It was recently announced that the Chicago Bears’ plans for a new stadium in Arlington Heights have stalled after the team submitted a plan asking for $862 million in funding for public infrastructure.[i] The Illinois state legislature adjourned its fall session without approving the necessary funding. Therefore, the team will now have to wait... Continue Reading →
Baltimore Ravens Fined $100,000 for Injury Report Violation of Lamar Jackson
Last week, the Baltimore Ravens were fined $100k for violating the NFL’s injury report protocols.1 The Ravens listed Lamar Jackson as a “full participant” for practice on October 24th; however, he only ran the scout team.2 A day later, the Ravens changed Lamar’s practice participation to “limited” and ruled him out.3 The NFL’s policy states:... Continue Reading →
McNair v. NFL: The NFL’s Unwritten Rulebook Faces Court Review
In a rare dispute reaching beyond the playing field, Cary McNair Jr., son of late Houston Texans owner Bob McNair Sr. and brother of current owner Cal McNair, has filed a lawsuit against the NFL in New York Supreme Court seeking over $100 million in damages.[1] The complaint alleges that the NFL and Cal McNair... Continue Reading →
The End of the Tortilla Toss at Texas Tech
For over three decades, Texas Tech fans have celebrated home football games with a uniquely Texan flair: tossing tortillas into the air as the team took the field for kickoff at Jones AT&T Stadium. The tradition symbolized Raider pride and rowdy enthusiasm. But this fall, that long-standing ritual came to an end. On October 20th,... Continue Reading →
Concussion Protocol Under Review by NFL and NFLPA for Quarterback Jaxson Dart
Last Thursday, the NFL began reviewing the concussion protocol for New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart.1 The review started during the second half of the New York Giants’ win over the Philadelphia Eagles.2 The league announced that the NFL Players Association would also join the review.3 A league source told ESPN that Coach Brian Daboll,... Continue Reading →
The Buffalo Bills Consider Optional Biometric Entry as Stadium Technology Evolves
As professional sports venues continue modernizing the fan experience, biometric and facial-authentication systems are emerging as the newest tool to streamline stadium entry. The Buffalo Bills appear to be preparing for this innovation, as reflected in the team’s public privacy policy, which acknowledges the potential collection of biometric information if fans choose to participate in... Continue Reading →
Saudi Ties to College Football
On September 29th, it was announced that Electronic Arts (known as “EA”) was purchased in a $55 billion leveraged buyout. The buyers? Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, Silver Lake Capital, and Jared Kushner’s Affinity Partners.[1] How does this relate to college sports? Well, EA produces the College Football game, which is released yearly and features... Continue Reading →
No Formal Complaint Filed in Dublin Robbery involving Steelers’ Skylar Thompson
Skylar Thompson, the backup quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers, was recently involved in a “situation” at the Irish capital.1 Neither the team nor the police have confirmed reports that he was robbed.2 The Irish police stated that no formal complaint has been filed, and it has not been established that there was an actual robbery.3... Continue Reading →
When Toughness Meets Discipline: Saquon Barkley’s $46K Fine
The NFL fined Eagles running back Saquon Barkley $46,371 for lowering his head and making helmet-first contact with Chiefs safety Chamarri Conner.[1] The hit was not penalized during the game and appeared innocuous on first sight, but the league issued discipline after reviewing the play on film.[2] The amount of the fine matches the requirement for a... Continue Reading →
Teair Tart Fined $12k for Slapping Travis Kelce
The NFL fined Teair Tart for slapping Travis Kelce during the week one game in Brazil.1 The NFL rules state that the penalty for a first offense of striking another player is $12,172.2 During the third quarter, Kelce shoved Tart, and Tart slapped Kelce’s helmet.3 After the altercation, there was a 15-yard unnecessary roughness penalty.4... Continue Reading →