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• The Fallout

  Oct 8, 2019 Diaz M 1 Comments

  “The Fallout”

  by Diaz Mackie

   

  

   

   10.08.2019  During a time when the NBA is trying to expand worldwide, the league has fallen out with it’s biggest contributor, China. Daryl Morey, the General Manager of the Houston Rockets on 10/4/19 tweeted, “fight for freedom, stand with Hong Kong.” Much to the dismay of the Chinese government. 

   

     A league that has been in the forefront of social issues has backed down to China.  China, the NBA’s biggest market has cut off ties to the NBA following the tweet. Canceling NBA Cares events that were scheduled to be held in China this week between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Brooklyn Nets. The actual preseason games between the two are still a go for now. The fallout has already effected the NBA financials & could cost them BILLIONS of dollars. 

   

     The Houston Rockets are a favorite amongst the NBA teams, due to one of their greatest players and Chairmen of the China league, Yao Ming. This relationship has been cultivated over twenty years, all to be dissolved over a tweet.

   

     NBA players personally have a lot to lose as well. Most of the stars of the NBA, spend parts of their summer in China promoting basketball and their own shoe deals. James Harden, star of the Houston Rockets, made a statement on Monday, 10/7/19 along with Russell Westbrook at his side saying, “We love China.” Former players like Kobe Bryant, Tracy McGrady and current players like LeBron James and rookie sensation Zion Williamson, stand to lose a lot financially from this fallout. 

   

     The NBA has a fine line to tread. Attempting to support someone with in the organization, as well as trying to make a human rights stand and trying to salvage a financial business relationship with China. This is the second time China has had words with the NBA regarding their civil rights issues. The first time, China told the NBA to meddle in their affairs, when unarmed Blacks are being gunned down in this country. A touché if I’ve ever heard one. 

   

     With the NBA setting up leagues in Africa and potentially India, this could be a costly loss for the league. Daryl Morey has not been terminated and doesn’t appear that he will be, yet. Adam Silver, Commissioner of the NBA has not disavowed that statement made by Morey as well. However, the NBA is trying to make nice with China. 

   

     It will be interesting to see if the personal financial loss of star players will force them to cave on the humanitarian cause for the almighty dollar. Again, the NBA has been progressive up to this point. Forcing former owner of the Los Angeles Clippers to sell his team, after a tape was released of him making racial slurs. Supporting the players after the Eric Gardner murder, by allowing them to wear, “I Can’t Breathe” shirts during warmups. Most recently changing the title from “Owner” to “Governor” to avoid the any connection, or connotation to slavery. It will be interesting to see how the NBA handles this going forward, not just for the league, but also the players. 

   

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• CA Passes SB 206 “Fair Pay Act”

  Oct 4, 2019 Diaz M 0 Comments

  CA PASSES “FAIR PAY ACT” FOR COLLEGE ATHLETES  

  By Diaz Mackie 

   

  10.4.2019 During the last week of September, CA passed the SB 206. Better known as “The Fair Pay Act”, this bill will allow student athletes to earn money off their image & likeness. The bill passed the CA State Senate unanimously 72-0. The bill was later signed by Gov. Gavin Newsome, live on the LeBron James produced show “The Shop” with a special online only showing. The product company “Uninterrupted” usually airs the show on HBO. 

   

     The “Fair Pay Act” may have passed the Senate unanimously, but not without opposition. Former Florida Gator QB & Heisman Trophy recipient, Tim Tebow expressed his concern and opposition on the show “First Take” that airs on ESPN. Stating that he believed the amateurism added value to the sport and that education was a reward. The biggest opposition happens to be one of the biggest powers in all of sports, the NCAA. The NCAA has long argued that allowing student athletes to earn money, would ruin the amateurism of college sports & thus its beauty as well. NCAA also argues the introduction would invite agents and perhaps would sway the balance of power too much in favor of the student. Also how to separate the monies amongst the different sports. College football & basketball garnering in the most money for schools. 

   

     However, “The Fair Pay Act”, would not require colleges themselves to pay student athletes. The bill will allow the student athlete to earn money from their image and likeness. The student athletes would be able to earn from filming commercials, print ads, video game images & public appearances (booster events). The latter is where some see a potential issue of danger. Bribes & also the entrance that the student athlete would be able to hire an agent. 

     

    The Bill was endorsed by none other than LeBron James, not only endorsed by, but also added his weighted support & assistance in helping to have it passed. Support like this may place pressure on the NCAA tonight either adopt this model currently only legal in the state of CA., or perhaps become extinct. Some argue the irrelevancy of the NCAA & believe they’re just making billions off of the backs of college kids. 

   

     The Bill is not law until Jan 1, 2023, so that gives the NCAA time to adjust. Here are things to look for: Will other states begin to follow suit? NY is already in the process of considering the same course of action. Will this help the schools in CA with star power recruiting, ending favorable recruiting of power house schools like Alabama in football & Duke in basketball? Schools obviously outside of the state of CA. 

   

     Schools in the state of CA will have a huge recruiting advantage, if other states drag their feet in following suit with “The Fair Pay Act”. Star recruits could possibly turn down schools like Duke, North Carolina, Kentucky for USC, UCLA, CAL, Stanford, even the D2 schools & Community Colleges. The ability to earn money will have a huge effect. It’s a known problem now with programs violating for compensating players now. If the NCAA allows this to be the standard, perhaps it saves college athletics as a whole. No more violations, because the kid would be able to legally make monies off of their likeness. 

   

     We haven’t even dwelled on the ability for the student athlete to an agent. College sports programs make their money from ticket sales to their events, merchandise, boosters & alumni donations & shoe & jersey deals. Now with the ability to have an agent, does the student athlete sign separate deals regarding the shoes they decide to wear. The 2017-2018 college basketball season with Zion Williamson was a glimpse of what attention one kid could garner. The game his shoe blew out, the next morning we saw the effects in NIKE stock. Can you imagine if Zion had the ability to make money during his time in school? Perhaps he stays in college to win a championship, instead of leaving early to have the ability to earn money. 

   

     No matter what now, the train has already left the station. Either the other states and the NCAA follow suit with CA, or you will see a dramatic change in recruiting & college income received. If the other states follow suit & the NCAA continues to fight change, they can be cut out of the picture all together. It will be interesting to see “The Butterfly Effect” from this monumental moment, that will affect all of sports. 

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• Noah Lyles Wins the World Championship for the 200m

  Oct 4, 2019 SportZ 0 Comments

  10.4.2019 Heading into this year's track and field World Athletic Championships, held in Doha, the fans and media alike had high expectations for 22 year-old Noah Lyles, who made his first appearance at this event; he was the favorite to win gold in the 200 meter dash. He did not disappoint – however, the medal did not come as easily as he would've liked. His time of 19.83 seconds was more than enough to prevail over the rest of the field. However, unlike most races – where Lyles gains a definitive lead coming off the turn – he found himself trailing after the first 100 meters, with Britain's Adam Gemili taking a slight lead. However, in the end, Noah Lyle's renowned top-end speed came in handy, propelling him towards gold. Canada's Andre De Grasse won silver with a time of 19.95 seconds, and Ecuador's Alex Quinonez won bronze with 19.98; Gemili's effort on the curve was not enough to win a medal.

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