Legal - Football Wiretap

Seth Godin Uses NFL, Raiders As Way 'Capitalism Corrupts Our Culture'

Mar 31, 2017 12:01 PM

Seth Godin, a prominent best selling author on marketing and business, wrote a blog post about the NFL's decisions to let the Oakland Raiders relocate to Las Vegas.

Godin's piece is titled 'Merely Transactional'.

""We owe you nothing."

"This week, all but one NFL owner voted to let the Raiders leave Oakland for Las Vegas (I'm not a football fan, but bear with me)," writes Godin.

"A nearly perfect example of how one version of capitalism corrupts our culture.

"The season ticket holder bought a ticket and got his games. Even steven. We owe you nothing.

"The dedicated fan sat through endless losing games. Even steven. Ticket purchased, game delivered. We owe you nothing.

"The problem with 'even steven' is that it turns trust and connection and emotions into nothing but a number. Revenue on a P&L. It ignores the long-term in exchange for a relentless focus on today. Only today.

"There's an alternative view of capitalism. Modern capitalism. Capitalism for the long-term.  In this view, the purpose of an enterprise is to make things better. To minimize negative externalities and create value. Value for the owners, sure, but also for the workers, the customers and the bystanders. 

""We owe you everything."

"You trusted us. You showed up. You tolerated our impact on your world, even when you didn't invite us in.

"It'll never be even steven, but we can try to repay you. Thank you for the opportunity.

"I think this is what sports fans signed up for when they were first offered the chance to support a team. Maybe your customers feel the same way."

Seth Godin

Tags: Las Vegas Raiders, Legal

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Colin Kaepernick Remaining Unsigned This Late Is Historical Anomaly

Mar 29, 2017 4:58 PM

Since 1966, only one under-30 quarterback has had as good a year as Colin Kaepernick’s 2016 has gone unsigned the next year.

Due to Kaepernick's protest of the national anthem last season, there have been questions as to whether that's the reason teams have been avoiding him.

It’s difficult to find a recent free agent quarterback who played at Kaepernick’s level and lasted so long on the market the next offseason. Matt Leinart (2012) and Kyle Orton (2014) signed nearly 50 days into their free agency, but neither had played much the year before. Michael Vick wasn’t signed for 169 days in 2015, but he was also older and coming off a season (39.4 QBR) far worse than Kaepernick’s 2016.

Beyond the political component of Kaepernick's situation, there is an unusual factor this offseason in that Tony Romo's status remains uncertain.

Kyle Wagner, Neil Paine/Five Thirty Eight

Tags: San Francisco 49ers, Free Agent Rumor, Legal, Misc Rumor

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Roger Goodell's Job Again Considered Stable By Owners

Mar 29, 2017 4:12 PM

Despite some clear mistakes Roger Goodell has made, including Deflategate and the Ray Rice suspension, his footing as commissioner has stabilized among even owners who didn't think he was doing a good job.

The NFL is making unprecedented levels of money, which Goodell is perceived as contributing towards.

Owners see Goodell as someone who basically will do what they say. While this is a fundamental part of any commissioner job, Goodell "takes this to a new level."

Owners have privately expressed their belief that the NFL has managed to maneuver past Deflategate, CTE and the Rice situation, which were three of the most problematic issues they have ever faced.

One owner compared Goodell's situation to that of a president who gets credit for a strong economy even if they have nothing to do with it.

Mike Freeman/Bleacher Report

Tags: Legal

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John Harbaugh Doesn't Believe Colin Kaepernick Is Being Blackballed

Mar 28, 2017 1:37 PM

Colin Kaepernick remains a free agent but John Harbaugh believes it is "stupid" and "intellectually lazy" to believe he is being blackballed by NFL teams.

Kaepernick hasn't received any documented interest in free agency despite starting last season.

"I absolutely think he's going to get signed. I agree with (my brother) Jim (Harbaugh). He can win games for people," said Harbaugh.

There has been speculation that teams are ignoring Kaepernick due to his political activism last season.

NFL.com

Tags: Baltimore Ravens, Legal, Misc Rumor

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Owners Approve Raiders' Relocation To Las Vegas 31-1

Mar 28, 2017 4:09 PM

NFL owners have approved the Oakland Raiders' relocation to Las Vegas with a vote of 31-1. Stephen Ross of the Miami Dolphins was the only owner to oppose the move.

The Raiders won't immediately move to Las Vegas since construction of their planned $1.7 billion domed stadium isn't expected to be completed until 2020.

The Raiders will continue to play in Oakland in 2017 and 2018 before likely finding a temporary venue for 2019.

Mark Davis released the following statement to announce the decision: "My father always said, 'the greatness of the Raiders is in its future,' and the opportunity to build a world-class stadium in the entertainment capital of the world is a significant step toward achieving that greatness. I would like to thank Commissioner Goodell, the National Football League and my 31 partners. I would also like to thank Governor Brian Sandoval and the Nevada Legislature for their commitment. Finally, I would like to thank Sheldon Adelson for his vision and leadership, without which this project never would have become a reality.

"The Raiders were born in Oakland and Oakland will always be part of our DNA. We know that some fans will be disappointed and even angry, but we hope that they do not direct that frustration to the players, coaches and staff. We plan to play at the Coliseum in 2017 and 2018, and hope to stay there as the Oakland Raiders until the new stadium opens. We would love nothing more than to bring a championship back to the Bay Area."

Ian Rapoport/NFL.com

Tags: Las Vegas Raiders, Legal

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Oakland Presents Revised Plan For $1.3 Billion Stadium

Mar 24, 2017 6:05 PM

The City of Oakland and its partners on Friday submitted a revised financing plan for a $1.3 billion mixed-use stadium project on the same site where the Oakland Raiders currently play.

NFL owners are expected to vote as early as Monday on Mark Davis' application to move his franchise to Las Vegas, where city, county and state officials have pledged $750 million in public funding toward a new stadium. 

"At the end of the day this is the decision of the Raiders and the NFL," Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf told ESPN by phone when asked her confidence level of retaining the Raiders. "What I am confident about is, if the Raiders want to stay in Oakland we have a viable plan to build them a stadium with no upfront money from them, in financial terms that I believe are more favorable to them than the terms in Las Vegas -- what we know of them.

"And then, of course, we have something that Vegas can never offer, and that's legacy and loyalty. This team was born in Oakland. This team enjoys some of the most passionate and dedicated fans of any NFL franchise. Those things belong uniquely to Oakland."

Under the city's plan, a new home for the Raiders would be built on a 55-acre parcel on the southern edge of where their current home sits. According to the plan, Major League Baseball's Oakland Athletics could continue to play in Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum while a football-only venue is constructed.

Mayor Schaaf said she has spoken with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell twice this week, adding: "They certainly have not led me to feel unrealistically optimistic about what the results will be on Monday. But they have been fair, they have been honest and they have been responsive."

Jim Trotter/ESPN

Tags: Las Vegas Raiders, Legal

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Roger Goodell Has 'Felt Increased Commercialization' Of NFL

Mar 23, 2017 11:31 AM

The NFL is working on improving the experience of television viewers, which could include decreasing the number of in-house promos run by the networks during the telecast.

“We . . . know that you feel there are too many elements in the broadcast that aren’t relevant to the play on the field,” Goodell wrote in a letter to fans. “With our partners, we will be looking to instead focus on content that is most complementary and compelling to you — whether that is analysis, highlights or stories about our players. All of these changes are meant to give you more of what you want: a competitive game with fewer interruptions and distractions from the action.”

Goodell elaborated the point during an appearance on ESPN Radio on Thursday.

“It could be commercial related, it could be an advertisement for selling a jersey, it could be a promo for something that the network’s running that week,” Goodell said. “And frankly, to be blunt about it, it’s like an intrusion on the game. And I sense that. I’ve felt the increased commercialization.”

Mike Florio/Pro Football Talk

Tags: Legal

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Raiders' Relocation Vote Expected Next Week

Mar 23, 2017 10:39 AM

NFL owners are expected to vote at next week's meetings whether to approve the Oakland Raiders' relocation to las Vegas.

One owner, who wished to remain anonymous, told ESPN's Dan Graziano that a vote next week is "more probable than not."

In January, Raiders owner Mark Davis filed an application to move the team to Las Vegas in time for the 2020 season.

The Raiders are proposing to build a $1.9 billion stadium near the Strip.

A new stadium in Las Vegas is not expected to be completed until 2020. The Raiders have two more years on their lease at the Oakland Coliseum but likely will have to play at a temporary facility in 2019.

ESPN

Tags: Las Vegas Raiders, Legal

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