Will NIL Laws Go National?
Fred, Art, and guest Laura Snoke weigh in on the legislation being introduced by Connecticut Senator Richard Blumenthal and others in a bipartisan effort to codify laws nationally for the NIL. Some states have more advantageous laws than others, so would this bill create a better framework or be seen as federal overreach? Are running backs like Saquon Barkley and Josh Jacobs underappreciated by the NFL? And, as Shohei Ohtani’s contract deadline draws near, where will call home come August?
Suspensions Aplenty, Legal Battles Galore
Fred, Art, and Mark are surprised at the number of sports figures who have recently been suspended and are now facing a lot of unintended quality time in the company of lawyers. Will the NFL Network bring Michael Irvin back? What chance does Bob Huggins have of being reinstated at West Virginia after his drunk driving arrest? Did Pat Fitzgerald know about the hazing culture on his Northwestern football team? And has AI created a modern-day Wilt Chamberlain?
Has Sports Become All About the Benjamins?
Fred, Art, and Mark worry that there has been a paradigm shift in the focus of sports, where everything revolves around the pursuit of the almighty dollar instead of the players, fans, and games themselves. Are Billie Jean King and the WTA looking into partnering with Saudi Arabia? Did Mark Emmert foresee the problems that have resulted from the NIA and transfer portal? And will Bob Baffert ever be allowed to race at Churchill Downs again?
Public Perception and Big Money in Sports
Fred, Art, and Fred’s cousin Andy Baran break down the recent expanding relationship between the NFL and gambling. Is it a case of managing public perception of a crackdown on athletes while still bringing in the betting bucks? Will Jay Monahan be able to keep the PGA afloat if the LIV deal falls through? Why is Austin Barnes catching for the Dodgers more often than Will Smith, who has a better batting average? And is Rob Manfred’s constant rule-changing making baseball unrecognizable?
The US Government Delves Into PGA-LIV Merger
Fred, Art, Mark, and Matt Ward, an editor of Golf Today, wonder what the true details of the alliance between the PGA and LIV might be and if they will come to light. Will upcoming government investigations answer these questions or create more? How much of a part did LIV Golf CEO Greg Norman have in making this merger happen? And was Jay Monahan referring to ill health when he said changing circumstances influenced his opinion reversal?
It Ain’t Easy Trying to Please Everyone
Fred, Mark, and guest sports historian Matthew DiBiase weigh in on the difficulties franchises are experiencing in navigating through controversies over inclusivity within their fanbases. Can athletes like Clayton Kershaw comment without fear of fan reprisals? How does the future look for Jamal Murray after his stellar NBA Finals performance? Did Rob Manfred do all he could to keep the Oakland A’s from relocating? And what made Jay Monahan say OK to the LIV deal?
Is Morality an Endangered Species in the Sports World?
Fred, Art, and Mark address the issue of morality in sports as the PGA Tour has decided to join the LIV in a $10B deal. What do Commissioner Jay Monahan and Rory McIlroy, formerly against it, have to say about it now? How about the morality of athletes gambling, a la Pete Rose? And with the 50th anniversary of Secretariat’s wins and the last of his descendants reaching grand old ages, should owners risk horses’ lives at Belmont in the unhealthy air from the Canadian fires?
Changes Ahead in Horse Racing and College Sports
Fred, Art, and Fred’s cousin Andy Baran question the high number of casualties in horse racing lately. Is the industry taking enough precautions to ensure the horses’ safety? Why is Coach Kirby Smart concerned about the sea change in college sports since the advent of the transfer portal and NIL? And what made UCLA’s Tyger Campbell opt for basketball’s G League instead of staying for his final year with Mick Cronin?
The NBA Playoffs Heat Up
Fred, Art, Mark, and guest Laura Snoke lay out their predictions for the NBA Playoff series between the Boston Celtics and Miami Heat. Can Jayson Tatum help Boston stay in it until Game 7? Is it a slam dunk for Jimmy Butler and Miami to continue on their winning streak? Does LeBron James plan to make some changes and stay with the Lakers, or is he considering new beginnings away from LA? And will Noah Syndergaard find his footing with the Dodgers?
Baffert’s Back for The Preakness
Fred, Art, and Mark explore the controversies running throughout the sport of kings as horse trainer Bob Baffert returns from suspension for the 148th Preakness Stakes. What is causing the alarming number of horses across racing needing to be put down in the last few years? Will Anthony Davis and LeBron James be healthy enough to play against the Denver Nuggets? And the sports world mourns the loss of legendary NFL great, Jim Brown.
