t.co/T0DZRrJ572
— Daniel Wallach (@WALLACHLEGAL) September 3, 2017
This is a good look at Judge Mazzant, who will hear the Zeke Elliott case https://t.co/c1aiErfCQu
— bmaz (@bmaz) September 3, 2017
The judge in the Ezekiel Elliott case grew up in the 1970s — in the heart of Steelers Country https://t.co/YngLrKOjk6
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) September 3, 2017
NFL Concussion Settlement
Monday:
Locks Law Firm has filed a motion in #concussion settlement requesting more time to respond to Judge Brody’s appointment of a “lien expert” pic.twitter.com/Df1IV9MPF5
— Sheilla Dingus (@SheillaDingus) August 28, 2017
Tuesday:
Locks Law Firm asked Court today for addl time to respond to Motion to Determine Proper Admin of Claims in #NFL #concussion settlement pic.twitter.com/7iCBTh18Bz
— Sheilla Dingus (@SheillaDingus) August 30, 2017
Refers to the motion by @PatTighe asserting deficiency notices are the result of Claims Admin reading addl requirements into claim process https://t.co/DohrkmNZ3P
— Sheilla Dingus (@SheillaDingus) August 30, 2017
Locks claims a “greater breadth of experience and knowledge of claims process” than other Class Counsel or Steering Committee Counsel pic.twitter.com/Fev6B7HmjM
— Sheilla Dingus (@SheillaDingus) August 30, 2017
More #NFL Concussion Settlement News:
Request made to court to have Magistrate Judge Strawbridge allocate the common attorney fee fund. pic.twitter.com/0saUSItvOJ— Sheilla Dingus (@SheillaDingus) August 30, 2017
Wednesday:
RDLegal Funding responds in opposition to Motion to Compel Discovery in #NFL #Concussion Settlement
PDF: https://t.co/WQwhF6btUQ pic.twitter.com/0Vjj8z80By— Sheilla Dingus (@SheillaDingus) August 30, 2017
RDLegal Funding claims Class Counsel failed to follow rules of civil procedure to obtain discovery. pic.twitter.com/djBUux8dG0
— Sheilla Dingus (@SheillaDingus) August 30, 2017
UPDATE: 3 new Pro Hac Vice Attorney Admissions filed on behalf of RDLegal today. https://t.co/Txsp47bnt5
— Sheilla Dingus (@SheillaDingus) August 30, 2017
Thursday:
CSG (formerly NFL Case Consulting) has filed a response similar to RDLegal objecting to Class Counsel’s motion to compel discovery pic.twitter.com/SFieVEQxeG
— Sheilla Dingus (@SheillaDingus) August 31, 2017
Like the RD Legal filing, both responses assert that Seeger failed to abide by Rules of Federal Civil Procedure.
This is not good for the players. Difficult to see how Judge Brody could rule against established Rules of Civil Procedure. pic.twitter.com/RjbDbQvavs
— Sheilla Dingus (@SheillaDingus) August 31, 2017
Additional serious issues addressed in this one:
Objection states that no expert witness should be required. . . pic.twitter.com/fUBsVRbgmS
— Sheilla Dingus (@SheillaDingus) August 31, 2017
Objection notes that costs will be needlessly increased by appointment of an expert witness. pic.twitter.com/BcAaj3xPjG
— Sheilla Dingus (@SheillaDingus) August 31, 2017
Instead objection states Class Counsel should submit to discovery in order for the court to objectively determine division of common fund pic.twitter.com/hw9RrKqDWe
— Sheilla Dingus (@SheillaDingus) August 31, 2017
“Players’ claims are moving at a snail’s pace while Class Counsel
attempt to move their fee petition as the wind.” pic.twitter.com/Iubrypsujz— Sheilla Dingus (@SheillaDingus) August 31, 2017
Additionally, apparent conflicts of interest regarding the proposed court appointed expert are also revealed.
PDF of Alexander Objectors Response: https://t.co/thAt7xIkMx#NFL #Concussion Settlement https://t.co/FNZMS3PukM
— Sheilla Dingus (@SheillaDingus) August 31, 2017
CHL Minimum Wage Litigation
From @rwesthead: Player contract key to CHL minimum-wage case, lawyer says. MORE: https://t.co/DK1j7JSL8L pic.twitter.com/7KhjGLF9fN
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) August 31, 2017
A newly filed 2-page QMJHL player contract, outlining “employment and duties of player[s],” will be key evidence if CHL cases go to trial.
— Rick Westhead (@rwesthead) August 31, 2017
The OHL and WHL cases have both been certified as class action lawsuits but are on hold for the moment pending appeals. https://t.co/ySCZ6X2h48
— Rick Westhead (@rwesthead) September 1, 2017
MLB Scouts Antitrust Wage Lawsuit
MLB scouts have struck out on antitrust pay claims as 2nd Circ. latest court to apply baseball’s “anomalous” exemption from antitrust law. pic.twitter.com/MsyhkmLrz3
— Zach Zagger (@ZachZagger) August 31, 2017
#MLB antitrust exemption strengthened in lawsuit https://t.co/OtFk4vA5YI via @dhellingsports
— Sheilla Dingus (@SheillaDingus) September 2, 2017
St. Louis vs. Rams
St. Louis Visitors Commission Resists Rams’ Arbitration Bid https://t.co/KVx0lOzeF7 via @joycehanson pic.twitter.com/SxAq03UUSB
— Sheilla Dingus (@SheillaDingus) August 29, 2017
Rams’ ex-Season Ticket Holders vs. Rams
Rams On The Hook For License Payout, Ex-Ticket Holders Say https://t.co/ASMe9pLppT via @Law360 pic.twitter.com/X0sf4i6odK
— Sheilla Dingus (@SheillaDingus) August 30, 2017
Showtime Mayweather-McGregor Lawsuit
Showtime hit with $5M suit over spotty Mayweather-McGregor streams https://t.co/e0izT0sTbu #MayweathervMcgregor @nypost
— Julia Marsh (@juliakmarsh) August 28, 2017
?Concussion Discussion:
When you see the words “control research,” that’s not research, that’s peddling a narrative #4S2017 @TheAcademyBlues https://t.co/0BZuoYihDU
— Kathleen Bachynski (@bachyns) August 31, 2017
NFL takes control of brain research w/$100 million donation, all but ending partnerships … https://t.co/oRx8RDDC8P pic.twitter.com/bWHAutnnh9
— Concerned Mom (@ConcernedMom9) August 31, 2017
ESPN Exposes NFL For Comical Investment In #CTE Study On Horse Jockeys https://t.co/6HGEN3dd8g via @MichaelFhurley
— Sheilla Dingus (@SheillaDingus) September 1, 2017
#NFL making $40 million available for “independent” #concussion research https://t.co/Ka8AuwhrM3
— Sheilla Dingus (@SheillaDingus) August 30, 2017
Difficulty to believe NFL does anything “independently” and not rooted in profit, thus what he said.⬇️⬇️⬇️ https://t.co/KCKOGYLzvA
— Sheilla Dingus (@SheillaDingus) August 30, 2017
This shIt is all a facade. They’ll spend $40 Million on “research” but won’t spend $40,000 on a retired homeless player living with CTE? https://t.co/hahoOPip7r
— Hamza Abdullah (@HamzaAbdullah21) August 30, 2017
إِنَّا لِلَّهِ وَإِنَّا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُونَ https://t.co/NFjRXA0jMX
— Hamza Abdullah (@HamzaAbdullah21) August 27, 2017
A study involving 22 former CFL players showed players had “significant” thinning in their brain’s cerebral cortex. https://t.co/Aw0y67Mdih
— Rick Westhead (@rwesthead) August 30, 2017
“Is my timing bad…When would you prefer to have your lecture?” Great points from @scottostler https://t.co/PmkJebHdJ6 via @sfchronicle
— Sheilla Dingus (@SheillaDingus) September 3, 2017
Chilling *Must Read!*
Collision Course: #Concussions are ticking time bomb for former players https://t.co/tIbTcHi2qh— Sheilla Dingus (@SheillaDingus) September 2, 2017
The NFL is running out of junk science to peddle https://t.co/muToT7qveM via @dhellingsports
— Sheilla Dingus (@SheillaDingus) September 1, 2017
How American football is learning from tobacco industry on how to deal with its own health scandal #CTE https://t.co/7UFgQzJ6bd
— Cyndy Feasel ? (@CyndyFeasel) September 1, 2017
Bills down to one quarterback without a concussion https://t.co/i1Onr500NR
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) August 27, 2017
We need to study CTE from every angle. I applaud those getting involved in the fight against this disease. https://t.co/YExGIAEmpi
— Eugene Monroe (@MrEugeneMonroe) August 28, 2017
ICYMI … Despite concerns on the ice, NHL players still reluctant to donate brains for concussion studies https://t.co/3cfWJZi0Th
— Josh Cooper (@JoshuaCooper) August 31, 2017
Ryan Hoffman was a great football player. Please share this wonderful story. “There’s Something Wrong with Me.” https://t.co/MudapcJcvo
— StopCTE.org (@StopCTE) August 30, 2017
?Cannabis Conversation:
Reggie Williams Opens Up About His Journey from #NFL Star to Cannabis Activist https://t.co/fdGjuOVRKu
— Sheilla Dingus (@SheillaDingus) August 31, 2017
?Health & Safety:
A California high school football player is in a medically induced coma after surgery to remove swelling in his bra… https://t.co/wXO5xRMBgr
— Sheilla Dingus (@SheillaDingus) August 27, 2017
— Brad Sohn (@BradSohn) August 29, 2017
For @NavyFB players, dress shoes are part of academy life. They also may be causing foot injuries. #Mids https://t.co/huHaLMESgI
— Gene Wang (@gene_wang) August 30, 2017
.#Depression and Professional Football: How Should Players Be Protected? https://t.co/wR0bTnfiJ4 via @RollingStone #TBI #CTE #NFLPA??????
— NFLCSFacts (@NFLObjectors) September 2, 2017
?NFL Sidelines:
NFLPA
.@MarkMaske‘s report is troubling. Another deal in the dark when fresh #NFLPA leadership is sorely needed. https://t.co/NyaLkWTrmA
— Sheilla Dingus (@SheillaDingus) August 27, 2017
.Cyrus Mehri (@cyrus4nflpa ):
and I agree. pic.twitter.com/xq7wrRWnAG— Sheilla Dingus (@SheillaDingus) August 27, 2017
HOFer Mean Joe Greene endorses Cyrus Mehri @cyrus4nflpa for #NFLPA top job https://t.co/ERS64RLuzt via @espn
— Sheilla Dingus (@SheillaDingus) August 30, 2017
“Hey, #NFL players: The message should be clear by now. The next one could be you.” https://t.co/rDBgvidL28 via @SeifertESPN
— Sheilla Dingus (@SheillaDingus) August 30, 2017
NFLPA Continues To Ignore The Awful CBA It Agreed To https://t.co/ltbLfPD2iI via @thelegalblitz
— Sheilla Dingus (@SheillaDingus) August 31, 2017
He shouldn’t have to tweet this. NFL players should have health insurance for life like those in NBA and MLB. Also those benefits kick in from day one instead of as in the NFL having to wait 3 years to vest.
At midnight tonight, my @NFL health insurance expires. It’s the last piece of my former life. Chapter is finally closed. #weird #reallife
— Ben Leber (@nacholeber) August 31, 2017
More NFLPA issues in last week’s Blitz Special Edition:
Major #NFLPA developments this week. Check out this special edition Blitz and make sure you’re in the know.https://t.co/2uZxUkHEuD
— Sheilla Dingus (@SheillaDingus) August 27, 2017
—————————————–
Roster cuts:
On Saturday, all teams were required to pare down to 53-man squads, releasing numerous players.
?NFL PLAYERS WHO GET CUT
1. Get all your medical records
2. Go home
3. File unemployment on Monday
4. File workers Comp on Monday
5. Workout https://t.co/umVIxJjYFJ— Hamza Abdullah (@HamzaAbdullah21) August 31, 2017
And check on you severance $ too. Lotta teams not gonna just cut the check and send it to you. Lotta guys don’t even know they’re owed it
— FOST (@GeorgeFoster72) August 31, 2017
In addition to these cuts, many more will loose their jobs as some of those cut breath a sign of relief when some under 3-year guys will be picked up on waivers and some 3+ year guys will sign with new teams as free agents.
Unhappy with the trend that GMs barely refer to players as people anymore. Ainge calls them “assets,” Alderson “inventory,” Beane “pieces.”
— Full Dissident (@hbryant42) August 31, 2017
And if they’re calling players that in public, what are they calling players in private? ? https://t.co/XODA6xQwoj
— Hamza Abdullah (@HamzaAbdullah21) August 31, 2017
—————————————–
Benefits:
An NFL Players daughter fought long and won her dad’s NFL benefits. It’s a shame that people have to go through so many hoops https://t.co/WjR6LKbZym
— Hamza Abdullah (@HamzaAbdullah21) September 2, 2017
Thrilled to be able to share some good news! Mary worked her tail off & navigated the road blocks but dad, George now has his NFL benefits! pic.twitter.com/ihv7hVgZYe
— Sheilla Dingus (@SheillaDingus) September 2, 2017
If you’re an NFL retiree who needs some support, please reach out. Some of us actually do believe #FootballIsFamily https://t.co/l1OZ5zVKri
— Sheilla Dingus (@SheillaDingus) September 2, 2017
—————————————–
Vontaze Burfict:
Vontaze Burfict’s suspension reduced to three games https://t.co/HLfcF6gXkb via @ProFootballTalk
— Sheilla Dingus (@SheillaDingus) August 31, 2017
NFLPA protects Burfict at the peril of his fellow players. https://t.co/swR98HDwEE via @nypostsports
— Sheilla Dingus (@SheillaDingus) September 3, 2017
—————————————–
Jerry Jones an unofficial member of committee negotiating Roger Goodell’s contract https://t.co/0aOslYBIsa via @ProFootballTalk
— Sheilla Dingus (@SheillaDingus) September 2, 2017
George F. Will: Football’s enjoyment is on a fade pattern, via @sltrib https://t.co/auIvMBp9Ln
— Sheilla Dingus (@SheillaDingus) September 3, 2017
✊?✊?✊?Athlete Activism:
Hurricane Harvey Relief Efforts
Recovery efforts from Hurricane Harvey will be massive.
We must come together to help rebuild our communities.https://t.co/SR6DmnNbyM pic.twitter.com/iiMsG2i4dl— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) August 27, 2017
As a native Texan w/ family in Houston I’m proud to support @JJWatt‘s relief fund w/ a $25K donation. Please help the cause #HurricaneHarvey https://t.co/6Vo2q2DRHf
— Lane Johnson (@Lanejohnson65) August 29, 2017
Just continue to let this soak in. In just 72 hours @JJWatt has raised over $6 million from over 65,000 people.
Amazing.— mike freeman (@mikefreemanNFL) August 30, 2017
If he only stuck to sports. https://t.co/y8bbgaOg4W
— evan grossman (@evan9rossman) August 30, 2017
Started with a goal of $200,000, the @JJWatt hurricane relief fund is now within $200,000 of SEVENTEEN MILLION https://t.co/FzVkFIu5p8
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) September 2, 2017
Quick update of where we’re at right now… pic.twitter.com/a105oYRv3A
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) September 3, 2017
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Anthem Protests
Guest column: The true Colin Kaepernick … from someone who has been there and calls him a friend – The Athletic https://t.co/Jq0dp6JZwc
— mike freeman (@mikefreemanNFL) August 28, 2017
One year later, Steve Wyche reflects on breaking the Colin Kaepernick story https://t.co/x5tNlCtbVh via @instantrhiplay
— Sheilla Dingus (@SheillaDingus) August 29, 2017
‘For me, it’s personal.’ NFL fans boycott as Colin Kaepernick goes unemployed https://t.co/eHYJ9XojWr
— Sheilla Dingus (@SheillaDingus) September 2, 2017
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“Stick to sports? I’ve heard it…I’m not afraid of backlash.” @JTBrown23 on donating to relocate Confederate statue.https://t.co/FWGkWeDIeQ
— Rick Westhead (@rwesthead) August 30, 2017
?NBA Hoops:
Chalk one up for the tax-payers (finally) @dhellingsports has been on top of this one all the way! https://t.co/Qnot3kzfkU
— Sheilla Dingus (@SheillaDingus) August 28, 2017
?NCAA Notebook:
Mizzou $98M football stadium renovation means cuts to academic services for athletes https://t.co/FerYfu8ax0 via @dhellingsports
— Sheilla Dingus (@SheillaDingus) August 28, 2017
Revenue generated by NCAA football ‘guarantee games’ should cover athletes’ insurance premiums https://t.co/dcT8fQXyzR via @dhellingsports
— Sheilla Dingus (@SheillaDingus) September 2, 2017
?The Scoop on Sports Betting:
NJ Horsemen file #SCOTUS brief in NJ sports betting case. Link to merits brief: https://t.co/H87WOfEMTc. Ted Olson is on deck.
— Daniel Wallach (@WALLACHLEGAL) August 29, 2017
New amicus brief filed in NJ sports betting case at #SCOTUS: https://t.co/EPvy1GRfXv. I’m cited on page 18: pic.twitter.com/viVcAXX2YI
— Daniel Wallach (@WALLACHLEGAL) August 29, 2017
The four amici curiae are:
Pacific Legal Foundation
CEI
Cato Institute
Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty (new)https://t.co/9TxN7db1Jj— Daniel Wallach (@WALLACHLEGAL) August 29, 2017
Monmouth Park losing $1M per week due to federal sports betting ban/court rulings, horsemen tell US Supreme Court in brief today pic.twitter.com/d9WR4gVQuQ
— John Brennan (@BergenBrennan) August 29, 2017
Strong opener from Ted Olson: pic.twitter.com/RNrVkiwYTi
— Daniel Wallach (@WALLACHLEGAL) August 30, 2017
Governor Christie merits brief in NJ sports betting case (filed by Ted Olson): https://t.co/LkjLAekdBZ #SCOTUS
— Daniel Wallach (@WALLACHLEGAL) August 30, 2017
Analysis of NJ sports betting filings:
Brennan: https://t.co/oBby7Wus3S
Gouker: https://t.co/t392z356wR
Parry: https://t.co/XK6oE1mYCX
— Daniel Wallach (@WALLACHLEGAL) August 31, 2017
Next up in NJ sports betting case:
Sept. 5 — Deadline for remaining Amicus Briefs
Oct.16 — Deadline for Sports Leagues’ Response Brief— Daniel Wallach (@WALLACHLEGAL) August 30, 2017
The NFL May Not Like Sports Betting, But It Definitely Isn’t Opposed To Gambling , via @LSPReport – https://t.co/MGp2uKdoJu
— Sheilla Dingus (@SheillaDingus) September 3, 2017
