Unusual Object Lifting
After my stone lifting trail in Scotland I found this unusual stone lifting video on Utube.
Again I keep going back to these likenesses to kettlebells ...... a weight with a handle. This is just a crazy big weight with a bar through the middle so you can lift it. Mental. Almost a likeness to Basque Stone Lifting
Great movement and would really love to try it. Awesome for core strength, but would like to drop the beast of an object. The guy in the video RAFAQAT ALI PEHLWAN possesses awwesome speed and strength to weight ratio.
Keep on looking for something heavy and unusual to lift and it will keep you fit and strong.
Sunday, August 31, 2008
A message of hope for the under leveraged
A message of hope for the under leveraged
Over at Physical Ability - Jeff Steinberg's blog, Jeff has written a superb article about the under leveraged and focusing on your goal regardless of your genetics or physical ability. I thoroughly enjoyed and the rest of his blog. Looking forward to more informative articles from Jeff.
Great article Jeff, go here to check it out
Over at Physical Ability - Jeff Steinberg's blog, Jeff has written a superb article about the under leveraged and focusing on your goal regardless of your genetics or physical ability. I thoroughly enjoyed and the rest of his blog. Looking forward to more informative articles from Jeff.
Great article Jeff, go here to check it out
SPANISH FOOTBALL - LA LIGA 2008/2009 - ROUND 1 RESULTS
Spanish Football is BACK! Yesterday two matches were decided &tonight the rest of the games have been played of Round 1º. Here isSFS weekly round up of results, scorers & images in a resumed formatfor a birds eye view of happenings, with surprises included!ESPANYOL started proceedings after defeating yesterdayVALLADOLID 1-0 after LUIS GARCIA scored a great goal in the 48th min. Man to mention
Kettlebell Front Squat
Kettlebell Front Squat
Just a quickie, I've been hammering the old kettlebell front squats recently and must admit I feel great on it. Possible even helped with lifting those mighty stones.
I've been doing double kettlebell front squat with the 40kg kb's and found the exercise great for hitting the core muscles, rear deltoids and quads just like you would expect. But I find myself feeling really tight, dynamic and held together well after a workout on this exercise. The reason behind this is I feel you must keep an ultra erect upper body to keep the kettlebells in place when you squat down otherwise it's game over.
One added bonus to the kettlebell front squat is the fact that yo've gone and seperated the weights in half and they don't want to stay where you want them to. This becomes an added bonus (or downside) as you progress in to the set as you must fight them to keep them there.
Also, snatch challenge is going well, check out here if you haven't seen it.
Kettlebell Front Squats
Just a quickie, I've been hammering the old kettlebell front squats recently and must admit I feel great on it. Possible even helped with lifting those mighty stones.
I've been doing double kettlebell front squat with the 40kg kb's and found the exercise great for hitting the core muscles, rear deltoids and quads just like you would expect. But I find myself feeling really tight, dynamic and held together well after a workout on this exercise. The reason behind this is I feel you must keep an ultra erect upper body to keep the kettlebells in place when you squat down otherwise it's game over.
One added bonus to the kettlebell front squat is the fact that yo've gone and seperated the weights in half and they don't want to stay where you want them to. This becomes an added bonus (or downside) as you progress in to the set as you must fight them to keep them there.
Also, snatch challenge is going well, check out here if you haven't seen it.
Kettlebell Front Squats
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Knight Commission on NCAA, College Player Publicity Rights, and Fantasy Sports
Knight Commission co-chairs William E. Kirwan, chancellor of the university system of Maryland, and R. Gerald Turner, president of Southern Methodist University, have an interesting op-ed in today's Los Angeles Times on college athletes being used in fantasy sports (a topic which Rick blogged about in July). Although the NCAA claims to oppose the use of college athletes in fantasy sports, it has thus far resisted taking any legal or other meaningful action to stop the use. As Kirwan and Turner detail, the NCAA's lack of active resistance seems inconsistent with its mission to prevent college athletes from exploitation and to ensure that there is a clear line drawn between amateur sports and pro sports. I've excerpted their op-ed below.* * *
These online fantasy leagues, which use the real names and statistics of collegiate athletes, raise a crucial question for higher education leaders: Is it amateurism in college sports that has become a fantasy?
The National Collegiate Athletic Assn. -- the organization of colleges, universities and conferences that governs sports programs -- has long upheld the principle of amateurism. NCAA bylaws establish that students participating in college sports "should be protected from exploitation by professional and commercial enterprises." Clearly, these fantasy contests violate that tenet.
To fulfill its fundamental purpose of retaining a "clear line of demarcation between college athletics and professional sports," the NCAA and its member universities need to combat these infringements on athletes' rights and the principles of amateur sports.
Fantasy games allow fans to draft a personal "dream team" of players that earns points based on the real performances of chosen players. There are many such start-up games online, but CBS Sports' is the most prominent. That raises particularly thorny questions for the NCAA and its member institutions because the network essentially funds the NCAA through a broadcast contract worth half a billion dollars a year.
Although CBS Sports' Fantasy College Football is free, other companies charge entry fees of up to $19.95 a team and offer cash prizes of up to $25,000 for winning teams. One company goes so far as to assign salaries to top-rated college players because its game requires each team to stay under a pay cap.To fulfill its fundamental purpose of retaining a "clear line of demarcation between college athletics and professional sports," the NCAA and its member universities need to combat these infringements on athletes' rights and the principles of amateur sports.
Fantasy games allow fans to draft a personal "dream team" of players that earns points based on the real performances of chosen players. There are many such start-up games online, but CBS Sports' is the most prominent. That raises particularly thorny questions for the NCAA and its member institutions because the network essentially funds the NCAA through a broadcast contract worth half a billion dollars a year.
* * *
NCAA rules allow the names and images of athletes to be used only to promote their teams and their games. In fact, neither the NCAA nor the universities acquire any other publicity rights to athletes; they simply cannot license the use of their names or images -- not to fantasy leagues, not to video game companies, not to sportswear companies.
However, CBS Sports and other fantasy league operators believe that they have found a loophole. A recent court ruling found that Major League Baseball players' names and stats are not owned by the individual players or the leagues, but instead are in the public domain. This ruling was made by the U.S. 8th Circuit Court of Appeals in a case involving Major League Baseball Advanced Media and a fantasy league operator. The court decision describes these professional players as being "handsomely" compensated and able to earn "additional large sums" through endorsement contracts.
Legal scholars disagree about whether this ruling applies to amateur athletes who are not compensated for their participation and cannot earn money from endorsements.
We believe that the NCAA, universities and college athletes should take firm positions that this ruling does not apply to amateur sports -- and that all those groups should contact fantasy game operators to formally demand they stop using students' names in these games. Unless the courts clearly decide that amateur athletes' names can be used without consent and for purely commercial purposes, the NCAA and universities have the responsibility to stand up for their athletes and the amateurism principles that should guide college sports.
* * *
To read the rest of the op-ed, click here. To learn more about the Knight Commission on Intercollegiate Athletics, click here.
Building a Successful Franchise Takes Time...and Patience
In yesterday's edition of the Washington Times, Thom Loverro rips the management of the Washington Nationals for its poor performance, including Nationals president Stan Kasten for not achieving in two years the level of success he had as president of the Atlanta Braves (Kasten's Impact Not Visible):
Building a successful team on the field is not dependent upon how much money is spent on payroll in the short term. It takes time and patience. It also takes good scouting and player development personnel who share the same vision and philosophy, and who can effectively instill that vision and philosophy into the players at both the major and minor league levels. Kasten knows this all too well from his experience in Atlanta. Give him a couple more years, and he'll get it straightened out.
I'm not sure how this reporter professes to know (1) what management decisions the Nationals are or should be making or (2) that the decisions and operations of the Nationals do not mesh with Kasten's track record with the Braves. However, he conveniently omits the fact that, before the Braves became a "model organization," they struggled through 4 consecutive losing seasons (including a season in which they lost 106 games) under Kasten's watch during the mid to late 80's. He omits the fact that, when Kasten took over the Nationals as president two years ago, Kasten warned that it was going to take years to make the Nationals a contender and that it would actually get worse before it got better. He omits the fact that any plan to build a franchise through player development takes much longer than two years. If he had interviewed Kasten, I'm sure Kasten would have pointed all of this out for him. But rather than interview anybody from the Nationals, Loverro chose to base his assertions upon a "rule" he "found" somewhere that says "if things seem really bad on the outside looking in -- they're actually much worse." I hope that's not the ethical standard for sports journalism these days.If Kasten is not steering this ship - and it's difficult to believe that he is - then he needs to find a life preserver and jump because, as the great Micheal Ray Richardson once said, "The ship be sinking."
The franchise has become a source of bewilderment and amusement throughout the industry, the butt of jokes and the subject of embarrassing national media reports of mismanagement within the organization that are all too evident to those who have watched this debacle unfold here. The team has been abysmal, on its way to a 100-plus losses - the worst record of any team opening a new ballpark since the Camden Yards era began. Sure, the Nationals have been hit hard by injuries, but it doesn't explain the poor play and the wasted money on those players who have underperformed when they were on the field....
If the Lerners are not spending the money on payroll, not spending the money on high-priced draft picks and not spending the money on international signings, then where is the money going?....
And as a rule, I have found that if things seem really bad from the outside looking in - they're actually much worse. Kasten has maintained a positive party line. He would chew broken glass rather than reveal any internal turmoil. But it is clear this is not the work of a seasoned sports executive, especially one as highly regarded as Kasten. In a 2006 article in The Washington Post, NBA commissioner David Stern declared, "They've gotten themselves a first-class sports executive. It's fair to say it would be hard to replicate somebody with Stan's wide range of experience and his successes." The decisions and operations of this franchise do not mesh with the track record of a sports executive who ran what was considered the model organization in baseball for years, the Atlanta Braves. Between the Braves and the NBA's Hawks, he helped them to 30 postseason appearances.
Building a successful team on the field is not dependent upon how much money is spent on payroll in the short term. It takes time and patience. It also takes good scouting and player development personnel who share the same vision and philosophy, and who can effectively instill that vision and philosophy into the players at both the major and minor league levels. Kasten knows this all too well from his experience in Atlanta. Give him a couple more years, and he'll get it straightened out.
Friday, August 29, 2008
ROAD TO WORLD CUP 2010: CESC FABREGAS BACK IN SPANISH TEAM CALL UP
SPAIN begins its World Cup 2010 qualification Group games nextmonth with matches against BOSNIA ( 6th Sept at Murcia) &ARMENIA ( 10th Sept at Albacete). With this in mind SpanishNational side Coach & Selector Vicente Del Bosque has handed in hislist of players to represent Spain.The novelty is the recall of Arsenal midfielder CESC FABREGASafter injury & the absence of young 18 year old FC
ESPANYOL: ZABALETA & RIERA GO TO THE PREMIER LEAGUE
RCD ESPANYOL has seen how 2 key players pack their bags &travel over to the English Premier League: PABLO ZABALETA& ALBERT RIERA .PABLO ZABALETA (above) did not come to an agreement withEspanyol over his contract & MANCHESTER CITY came in to payhis contract release clause of 8M€. As simple as that!ALBERT RIERA had been negotiating for sometime & now itsofficial that he will go to LIVERPOOL FC for
Thursday, August 28, 2008
REAL MADRID: THE ROBINHO CIRCUS CONTINUES - REAL NOW SAYS NO TO CHELSEA FC (FOR THE MOMENT)
A late night dinner Wednesday night between Robinho´s rep WagnerRibiero & Chelsea FC Top Directive Peter Kenyon heralded the donedeal: REAL MADRID Brazilian forward ROBINHO was headed toLondon. So confident was Chelsea that their 35M€ offer was to beaccepted that they placed on their Web page yesterday the availabilityof buying the new Robinho Chelsea shirt. But something has gonewrong & against
LPGA English Only Requirement
The Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) has been at the center of a media firestorm for the past several days. On August 20th, it announced that it was adopting a policy that requires its member golfers to speak English proficiently or face suspension. For players that have been on tour for two years, they must pass an oral evaulation of their English proficiency by the end of the 2009 season or face suspension.
LPGA commissioner Carolyn Bivens
In defense of this policy LPGA Deputy Commissioner Libba Galloway said "We're focusing on the fact that we're in the sports entertainment business and we have to interact with fans and sponsors. . . . We want to emphasize to our players that they need to be approachable."Leading Asian American academics as well as other professional tours and players (including the PGA and ATP) have weighed in on this policy finding it offensive.
The legality of the policy remains a question. One argument frames up as follows:
"Howard Simon, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union in Florida, said a language requirement could be in violation of state law. 'Florida law prohibits discrimination in public accommodations,' he said. 'They may well violate Florida discrimination laws because language is a key element of person's national origin. People should be judged on their ability to perform a job. English fluency has no more to do with the ability to play 18 holes of golf than whether you walk 18 holes or ride 18 holes.'"
"Deputy Commisioner Galloway, however, said the LPGA can stand its legal ground. 'Organizations and businesses in general have the right to make requirements on skill sets necessary for their employers,' she said. 'We as a membership organization have the right to establish obligations that our members must adhere to in order to do the things fundamental to conduct our business.'"
For the most part, players seem to be voicing support for the program, including many of the tour's South Korean golfers.
DEPORTIVO WINS AT SPLIT & GOES INTO UEFA
Spanish Club DEPORTIVA A CORUÑA lost its 1º leg game 0-1to Croatian side HAJDUK SPLIT & needed to win tonight to assurea place in this seasons UEFA Cup. The Spaniards did not disappointwith a 0-2 victory in the 2º leg that puts them back in Europe after 3years of absence.It was a tough match, as expected with 7 yellow cards & 2 Red(Andric 66th & De Guzman 90th) that saw Deportivo go out for the
CHAMPIONS LEAGUE 2008/09 DRAW: REAL MADRID IN GROUP OF "DEATH"
Four Spanish teams qualify for this years Champions League:Villareal , Real Madrid , FC Barcelona & Atletico de Madrid & theyall learnt this evening their Group & their opponents in the UEFAdraw held in Monaco.The results were mixed for the Spanish Club with the most notable result Group H were Real Madrid was matched with some notable & stiff opponents. You can easily name thisthe " Group of
WHY IS MARADONA AN ATLETICO DE MADRID FAN?
Why does Maradona witness Atletico de Madrid games, likeyesterdays important Champions League qualifying clash againstSchalke 04 ( as seen in the image below)?Question that SFS has received from its readers via email.Reason: Atletico de Madrid Argentine International SERGIO AGUEROhas a relationship with Maradona´s daughter Gianinna & both are expecting their first child. Aguero is Maradona´s son
ANOTHER GOALKEEPER GOAL FROM BRAZIL
It´s not Spanish Football, but these types of goals are always exciting& catch the attention. Surfing the web SFS ran into this clip: The BrazilSerie B league - Avai goalkeeper Eduardo Martini scores a goal fromhis own area against Parani Club. By the way Avai won 3-1.
EVER BANEGAS LOANED TO ATLETICO DE MADRID
According to "Marca" & "Mundo Deportivo", VALENCIA CFArgentine International midfielder & recent Olympic GoldMedal winner, EVER BANEGAS ( pictured below) flew yesterday to Madrid for medical examinations. It´s a clear sign that ATLETICO DE MADRID will shortly announce that they have come to an agreement with Valencia for the loanof the player for this season.Atletico will pay his salary - 1,3M€ -
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Kettlebell Snatch Challenge
Kettlebell Snatch Challenge
Just been over at Rif's blog and noticed he'd reached 10,000 snatches on the snatch challenge, awesome!!
Got my self signed up at the Snatch Challenge
Basically the site is a calculator that gives you points for amount of reps performed at different weighted kettlebells upto 48kg.
So if you need some incentive, then give it a go and see how far you can get up the list.
Already heaved up 80 x 40kg kettlebell snatches yesterday lunch and got myself off the bottom spot.
Stay strong Rob
Just been over at Rif's blog and noticed he'd reached 10,000 snatches on the snatch challenge, awesome!!
Got my self signed up at the Snatch Challenge
Basically the site is a calculator that gives you points for amount of reps performed at different weighted kettlebells upto 48kg.
So if you need some incentive, then give it a go and see how far you can get up the list.
Already heaved up 80 x 40kg kettlebell snatches yesterday lunch and got myself off the bottom spot.
Stay strong Rob
ATLETICO DE MADRID BACK IN CHAMPIONS AFTER 11 YEARS (SEE VIDEO)
It was a magical night at the Vicent Calderon stadium as ATLETICODE MADRID managed to turn a 1-0 disadvantage into a 4-0 victoryover German Club SCHALKE 04 to qualify for this years ChampionsLeague. Atletico return to the maximium level in European Footballafter an 11 year absence.SERGIO AGUERO was vital & the man of the match as not onlydid he score the 1ºst goal with a header in the 18th min,
Two (Resold) Tickets to Paradise
As a NY Jets fan, the start of a new NFL season brings new hope. Hope that this might be the first time that the Jets make it to a Super Bowl in my lifetime, and hope that someone I know (let’s call him, “Fabe Geldman”) does not buy counterfeit tickets outside the stadium. I'll save the Super Bowl discussion and my pain in seeing Chad Pennington in a Dolphins uniform for another time and focus on the ticket issue here.
As first announced back in December 2007, the NFL launched its secondary ticket partnership with Ticketmaster in time for the upcoming NFL season. Through this ticket exchange, fans will be able to buy and sell tickets to all games for the 2008 season. According to an article in USA Today, the NFL and its teams will not limit how much fans can resell their tickets for over the face value of the ticket, and fans will be permitted to resell their tickets through other sites such as StubHub. This continues the evolution of the secondary ticket market in pro sports and the move away from anti-scalping laws. Rather than fight the secondary ticket brokers, the NFL, like MLB last year, has decided to join them.
Why the shift? Well, the most obvious answer is that the NFL and Ticketmaster want a piece of the secondary ticket market pie. Total revenue from tickets sales for the NFL last year was about $1.8 billion, with an average ticket price of just over $67. According to the NFL, 5-10% of those tickets were resold on the secondary ticket market. The NFL obviously wants a piece of that 5-10%, and is essentially looking to sell the same ticket twice (or more). I haven’t seen the financial terms of the deal, but Ticketmaster is (not surprisingly) charging an “authentication and ticketFast fee” for the purchase of tickets through the ticket exchange.
Another factor (though perhaps not quite as powerful as the leagues’ economic interests) may be the recognition that anti-scalping and anti-reselling laws and policies are not very effective or efficient. Anti-scalping laws were originally enacted to limit the resale of tickets to sporting events on the belief that allowing the reselling of tickets would lead to higher prices and an “unfair” distribution of tickets to the wealthy. In an interesting study done by Craig Depken (“Another Look at anti-scalping laws: Theory and Evidence,” 130 Public Choice 55 (2006)), however, evidence showed that the face value of ticket prices for baseball and football games were actually higher in states with anti-scalping laws. And, the prevailing wisdom seems to be that the growth of an easily accessible and free secondary ticket market leads to a more efficient and fair system for customers on at least three levels.
First, secondary markets such as StubHub and the new Tickemaster ticket exchange provide an easy way for ticket holders to sell unwanted tickets. In many cases, this creates a market for tickets at a price lower than face value (and serves a benefit to the original ticket holder who is able to get some money for the ticket).
Second, it protects against the sale of counterfeit tickets.
Third, it allows for a more efficient allocation of tickets (and a correction of the “mispricing” of the original ticket). If Fan A buys a ticket for $60, and Fan B values that ticket at $150, it is a more efficient result for Fan B to pay $150 to Fan A for the ticket than for Fan A to go to the game and for Fan B to spend his/her money elsewhere. Granted, some may vehemently disagree with this definition of efficiency (and with the notion that the NFL and Ticketmaster should get a share of that money), but I think we can all agree that this result is more efficient than Fan B (aka, Fabe Geldman) buying a counterfeit ticket from “Fan” C.
I am curious to see what impact these organized and league-approved secondary ticket markets have on ticket prices—both in the primary and secondary market. The reselling of tickets—either by scalpers, ticket brokers, or formal ticket exchanges—has always provided an opportunity for consumers to get a good deal on a ticket that is in low demand (or that a seller must quickly sell) or for consumers to pay a premium to get access to tickets that are in great demand. Will these new ticket exchanges lead to more good deals and higher premiums than would exist without the exchanges? And, will this correction of the “mispricing” of the original ticket have any impact on the face value of tickets in the coming years?
As first announced back in December 2007, the NFL launched its secondary ticket partnership with Ticketmaster in time for the upcoming NFL season. Through this ticket exchange, fans will be able to buy and sell tickets to all games for the 2008 season. According to an article in USA Today, the NFL and its teams will not limit how much fans can resell their tickets for over the face value of the ticket, and fans will be permitted to resell their tickets through other sites such as StubHub. This continues the evolution of the secondary ticket market in pro sports and the move away from anti-scalping laws. Rather than fight the secondary ticket brokers, the NFL, like MLB last year, has decided to join them.
Why the shift? Well, the most obvious answer is that the NFL and Ticketmaster want a piece of the secondary ticket market pie. Total revenue from tickets sales for the NFL last year was about $1.8 billion, with an average ticket price of just over $67. According to the NFL, 5-10% of those tickets were resold on the secondary ticket market. The NFL obviously wants a piece of that 5-10%, and is essentially looking to sell the same ticket twice (or more). I haven’t seen the financial terms of the deal, but Ticketmaster is (not surprisingly) charging an “authentication and ticketFast fee” for the purchase of tickets through the ticket exchange.
Another factor (though perhaps not quite as powerful as the leagues’ economic interests) may be the recognition that anti-scalping and anti-reselling laws and policies are not very effective or efficient. Anti-scalping laws were originally enacted to limit the resale of tickets to sporting events on the belief that allowing the reselling of tickets would lead to higher prices and an “unfair” distribution of tickets to the wealthy. In an interesting study done by Craig Depken (“Another Look at anti-scalping laws: Theory and Evidence,” 130 Public Choice 55 (2006)), however, evidence showed that the face value of ticket prices for baseball and football games were actually higher in states with anti-scalping laws. And, the prevailing wisdom seems to be that the growth of an easily accessible and free secondary ticket market leads to a more efficient and fair system for customers on at least three levels.
First, secondary markets such as StubHub and the new Tickemaster ticket exchange provide an easy way for ticket holders to sell unwanted tickets. In many cases, this creates a market for tickets at a price lower than face value (and serves a benefit to the original ticket holder who is able to get some money for the ticket).
Second, it protects against the sale of counterfeit tickets.
Third, it allows for a more efficient allocation of tickets (and a correction of the “mispricing” of the original ticket). If Fan A buys a ticket for $60, and Fan B values that ticket at $150, it is a more efficient result for Fan B to pay $150 to Fan A for the ticket than for Fan A to go to the game and for Fan B to spend his/her money elsewhere. Granted, some may vehemently disagree with this definition of efficiency (and with the notion that the NFL and Ticketmaster should get a share of that money), but I think we can all agree that this result is more efficient than Fan B (aka, Fabe Geldman) buying a counterfeit ticket from “Fan” C.
I am curious to see what impact these organized and league-approved secondary ticket markets have on ticket prices—both in the primary and secondary market. The reselling of tickets—either by scalpers, ticket brokers, or formal ticket exchanges—has always provided an opportunity for consumers to get a good deal on a ticket that is in low demand (or that a seller must quickly sell) or for consumers to pay a premium to get access to tickets that are in great demand. Will these new ticket exchanges lead to more good deals and higher premiums than would exist without the exchanges? And, will this correction of the “mispricing” of the original ticket have any impact on the face value of tickets in the coming years?
SFS BACK FROM INDIA & SEES PLENTY OF NEWS
Hi SFS readers, just got back from India after 10 crazy days of humidity,hassling street sellers, rip-offs, elephant rides, ricksaws, sights , chaos& sounds that put the mind in another dimension. However, my returnback to Spain sees that SFS has missed out on action & there´s beenplenty of news generated in its absence:1. Real Madrid beat Valencia to comeback in the 2º leg & grab the
The NCAA's "No Agent" Rule Discriminates Against Baseball Players
Aaron Fitt of Baseball America wrote an excellent article this week that really delves into the issue of the impracticality of the NCAA's "no agent" rule in the sport of baseball (Secret Agent Deals: NCAA Has Rules on Agents, But They're Rarely Enforced, subscription only). In a 2005 law review article, I discussed how baseball is unique from football and basketball because amateur players in baseball have NCAA eligibility remaining before and after the draft. Essentially, baseball players have to be concerned about being disciplined for retaining an agent, whereas football and basketball players don't. I proposed that the NCAA make an exception for baseball allowing players to be represented by an agent so as to put them on par with amateur football and basketball players, but with established guidelines that clearly define the nature of the player-agent relationship and the rights and obligations of the player and agent (regarding agent fees, services to be performed, rights of termination, etc.) pursuant to a standard form representation agreement similar to the NFLPA's standard rep. agreement. Fitt highlighted my article and my proposal. It's nice to see this issue getting some attention now, and Andy Oliver's lawsuit against the NCAA is the impetus for it.
In his article, Fitt discussed the "industry norm" of players being represented by agents and he interviewed scouting directors, college coaches and agents, all of whom confirmed it:
From my perspective, I just never understood the NCAA's position that drawing a line between a permissible "advisor" and impermissible "agent" is essential to preserving the line between amateurism and professionalism. Why is it that a discussion between the agent and club about the prospect of signing a contract (impermissible) is so materially different than a discussion between the agent and player about the prospect of signing a contract (permissible)? The agent-advisor distinction simply has no bearing on being, or even becoming, a professional. In other words, a player's prospect of signing a professional contract is determined by the draft, not by whether the player has an adviser or an agent or no adviser or agent. So what we are really talking about here is how much money the player is eventually going to sign for, which is where the value of an agent or adviser does come into play. Surely, the NCAA can't be concerned with how much money the player is going to get!
Fitt notes that even college coaches, like Louisiana State's Paul Mainieri—a former president of the ABCA himself—see plenty of sense in my proposal. "To be honest with you—and people in the NCAA may be angry with me for saying this—but I don't really see the problem with a representative talking to a team about a player," Mainieri said. "I would much rather my player not be distracted while he's playing the season. How would an organization determine the signability of my player if he doesn't have a chance to talk to him? So if you've got 30 different organizations trying to talk to my player and we're trying to win a regional or super-regional or whatever, it's very difficult for a player to concentrate on baseball."
In his article, Fitt discussed the "industry norm" of players being represented by agents and he interviewed scouting directors, college coaches and agents, all of whom confirmed it:
- "Every single player that we deal with—I don't care what round you're talking about—has representation, has an agent," said an American League scouting director. "It's been that way for the last four or five years, and I'm talking even about kids drafted in the 28th round. It's a prerequisite now. These agents are barraging us with telephone calls before we even select a player. I can't even tell you how early agents try to call us and sell us on a player. It starts way before the draft. Those aren't calls that I initiate, but I'm not going to hang up on the guy. The problem is I guess the NCAA's problem, and it's wide and far and deep, but it's not an issue for us, it really isn't....The college coaches know these guys are represented. You'd think the NCAA would get more involved if they care, because we're playing a charade here if we think these players are representing themselves, and it's just family advisers after they get drafted. That's kind of a joke."
- "The kids need advice, that's precisely why they pick up an adviser," said Vanderbilt coach Tim Corbin, president of the American Baseball Coaches Association. "At the same time there's a rule against (agents representing players) and it's basically ignored by everyone. People will get away with whatever they can get away with. If there's no standards or guidelines or it's not followed up on, people are going to take advantage. If you're going to have a rule like that, you need to have some stick-toitiveness. At the college level, I don't think administrators understand this part of college baseball, the recruiting part of it, where there is this type of activity going on. I just don't think people know enough about it."
From my perspective, I just never understood the NCAA's position that drawing a line between a permissible "advisor" and impermissible "agent" is essential to preserving the line between amateurism and professionalism. Why is it that a discussion between the agent and club about the prospect of signing a contract (impermissible) is so materially different than a discussion between the agent and player about the prospect of signing a contract (permissible)? The agent-advisor distinction simply has no bearing on being, or even becoming, a professional. In other words, a player's prospect of signing a professional contract is determined by the draft, not by whether the player has an adviser or an agent or no adviser or agent. So what we are really talking about here is how much money the player is eventually going to sign for, which is where the value of an agent or adviser does come into play. Surely, the NCAA can't be concerned with how much money the player is going to get!
Fitt notes that even college coaches, like Louisiana State's Paul Mainieri—a former president of the ABCA himself—see plenty of sense in my proposal. "To be honest with you—and people in the NCAA may be angry with me for saying this—but I don't really see the problem with a representative talking to a team about a player," Mainieri said. "I would much rather my player not be distracted while he's playing the season. How would an organization determine the signability of my player if he doesn't have a chance to talk to him? So if you've got 30 different organizations trying to talk to my player and we're trying to win a regional or super-regional or whatever, it's very difficult for a player to concentrate on baseball."
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Valantin Dikul Training
Valantin Dikul Training
What type of training did Russian Super Strongman Valantin Dikul actually do?
I have searched all over to find zilch on what actual training he did. So if any has any info then post it over please. However..........................
Well we know he was a powerlifter and a kettlebell lifter so we can make the assumption that he did powerlifting and kettlebells together which as we know is a superb combination. Valantin Dikul was also a circus strongman, so one would assume he spent hours upon hours learning the tircks of the trade, as these things don't just happen to be possible when you are strong. Things such as rolling 40kg balls around you head like a football and bending coins bewteen your fingers.
At a guess I would imagine Valantin Dikul did regular style powerlifting training using the 5x5 system as his bread and butter and worked down to singles aswell judging by what weights he has lifted. I'm almost sure he didn't do any Westside Style also:)
As for kettlebell training I would imagine he also worked very hard at this too, due to the extreme size and weight of his 80kg kettlebells. I can see him performing heavy kettlebell flips, heavy clean and jerk as this works very nicely into the kettlebell snatch which is one of his signature moves in his routine. Also, as a circus performer you would think that he would also practice his actual routine which involved multiple 80kg kettlebell flips, side flips and swings into kettlebell split snatches (awesome to see)
So in a way Valantin Dikul has utilised the kettlebell in a way that most of us don't using the split style. This got left behind with olympic lifting when many switched to the shoulder width jerk/press style (sorry to O lifters).
So we can learn from this that the split style jerk/snatch is still a very useful tool for kettlebell trainig ans sports people as there is a lot of benefit to be gained from this very athletic movement.
If you've never seen his stuff here it is again
Valantin Dikul Training
What type of training did Russian Super Strongman Valantin Dikul actually do?
I have searched all over to find zilch on what actual training he did. So if any has any info then post it over please. However..........................
Well we know he was a powerlifter and a kettlebell lifter so we can make the assumption that he did powerlifting and kettlebells together which as we know is a superb combination. Valantin Dikul was also a circus strongman, so one would assume he spent hours upon hours learning the tircks of the trade, as these things don't just happen to be possible when you are strong. Things such as rolling 40kg balls around you head like a football and bending coins bewteen your fingers.
At a guess I would imagine Valantin Dikul did regular style powerlifting training using the 5x5 system as his bread and butter and worked down to singles aswell judging by what weights he has lifted. I'm almost sure he didn't do any Westside Style also:)
As for kettlebell training I would imagine he also worked very hard at this too, due to the extreme size and weight of his 80kg kettlebells. I can see him performing heavy kettlebell flips, heavy clean and jerk as this works very nicely into the kettlebell snatch which is one of his signature moves in his routine. Also, as a circus performer you would think that he would also practice his actual routine which involved multiple 80kg kettlebell flips, side flips and swings into kettlebell split snatches (awesome to see)
So in a way Valantin Dikul has utilised the kettlebell in a way that most of us don't using the split style. This got left behind with olympic lifting when many switched to the shoulder width jerk/press style (sorry to O lifters).
So we can learn from this that the split style jerk/snatch is still a very useful tool for kettlebell trainig ans sports people as there is a lot of benefit to be gained from this very athletic movement.
If you've never seen his stuff here it is again
Valantin Dikul Training
When young players are "too good"
No time to analyze this, but I wanted to call attention to this story about a youth baseball league in New Haven that has prohibited a 9-year-old on one team from pitching because he is "too good" (he throws 40 MPH, apparently with control) and now has taken steps to disband the team. There also seem to be some sub-surface issues about personal disputes between the adults running the league.
Sometimes, there is nothing to say.
Sometimes, there is nothing to say.
The Inver Stone
The Inver Stone
Again un related to the old kettlebells but none the less very physical.
Had a go at lifting the Inver Stone whilst in Scotland. The Inver Stone is based opposite the Inver Hotel in Crathie and is a large 265lb stone of sheer akwardness.
Managed a lift to chest but no press. I have not been training for this but sure will be doing my bit to be able to overhead press this baby next year.
I imagine many unusual objects including sandbags, thick bars, log bars, stones and even uneven weighted kettlebells will be pressed overhead to achieve this over the forthcoming 12 months.
Bring it on!!
Again un related to the old kettlebells but none the less very physical.
Had a go at lifting the Inver Stone whilst in Scotland. The Inver Stone is based opposite the Inver Hotel in Crathie and is a large 265lb stone of sheer akwardness.
Managed a lift to chest but no press. I have not been training for this but sure will be doing my bit to be able to overhead press this baby next year.
I imagine many unusual objects including sandbags, thick bars, log bars, stones and even uneven weighted kettlebells will be pressed overhead to achieve this over the forthcoming 12 months.
Bring it on!!
Monday, August 25, 2008
NFL Seeking Congressional Support to Exempt Top Exec Salaries from Public View
As Howard and TaxProf Paul Caron noted last week, the NFL is fighting public disclosure of top league executive salaries (other than that of the commissioner). According to an article published on BNA today, the NFL will continue this effort. The article features comments by attorney Martin Gold (Covington & Burling), who explained:
"Discussions are ongoing to see if there is a consensus among parties in Congress who have taken an interest in this matter."
Sunday, August 24, 2008
The Dinnie Stones
Dinnie Stones
Just returned from my holiday to Scotland.
Although not related to the kettlebells but possibly similar (big weights with big handles)
Here's a vid of me successfully lifting both Dinnie Stones Unassisted (without deadlift straps).
When last weighed the stones weighed in at 187kg and 146kg a total off 333kg or 734lbs.
They certainly did feel heavy and put a fair old strain on my abs which was nice but got a real BUZZ from lifting them.
Just returned from my holiday to Scotland.
Although not related to the kettlebells but possibly similar (big weights with big handles)
Here's a vid of me successfully lifting both Dinnie Stones Unassisted (without deadlift straps).
When last weighed the stones weighed in at 187kg and 146kg a total off 333kg or 734lbs.
They certainly did feel heavy and put a fair old strain on my abs which was nice but got a real BUZZ from lifting them.
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Separate marathons
Why don't they run the men's and women's Olympic marathons together? They run every other world-class marathon together. And this is the one sport (or event) in which space, rules, and logistics allow the separate competitions to be played simultaneously. And wouldn't it be a nice symbol for gender equity?
Update: Sunday, 7:30 a.m.
In response to Joshue'a comment that inertia trumps absent a compelling reason for combining them, let me rework my point to make it an assertion rather than a question: They should run both marathons together. The compelling reasons for doing so are that they run all other road races together anyway, the symbolic value of having men and women compete together is socially meaningful and furthers one element of the "Olympic spirit," and this is one sport where they can compete together--the fastest women run about 11 minutes behind the fastest men and the logistics allow it.
So I hereby propose this change for 2012.
Update: Sunday, 7:30 a.m.
In response to Joshue'a comment that inertia trumps absent a compelling reason for combining them, let me rework my point to make it an assertion rather than a question: They should run both marathons together. The compelling reasons for doing so are that they run all other road races together anyway, the symbolic value of having men and women compete together is socially meaningful and furthers one element of the "Olympic spirit," and this is one sport where they can compete together--the fastest women run about 11 minutes behind the fastest men and the logistics allow it.
So I hereby propose this change for 2012.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Girevoy Sport Training Routines
Girevoy Sport Training Routines
How would you train for a Girevoy competition?
Good question! Any ideas??
Well if I was to enter a Kettlebell comp (which I fully intend to in the future), I would certainly apply some of the knowledge I have gained through training with kettlebells over the last several years.
There are certainly a few key points I would use to train for a kettlbell competition.
1. Kettlebell ladders Click here if you don't know what they are.
They're definitely a must to acrue volume to your girevoy sport training routine, get a lot of work done fast.
2. Greasing the groove GTG Go here for an explanation by Pavel at Dragondoor
3. Use different weighted kettlebells. Never get stuck in a rut with your kettlebell routine. Try using heavier weights for less reps to build strength and depth into your fitness. You'll certainly go stale on a continous high rep program. Alternate between heavy and lighter sessions.
4. Train short and often. Similar to greasing the groove principle. I manage to get many short but frequent training sessions in every week.
5. When all else fails or you start hitting plateaus try harder. Only joking! Although some girevoy sport trainers may feel they've hit a plateau they probably haven't. In my opinion only top level athletes hit plateaus as they're training day in day out yearly. In this case I would recommend seriously timing and using percentage style periodization to guide your training. Something I currently feel strongly against as it takes away a lot of the fun in training for me.
6. Increase the volume of your training in a wave (wave cycle)fashion
As an example of this style of training
Week 1: Total kettlebell snatches = 500 reps
Week 2: Total kettlebell snatches = 600 reps
Week 3: Total kettlebell snatches = 700 reps
Week 4: Total kettlebell snatches = 400 reps
Week 5: Total kettlebell snatches = 600 reps
Week 6: Total kettlebell snatches = 700 reps
Week 7: Total kettlebell snatches = 800 reps
Week 8: Total kettlebell snatches = 500 reps
This is an example of a very simple wave routine. Almost periodization but not as complex.
6. Taper off before your kettlebell competition. Make sure you reduce your training volume before a kettlebell competition. Don't train right upto it a fluff it at the last hurdle.
So there we go plenty of food for thought. Your girevoy sport training routine doesn't need to be too complex. Progression is the key and plenty of variety to avoid staleness.
Girevoy Sport Training Routines
How would you train for a Girevoy competition?
Good question! Any ideas??
Well if I was to enter a Kettlebell comp (which I fully intend to in the future), I would certainly apply some of the knowledge I have gained through training with kettlebells over the last several years.
There are certainly a few key points I would use to train for a kettlbell competition.
1. Kettlebell ladders Click here if you don't know what they are.
They're definitely a must to acrue volume to your girevoy sport training routine, get a lot of work done fast.
2. Greasing the groove GTG Go here for an explanation by Pavel at Dragondoor
3. Use different weighted kettlebells. Never get stuck in a rut with your kettlebell routine. Try using heavier weights for less reps to build strength and depth into your fitness. You'll certainly go stale on a continous high rep program. Alternate between heavy and lighter sessions.
4. Train short and often. Similar to greasing the groove principle. I manage to get many short but frequent training sessions in every week.
5. When all else fails or you start hitting plateaus try harder. Only joking! Although some girevoy sport trainers may feel they've hit a plateau they probably haven't. In my opinion only top level athletes hit plateaus as they're training day in day out yearly. In this case I would recommend seriously timing and using percentage style periodization to guide your training. Something I currently feel strongly against as it takes away a lot of the fun in training for me.
6. Increase the volume of your training in a wave (wave cycle)fashion
As an example of this style of training
Week 1: Total kettlebell snatches = 500 reps
Week 2: Total kettlebell snatches = 600 reps
Week 3: Total kettlebell snatches = 700 reps
Week 4: Total kettlebell snatches = 400 reps
Week 5: Total kettlebell snatches = 600 reps
Week 6: Total kettlebell snatches = 700 reps
Week 7: Total kettlebell snatches = 800 reps
Week 8: Total kettlebell snatches = 500 reps
This is an example of a very simple wave routine. Almost periodization but not as complex.
6. Taper off before your kettlebell competition. Make sure you reduce your training volume before a kettlebell competition. Don't train right upto it a fluff it at the last hurdle.
So there we go plenty of food for thought. Your girevoy sport training routine doesn't need to be too complex. Progression is the key and plenty of variety to avoid staleness.
Girevoy Sport Training Routines
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Tom Crean Better be "Mr. Clean"
Tropical storm Fay is getting closer and has caused us to shut down school today and tomorrow. So it's a good time to blog about IU's new contract with head basketball coach Tom Crean signed last week and announced yesterday -- a 10-year deal that could be worth up to $23.6M. Mark Alesia of The Indianapolis Star highlights the fact that Crean's contract "includes far more strict language on rules compliance, disciplinary action and personal behavior than that of his predecessor, Kelvin Sampson." IU spokesman Larry MacIntyre told Alesia, "Obviously, after our experience, president (Michael) McRobbie wants to make sure we never undergo anything like that again, and I don't think we will with Tom Crean."
The provisions in Crean's contract regarding NCAA rules compliance and for cause termination are definitely stricter than Sampson's, and are some of the most stringent provisions I have ever seen in a college coach's contract. A complete copy of the agreement can be accessed here.
For starters, Section 2.01 A. 2. creates an obligation of "strict adherence" with all NCAA rules, including strict compliance by assistant coaches, staff, players and all other individuals under his direct or indirect supervision, direction or control. In the event of any violation of NCAA rules by any of such individuals (including the university), or any act or omission that may give rise to a violation of NCAA rules, Section 2.02 provides that IU, in its sole discretion, may take any disciplinary or corrective action against Crean as determined by IU. [Yes, that is what it actually says.]
The for cause termination language in Section 6.02 B. is also very favorable to IU. Among the definitions of "Cause" worth noting are (1) any violation of Section 2.01 [see 6.02 B.1.] and (2) any act or omission of Crean that may give rise to a finding of a violation of any NCAA rules [see 6.02 B.3.]. Compare those definitions with the definitions of cause in Sampson’s contract, which required (1) “a significant, intentional, repetitive violation of any law, rule (or) regulation” of the NCAA; (2) “failure to maintain an environment in which the coaching staff complies with NCAA … regulations”; and (3) in IU's “sole judgment” Sampson’s conduct “reflects adversely upon the university and its athletic program.” It is also worth comparing Crean's contract with the for cause termination language in Jim O'Brien's contract with Ohio State, which required "a material breach" by O'Brien or "an NCAA violation that results in a major infraction investigation and which results in a finding of a lack of institutional control or sanctions imposed upon Ohio State." Section 6.02 B.3. is something all schools may want to take note of, because it permits the school to fire the coach for cause prior to a final determination by the NCAA, which is favorable to the school if confronted with a wrongful termination claim.
Last but not least, Section 6.02 C. contains a highly unusual process for terminating Crean for cause. The athletics director may, in his sole discretion, make a determination that "Cause" exists, without conducting any prior review or investigation, in which case the university can immediately suspend him without pay. Crean then has the right to have the AD's determination reviewed by the university President, and if the President decides that the AD's determination was proper, the effective date of termination for cause commences on a date determined by the President.
And if you're thinking that Crean would still be able to challenge a for cause termination in court, the contract further provides that the decision of the President "shall be final and binding on the Employee for all purposes" and that it is "the exclusive procedure that will apply to any determination (or review or appeal of any determination) of Cause sufficient to terminate the employment of the Employee." Interestingly, if President McRobbie resigns or is terminated, then Crean has the right to renegotiate a post-termination procedure that includes "impartial members of the University community."
In summary, IU can do whatever it wants to Crean if he or any member of his staff or any player does anything that results in a violation of any NCAA rules or that may give rise to a potential violation, regardless of whether Crean knew about it and regardless of whether a minor or major infraction. The agreement essentially imposes strict liability on Crean and makes him vicariously liable for the acts and omissions of anybody under his direction or control. I know there are some out there who would say, "What's the big deal? If he keeps a clean program then he has nothing to worry about." Well, Tom Crean could be Mother Teresa and it wouldn't guarantee a clean program in today's compliance environment.
The provisions in Crean's contract regarding NCAA rules compliance and for cause termination are definitely stricter than Sampson's, and are some of the most stringent provisions I have ever seen in a college coach's contract. A complete copy of the agreement can be accessed here.
For starters, Section 2.01 A. 2. creates an obligation of "strict adherence" with all NCAA rules, including strict compliance by assistant coaches, staff, players and all other individuals under his direct or indirect supervision, direction or control. In the event of any violation of NCAA rules by any of such individuals (including the university), or any act or omission that may give rise to a violation of NCAA rules, Section 2.02 provides that IU, in its sole discretion, may take any disciplinary or corrective action against Crean as determined by IU. [Yes, that is what it actually says.]
The for cause termination language in Section 6.02 B. is also very favorable to IU. Among the definitions of "Cause" worth noting are (1) any violation of Section 2.01 [see 6.02 B.1.] and (2) any act or omission of Crean that may give rise to a finding of a violation of any NCAA rules [see 6.02 B.3.]. Compare those definitions with the definitions of cause in Sampson’s contract, which required (1) “a significant, intentional, repetitive violation of any law, rule (or) regulation” of the NCAA; (2) “failure to maintain an environment in which the coaching staff complies with NCAA … regulations”; and (3) in IU's “sole judgment” Sampson’s conduct “reflects adversely upon the university and its athletic program.” It is also worth comparing Crean's contract with the for cause termination language in Jim O'Brien's contract with Ohio State, which required "a material breach" by O'Brien or "an NCAA violation that results in a major infraction investigation and which results in a finding of a lack of institutional control or sanctions imposed upon Ohio State." Section 6.02 B.3. is something all schools may want to take note of, because it permits the school to fire the coach for cause prior to a final determination by the NCAA, which is favorable to the school if confronted with a wrongful termination claim.
Last but not least, Section 6.02 C. contains a highly unusual process for terminating Crean for cause. The athletics director may, in his sole discretion, make a determination that "Cause" exists, without conducting any prior review or investigation, in which case the university can immediately suspend him without pay. Crean then has the right to have the AD's determination reviewed by the university President, and if the President decides that the AD's determination was proper, the effective date of termination for cause commences on a date determined by the President.
And if you're thinking that Crean would still be able to challenge a for cause termination in court, the contract further provides that the decision of the President "shall be final and binding on the Employee for all purposes" and that it is "the exclusive procedure that will apply to any determination (or review or appeal of any determination) of Cause sufficient to terminate the employment of the Employee." Interestingly, if President McRobbie resigns or is terminated, then Crean has the right to renegotiate a post-termination procedure that includes "impartial members of the University community."
In summary, IU can do whatever it wants to Crean if he or any member of his staff or any player does anything that results in a violation of any NCAA rules or that may give rise to a potential violation, regardless of whether Crean knew about it and regardless of whether a minor or major infraction. The agreement essentially imposes strict liability on Crean and makes him vicariously liable for the acts and omissions of anybody under his direction or control. I know there are some out there who would say, "What's the big deal? If he keeps a clean program then he has nothing to worry about." Well, Tom Crean could be Mother Teresa and it wouldn't guarantee a clean program in today's compliance environment.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
The Return of The Single Entity Defense for Sports Leagues
The Seventh Circuit ruled yesterday in American Needle v. NFL (No. 07-4006) that NFL teams act as a single entity “when promoting NFL football through licensing teams’ intellectual property“ and are therefore not subject to scrutiny under Section 1 of the Sherman Act.
To give some brief background on this case, the plaintiff (American Needle) designs, manufactures, and sells apparel bearing the names and marks of pro sports teams. For more than 20 years, American Needle held a non-exclusive license from the NFL to manufacture and sell headwear with each of the NFL’s team logos. In 2000, the NFL teams authorized NFL Properties to solicit bids from vendors for an exclusive headwear license. Reebok won the bidding war and received a 10-year exclusive license. At that point, American Needle’s non-exclusive license was terminated and it responded by filing an antitrust claim against the NFL, NFL Properties, each of the NFL teams, and Reebok. The district court granted summary judgment for the NFL defendants, ruling that the NFL and the NFL teams “act as a single entity in licensing their intellectual property.” The district court opinion was discussed here.
The single entity issue is obviously very important and has been the subject of much debate over the years, and I plan to discuss that issue and this case in more detail later on, but I just wanted to give my quick reaction after reading the Seventh Circuit opinion.
The court starts from the premise that, under Copperweld (467 U.S. 752 (1984)), “when making a single entity determination, courts must examine whether the conduct in question deprives the marketplace of the independent sources of economic control that competition assumes.” The court then jumps to the conclusion that:
Assuming, for the sake of argument, the court’s analysis is correct for the single entity issue in those limited circumstances, I don’t see how that answers the single entity question when the activity in question is the sale of NFL-logoed headwear. Yes, the NFL teams have a shared interest in the survival of the NFL (because, under the court’s argument, they don’t exist unless the NFL exists), but does that also mean that the NFL teams have a shared interest (or an independent source of economic control) when selling hats with their team logos on it? It seems to me that the correct answer to that question has more to do with the fact that NFL teams share merchandising revenue equally than Zen riddles. Yet, the Seventh Circuit does not even specifically mention this fact in its opinion, instead choosing to rely on the generic notion of a shared interested in “promoting the NFL” through the sale of logoed wool hats.
There is at least one other troubling aspect of the opinion. The court asserts that: “Simply put, nothing in Section 1 prohibits the NFL teams from cooperating so the league can compete against other entertainment providers. Indeed, antitrust law encourages cooperation inside a business organization—such as, in this case, a professional sports league—to foster competition between that organization and its competitors.” Is the court concluding that the NFL is in the same relevant market as all other entertainment providers (and what is an “entertainment provider”?)? Based on what? And is the Seventh Circuit referring to the market for games (live or televised?) or the market for logoed apparel? I am all for streamlining the determination of the relevant market, but this seems a bit extreme.
I’m not surprised that American Needle lost the case—I thought this would have been a relatively easy rule of reason win for the NFL. I am surprised, though, that this case was disposed of based on the single entity issue. The holding in this case is fairly narrow, but the single entity argument for sports leagues is officially alive (at least in the Seventh Circuit), and I suspect the leagues will do their best to expand its use in future cases.
To give some brief background on this case, the plaintiff (American Needle) designs, manufactures, and sells apparel bearing the names and marks of pro sports teams. For more than 20 years, American Needle held a non-exclusive license from the NFL to manufacture and sell headwear with each of the NFL’s team logos. In 2000, the NFL teams authorized NFL Properties to solicit bids from vendors for an exclusive headwear license. Reebok won the bidding war and received a 10-year exclusive license. At that point, American Needle’s non-exclusive license was terminated and it responded by filing an antitrust claim against the NFL, NFL Properties, each of the NFL teams, and Reebok. The district court granted summary judgment for the NFL defendants, ruling that the NFL and the NFL teams “act as a single entity in licensing their intellectual property.” The district court opinion was discussed here.
The single entity issue is obviously very important and has been the subject of much debate over the years, and I plan to discuss that issue and this case in more detail later on, but I just wanted to give my quick reaction after reading the Seventh Circuit opinion.
The court starts from the premise that, under Copperweld (467 U.S. 752 (1984)), “when making a single entity determination, courts must examine whether the conduct in question deprives the marketplace of the independent sources of economic control that competition assumes.” The court then jumps to the conclusion that:
NFL teams can function only as one source of economic power when collectively producing NFL football. Asserting that a single football team could produce a football game is less of a legal argument then [sic] it is a Zen riddle: Who wins when a football team plays itself? It thus follows that only one source of economic power controls the promotion of NFL football; it makes little sense to assert that each individual team has the authority, if not the responsibility, to promote the jointly produced NFL football. Indeed, the NFL defendants introduced uncontradicted evidence that the NFL teams share a vital economic interest in collectively promoting NFL football.Putting aside the need for some new Zen riddles, I’m not sure I follow the court’s reasoning, and the opinion seems to conflate the single entity analysis with the ancillary restraints doctrine (discussed in the comments to Rick’s post). Nearly every judge and commentator has concluded (sometimes even without a Zen reference) that some degree of cooperation among individual sports teams is necessary for a sports league to exist. To use a simple example, the Jets can’t play the Patriots unless both teams agree to play a game on a certain date, with certain rules of the game, etc. Courts have relied on the necessity of this cooperation to permit sports leagues to avoid per se illegality in Section 1 cases, but the Seventh Circuit seems to be taking the argument to the other extreme and arguing that NFL teams should be considered a single entity whenever they agree on rules that allow them to play the game (ie, that are necessary for the product to exist).
Assuming, for the sake of argument, the court’s analysis is correct for the single entity issue in those limited circumstances, I don’t see how that answers the single entity question when the activity in question is the sale of NFL-logoed headwear. Yes, the NFL teams have a shared interest in the survival of the NFL (because, under the court’s argument, they don’t exist unless the NFL exists), but does that also mean that the NFL teams have a shared interest (or an independent source of economic control) when selling hats with their team logos on it? It seems to me that the correct answer to that question has more to do with the fact that NFL teams share merchandising revenue equally than Zen riddles. Yet, the Seventh Circuit does not even specifically mention this fact in its opinion, instead choosing to rely on the generic notion of a shared interested in “promoting the NFL” through the sale of logoed wool hats.
There is at least one other troubling aspect of the opinion. The court asserts that: “Simply put, nothing in Section 1 prohibits the NFL teams from cooperating so the league can compete against other entertainment providers. Indeed, antitrust law encourages cooperation inside a business organization—such as, in this case, a professional sports league—to foster competition between that organization and its competitors.” Is the court concluding that the NFL is in the same relevant market as all other entertainment providers (and what is an “entertainment provider”?)? Based on what? And is the Seventh Circuit referring to the market for games (live or televised?) or the market for logoed apparel? I am all for streamlining the determination of the relevant market, but this seems a bit extreme.
I’m not surprised that American Needle lost the case—I thought this would have been a relatively easy rule of reason win for the NFL. I am surprised, though, that this case was disposed of based on the single entity issue. The holding in this case is fairly narrow, but the single entity argument for sports leagues is officially alive (at least in the Seventh Circuit), and I suspect the leagues will do their best to expand its use in future cases.
Kettlebells Kettle Bells Kettleballs
Kettlebells Kettle Bells Kettleballs
Call them what you like! I've seen them spelt in almost everyway possible.
Kettlebells, kettle bells, kettleballs, kettle balls.
Kettle balls is a good one, possibly even a better description of what kettlebells really are. A kettle like ball.
Whatever you want to call them they're a superb tool for conditioning and strengthening your body to get fitter ans stronger than you've ever been before without feeling like you're seriously punishing yourself because they are so much fun you won't want to put the blessed thing down when you get hold of it.
Aside from whatever you wanna call a kettleball!! I'm in grand old scotland at the moment and although the weather is pretty bad I'm finding plenty of time to flip and snatch my kettlebell to prepare myslef for the Lonach Highland Games and gonna also have a crack at the Dinnie Stones in Potarch and the Inver Stone at the Inver Hotel.
I've been mixing in some serious grip, deadlift and stone lifting work to my regular kettlebell training sessions to train and prepare myself for this. So will be looking forward to that later today. Whatever the outcome I've enjoyed the training which has been a compliment to my kettlebell training sessions as it has helped train my grip strength for the lifting and also provided back off sessions when I've been over doing it. I have managed plenty of flipping with the 16kg and 24kg kettlebells for this purpose.
Kettlebells Kettle Bells Kettleballs?
Call them what you like! I've seen them spelt in almost everyway possible.
Kettlebells, kettle bells, kettleballs, kettle balls.
Kettle balls is a good one, possibly even a better description of what kettlebells really are. A kettle like ball.
Whatever you want to call them they're a superb tool for conditioning and strengthening your body to get fitter ans stronger than you've ever been before without feeling like you're seriously punishing yourself because they are so much fun you won't want to put the blessed thing down when you get hold of it.
Aside from whatever you wanna call a kettleball!! I'm in grand old scotland at the moment and although the weather is pretty bad I'm finding plenty of time to flip and snatch my kettlebell to prepare myslef for the Lonach Highland Games and gonna also have a crack at the Dinnie Stones in Potarch and the Inver Stone at the Inver Hotel.
I've been mixing in some serious grip, deadlift and stone lifting work to my regular kettlebell training sessions to train and prepare myself for this. So will be looking forward to that later today. Whatever the outcome I've enjoyed the training which has been a compliment to my kettlebell training sessions as it has helped train my grip strength for the lifting and also provided back off sessions when I've been over doing it. I have managed plenty of flipping with the 16kg and 24kg kettlebells for this purpose.
Kettlebells Kettle Bells Kettleballs?
Monday, August 18, 2008
Caestus 150kg kettlebell
Caestus 150kg kettlebell
This is absolutely mental and probably the Worlds biggest kettlebell at 150kg
You certainly could do soem serious kettlebell exercises for your abs with this monster kettlebell if you could only lift it off the floor.
Superb!
Find the original post on Caestus here
Sunday, August 17, 2008
SFS BACK THE 28TH OF AUGUST
SFS is off to INDIA for 10 days ...doing the Golden Triangleroute to finish in Benares & wash away its negative Karma.Obviously SFS will not have any access to Internet & will betotally focused in attempting to ride an Elephant at Jaipur,tackle travel on buses & on trains...plus avoid the "Delhi Belly" - if that is possible at all.There is plenty of reading on the below posts if desired & you can
SPANISH SUPER CUP 2008 1º LEG: VALENCIA DEFEATS REAL MADRID
The Spanish Football season for 2008/2009 kicked off tonight with thewinner of the Spanish Cup - VALENCIA CF - taking on "La Liga"Champion - REAL MADRID - in the 1ºst leg of the Spanish SuperCup 2008. This trophy traditionally heralds in the new season & tonightValencia took the glory with a 3-2 victory over Real MadridValencia looked good, real good tonight as they played sharp Football,was
SFS RECOMMENDS "BILLSPORTSMAPS.COM" - SEE NEW "LIGA" MAP FOR 2008/2009
SFS is fortunate to have its loyal readers & real Sports "freaks"(inthe most loving sense) surf in & share their knowledge. One case isBill, a fanatic of all kinds of statistics of which he creates colourful& informative Maps to give the numbers some "life"& meaning tous all.SFS announces that Bill will place on his web site:http://billsportsmaps.comthe new Map for the Spanish Football season
BEIJING 2008 - OLYMPIC TENNIS: RAFAEL NADAL WINS GOLD MEDAL IN MENS SINGLES (SEE VIDEO)
At the age of 22 Spaniard RAFAEL NADAL has already notched up30 individual titles ( including 4 French Open & 1 Wimbeldon), a DaviesCup title & now an Olympic Gold Medal after defeating ChileanFernando Gonzalez 6-3, 7-6, 6-3.To add to this years golden run, tomorrow Rafael Nadal will be officiallyacclaimed as the World´s Nº1 ranked player in Tennis, taking the spot offlong time "owner" Roger
MOTO GP: GOOD DAY FOR SPANISH RIDERS AT THE CZECH REP.
Moto GP got back today after its break with Spanish riders doingwell in all 3 catagories. The Czech Republic circuit gave margin for some great racing that brought along excitement & some surprises.In the Moto GP catagory, Italian Valentino Rossi won after AustralianWorld Champion Casey Stoner surprising fall while leading the raceahead of Rossi. Then battle for the 2º place gave the other
Kettlebell Clean and Press Workout
Kettlebell Clean and Press Workout
Had a great workout today.
Kettlebell clean ladder 40kg
1-6 reps each arm (up ladder only)
Double Kettlebell clean and press ladder 40kg x 2
1-7 reps each arm (up ladder only)
Double kettlebell jerk 40kg x 2
3 x 10 reps
Finished off with double kettlebell sumo swing 40kg x 2
3 x 10 reps
Cheers
Rob
Had a great workout today.
Kettlebell clean ladder 40kg
1-6 reps each arm (up ladder only)
Double Kettlebell clean and press ladder 40kg x 2
1-7 reps each arm (up ladder only)
Double kettlebell jerk 40kg x 2
3 x 10 reps
Finished off with double kettlebell sumo swing 40kg x 2
3 x 10 reps
Cheers
Rob
SEVILLA FC WINS THE "CARRANZA" TROPHY
After their semi-final pitch battle in defeating Villareal, SEVILLAFC got back to Football & defeated CADIZ 0-3 in yesterdaysfinal to take the prestigious "Carranza" Trophy.Two goals from Uruguayian CHEVANTON & one from ADRIANOgave the victory & sent "good vibrations" throughout the Club & fans before the start of the new season. Sevilla look good & will continue to be a strong & one of the main
Saturday, August 16, 2008
JOAN GAMPER TROPHY 2008: FC BARCELONA DEFEATS BOCA JUNIORS "IN EXTREMIS"(SEE VIDEO)
The Joan Gamper Trophy ( named after the founder of FCBARCELONA) is played traditionally every year with an invited top class team to celebrate the new season in front of the Barçamembers/fans. It´s a celebration were the Club presents the newsquad ( see foto below) before playing for the Trophy , with thisyears guests Argentine Club BOCA JUNIORS.It was Boca Juniors 5th visit for this trophy in
ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE KICKS OFF WITH GOAL FROM FERNANDO TORRES & MIKEL ARTETA
The English Premier League kicked off its 2008/09 season today& we got beamed the SUNDERLAND vs LIVERPOOL FC match.Liverpool always stimulates interest in Spain because of its SpanishManager & players.In a nut shell, Liverpool played badly until Xavi Alonso came on forthe 2º half & got his team moving the ball around. Then in the 82thmin FERNANDO TORRES got the ball & "powered" a furious shotfrom
Windmill and sidepress with Kettlebell
Windmill and sidepress with Kettlebell
Kettlebell Windmill
The windmill is a superb core conditioning exercise which requires some serious control and mobility to perform correctly. If you're new to the kettlebell windmill be very careful to introduce the exercise gradually to allow your lower back to adapt to the new movements and stresses.
Initially work up to 2-3 setsm of 1-5 reps using a light kettlebell until you are comfortable with the movement.
Steve Cotter Utube video of Windmill
Sidepress With Kettlebell
The sidepress is a variation of the kettlebell press and allows a greater weight to be lifted and in turn also exercises the lats somewhat. The advantage is gained through getting into a better mechanical position to lever the weight. This exercise is also a big portion of Pavels book 'Power to the People' which is done with a barbell but the principles are the same.
Basically shoulder the kettle bell and whilst pressing lean to the side and power drive the kettlebell to lockout.
Here Izzy Barish demos the difference between a side press and a bent press.
The bent press is a completely different entity to the sidepress and should not be confused as it is something totall different.
Now how about mixing these 2 exercises up and putting them together as one and creating the Windmill and sidepress with Kettlebell
Kettlebell Windmill
The windmill is a superb core conditioning exercise which requires some serious control and mobility to perform correctly. If you're new to the kettlebell windmill be very careful to introduce the exercise gradually to allow your lower back to adapt to the new movements and stresses.
Initially work up to 2-3 setsm of 1-5 reps using a light kettlebell until you are comfortable with the movement.
Steve Cotter Utube video of Windmill
Sidepress With Kettlebell
The sidepress is a variation of the kettlebell press and allows a greater weight to be lifted and in turn also exercises the lats somewhat. The advantage is gained through getting into a better mechanical position to lever the weight. This exercise is also a big portion of Pavels book 'Power to the People' which is done with a barbell but the principles are the same.
Basically shoulder the kettle bell and whilst pressing lean to the side and power drive the kettlebell to lockout.
Here Izzy Barish demos the difference between a side press and a bent press.
The bent press is a completely different entity to the sidepress and should not be confused as it is something totall different.
Now how about mixing these 2 exercises up and putting them together as one and creating the Windmill and sidepress with Kettlebell
SEVILLA FC DEFEATS VILLAREAL IN A "FRIENDLY" - WITH 4 RED CARDS???
SEVILLA FC met VILLAREAL in the semifinal of the summerTrophy - "CARRANZA of Cadiz" - & ended up as a mini - war that continued later in the dressing rooms.These summer tournaments are FRIENDLY games planned to fine tune the teams before the real stuff happens in the Liga.However, the motivation levels were beyond normal & the 2º half saw the situation explode with strong & dangeroustackles
Friday, August 15, 2008
Two Olympic thoughts . . .
sort of related to law and public policy.
1) This week, I watched the women's beach volleyball (a sport I actually have enjoyed watching) match between USA's Misty May-Treanor and Kerry Walsh (they of the frolicking with W while Russia invaded Georgia) and a team from Cuba. The match was a blowout and no one expected it to be close, so the announcers naturally had to find other stuff to talk about. Nothing unusual; announcers struggle to fill during bad games all the time.
What struck me as unusual was the content: Stories about how each one met her husband and of their first dates (which apparently involved some confusion about who was being fixed up with whom) and about what happens after the Olympics, when, the announcers told us five different times, both women would like to get pregnant. I am trying to remember watching a men's sporting event in which conversation turned to how the quarterback met his wife or about the point guard's family planning. Now, in fairness, perhaps it is more relevant for women athletes, who must put their careers on hold for at least a few months, although this story in Sports Illustrated discusses the athletic benefits of pregnancy and childbirth. But I could not get past the feeling that the announcers, needing filler, just wanted to talk about the personal lives of two attractive women whose uniform is a bikini.
2) Had the U.S. athletes not taken gold and silver in yesterday's individual women's gymnastics competition, the headlines this morning would have been about bizarre/unfair/corrupt judging. As it was, the judging did produce 1) apoplexy in the American commentators about inappropriately low scores for the U.S. athletes and inappropriately high scores for the Chinese and Russian athletes and 2) the sight of the head of the technical committee (the chief judge, sort of) walking over to the judges' table after the routine of USA's Nastia Liukin (the eventual winner), it would appear to lecture them about how good the performance was and too make sure the scores were not depressed.
I continue to believe that gymnastics is not a sport, because it lacks the possibility of objective scoring or objective determination of victory. And the early grumblings yesterday (which hearkened back to the glory days of the mythical East German judge) show the inherent problem with "judging," especially when what the judges are looking for is so mysterious.
One way to eliminate some of the mystery (and suspicion) would be to require the judges to explain their decisions--to identify precisely what points were deducted and for what mistakes. Adjudication requires explanations for decisions and that transparency helps the parties and the public evaluate decisions and outcomes. And even football referees explain what happened on penalties (some refs in painstaking detail). Why not require gymnastics (and figure skating and diving and other "judged" events) provide explanation, thus bringing some transparency to what is, for most viewers, completely opaque.
Or put another way: When Harry in When Harry Met Sally talks about having sex in front of the Olympic judges and receiving a low score from his mother, disguised as an East German judge, for what "must have been the dismount," it would be better if we knew it was for the dismount.
1) This week, I watched the women's beach volleyball (a sport I actually have enjoyed watching) match between USA's Misty May-Treanor and Kerry Walsh (they of the frolicking with W while Russia invaded Georgia) and a team from Cuba. The match was a blowout and no one expected it to be close, so the announcers naturally had to find other stuff to talk about. Nothing unusual; announcers struggle to fill during bad games all the time.
What struck me as unusual was the content: Stories about how each one met her husband and of their first dates (which apparently involved some confusion about who was being fixed up with whom) and about what happens after the Olympics, when, the announcers told us five different times, both women would like to get pregnant. I am trying to remember watching a men's sporting event in which conversation turned to how the quarterback met his wife or about the point guard's family planning. Now, in fairness, perhaps it is more relevant for women athletes, who must put their careers on hold for at least a few months, although this story in Sports Illustrated discusses the athletic benefits of pregnancy and childbirth. But I could not get past the feeling that the announcers, needing filler, just wanted to talk about the personal lives of two attractive women whose uniform is a bikini.
2) Had the U.S. athletes not taken gold and silver in yesterday's individual women's gymnastics competition, the headlines this morning would have been about bizarre/unfair/corrupt judging. As it was, the judging did produce 1) apoplexy in the American commentators about inappropriately low scores for the U.S. athletes and inappropriately high scores for the Chinese and Russian athletes and 2) the sight of the head of the technical committee (the chief judge, sort of) walking over to the judges' table after the routine of USA's Nastia Liukin (the eventual winner), it would appear to lecture them about how good the performance was and too make sure the scores were not depressed.
I continue to believe that gymnastics is not a sport, because it lacks the possibility of objective scoring or objective determination of victory. And the early grumblings yesterday (which hearkened back to the glory days of the mythical East German judge) show the inherent problem with "judging," especially when what the judges are looking for is so mysterious.
One way to eliminate some of the mystery (and suspicion) would be to require the judges to explain their decisions--to identify precisely what points were deducted and for what mistakes. Adjudication requires explanations for decisions and that transparency helps the parties and the public evaluate decisions and outcomes. And even football referees explain what happened on penalties (some refs in painstaking detail). Why not require gymnastics (and figure skating and diving and other "judged" events) provide explanation, thus bringing some transparency to what is, for most viewers, completely opaque.
Or put another way: When Harry in When Harry Met Sally talks about having sex in front of the Olympic judges and receiving a low score from his mother, disguised as an East German judge, for what "must have been the dismount," it would be better if we knew it was for the dismount.
The NCAA is at it again
The NCAA is at it again, committing what a parent to a 20 year old college athlete calls “Gestapo tactics” by interviewing his son without an attorney late into the night prior to his getting ready to pitch in a crucial regional championship game. Hours before the game, and presumably as a result of the interview, Oklahoma State declared Andy Oliver ineligible.Oliver has now sued the NCAA and his former “advisors” seeking to regain his eligibility so he can finish his college career and to recover compensation for his damages. The NCAA’s response is typical of the cartel that never understood the concept of due process: it says only the school can seek Oliver’s reinstatement and the pitcher has no standing to sue the organization.
It all started when Oliver was still in high school contemplating whether to be drafted by a major club or attend an institution of higher learning. Like other young men in his position, he had advisors, who were certified MLB player agents, who were supposed to help him make an informed decision about his future. The NCAA rules, always a lesson in absurdity, permit such advisors so long as they are not being paid and do not speak on the player’s behalf to Major League clubs.
Apparently, the advisors were present when representatives of the Minnesota Twins were trying to woo Oliver to join the ranks of professional athletes. Oliver chose not to. He attended Oklahoma State University where he soon became one of the top pitching prospects in the nation.
The trouble started when Oliver started consulting with another unpaid advisor, Scott Boras. When the first advisors learned they had competition, they sent Oliver and his family a bill for $113,000, which the family refused to pay, saying they had never agreed to compensate these advisors who had to be unpaid to comply with NCAA rules.
The NCAA and its member schools have made billions off its student athletes while serving as a free farm system for MLB, the NFL and the NBA. The least it can do when it conducts an inquisition into whether a student has violated its arcane and hypocritical rules is to allow that student the opportunity for legal counsel in the proper setting.
Pro Sports Team Owners' Contributions to McCain and Obama
The political leanings of owners of NFL, NBA, MLB, or NHL teams are often unknown. To the extent the media reports on those owners, it's normally sports reporters who do so, and normally in the context of the team they own or the league in which they are associated.Granted, some of the owners may have party affiliations that are publicly available, while a few owners are well known in party circles, but for the most part, we don't know where they stand on issues (and nor do we probably care).
We can still make assumptions about owners' politics, however. Given their vast wealth, for instance, we might assume that owners are more likely to support candidates who propose lower taxes (be it income or capital gain taxes or other forms of taxation).
Thanks to Kenneth Vogel and Matthew Lindsey of The Politico, we now have some suggestive empirical evidence on owners' politics. Vogel and Lindsey studied the financial contributions of NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL owners in this presidential election cycle and discovered they seem to prefer giving money to John McCain over Barack Obama (though often they give to both) . Here is an excerpt of Vogel and Lindsey's piece.
* * *
Sports owners fund McCain, shun Obama
Through the end of June, team owners in the four major sports and their families have given or raised more than $3.2 million to McCain, the presumptive Republican nominee, compared to only $615,000 to his Democratic rival Obama, according to a Politico analysis of data from the Federal Election Commission, the campaigns and interviews.
Not only did McCain raise more than Obama from the owners in each of the four major professional sports leagues analyzed, but McCain even raised six times more from the owners of teams in Obama’s hometown of Chicago.
Sam Zell, the owner of baseball’s Chicago Cubs, gave more than $22,000 to McCain’s committees, though he also gave Obama $2,300, as did the owner of the Chicago White Sox and Bulls, Jerry Reinsdorf, who gave that much to both McCain and Obama.
* * *
Sports team owners are often either loved or loathed in their communities. But most have unquestioned financial clout and fundraising ability, because it takes extreme wealth and connections to purchase a sports team.
Though sports moguls tend to skew conservative for the same reasons as other very wealthy folks – aversion to high taxes and regulation – their interests and backgrounds are eclectic, said Andrew Zimbalist, a professor at Smith College who has written extensively about the economics of sport.
“Today, a guy who owns a sport team is somebody who has generated a big pile of money in some other industry, and it’s very likely that their primordial financial interests and instincts are rooted in that other industry,” he said. Those industries include oil, construction, real estate, entertainment, casinos, high technology, trial law, ice cream and, of course, family inheritance.
But even owners who are major Democratic donors have yet to loosen their purse strings for Obama. The owners of football’s Philadelphia Eagles, baseball’s Baltimore Orioles, San Diego Padres and Los Angeles Dodgers, basketball’s New York Knicks and Sacramento Kings, and hockey’s Anaheim Ducks and their families, for instance, gave a combined $1.1 million in political contributions this presidential cycle, mostly to Democratic political committees and candidates.
That sum includes more than $60,000 to New York Senator Hillary Clinton, who Obama narrowly edged out for the Democratic presidential nomination. As of the end of June though—the most recent month for which there are data available – those owners had not given a dime to Obama.
Most of the owners who gave to Clinton but not Obama did not respond to requests for comment on why.
* * *
SPANISH FOOTBALL 2008: ATLETICO DE MADRID & FC BARCELONA STILL LOOKING FOR SIGNNINGS
The transfer period does not shut until the 31st of August & teamsare still busy moving about in the Football market as ATLETICODE MADRID & FC BARCELONA ( along with Real Madrid) are showing with their latest offers.According to Spanish dailys "AS" & "Marca", Atletico de Madrid has returned to the attack & has made an offer to German ClubWERDER BREMEN for its Brazilian midfielder DIEGO.
UEFA CUP 2008: DEPORTIVO WILL HAVE TO SUFFER AT SPLIT
UEFA CUP Football kicked off yesterday with Spanish ClubDEPORTIVO A CORUÑA in action, but the result achieved wasnot expected. They met Croatian side HAJDUK SPLIT in the 1º leg game & finished in a 0-0 draw, which will make the return2º leg encounter at Split like landing in "hell".The Croatians went into the match with the textbook theory of ..."lets get out of here with a draw", & it worked
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Kettlebell Ladders
Kettlebell Ladders
Climbing up a ladder with a kettlebell? Good idea but not what I'm talking about (would make a great workout though)
Just a shorty on kettlebell ladders and a follow up to my recent post about how to do kettlebell ladders http://vietnamsportnews.blogspot.com/2008/06/kettlebell-ladders.html
If you're unsure of what a kettlebell ladder is then read that post.
It dawned on me yesterday jsut how much I do kettlebell ladders when I did a short training routine at work in my lunch time.
When do I use the kettlebell ladder?
When I'm at the beginning of the session and not wanting to leap too fast into it and I'm performing my warm up. Well I call it my warm but really it's the beginning of my kettlebell routine as I start off easier and build up to harder (in a nutshell)
So if you're finding it hard to motivate yourself at the beginning of your session then start off with some kettlebell ladder training and take it from there. Don't lose a kettlebell training session just because you didn't feel like it.
Rememeber you can also string together more than one exercise and make a really big kettlebell ladder.
This video is entitled kettlebell ladder for wrestlers and you'll see why
Kettlebell Ladders
Climbing up a ladder with a kettlebell? Good idea but not what I'm talking about (would make a great workout though)
Just a shorty on kettlebell ladders and a follow up to my recent post about how to do kettlebell ladders http://vietnamsportnews.blogspot.com/2008/06/kettlebell-ladders.html
If you're unsure of what a kettlebell ladder is then read that post.
It dawned on me yesterday jsut how much I do kettlebell ladders when I did a short training routine at work in my lunch time.
When do I use the kettlebell ladder?
When I'm at the beginning of the session and not wanting to leap too fast into it and I'm performing my warm up. Well I call it my warm but really it's the beginning of my kettlebell routine as I start off easier and build up to harder (in a nutshell)
So if you're finding it hard to motivate yourself at the beginning of your session then start off with some kettlebell ladder training and take it from there. Don't lose a kettlebell training session just because you didn't feel like it.
Rememeber you can also string together more than one exercise and make a really big kettlebell ladder.
This video is entitled kettlebell ladder for wrestlers and you'll see why
Kettlebell Ladders
REAL MADRID TRANSFER NEWS 2008: BAPTISTA GOES TO AC ROMA
Local Sports daily "Marca" has published on its web that Italian ClubAC ROMA has finally signed REAL MADRID Brazilian Internationalmidfielder JULIO BAPTISTAThe transfer fee is 12M€ plus incentives & the player signs for Romafor the next 4 years. The player is expected to fly off to Rome thisSunday for all the formalities & latter be presented to media & fansby the Italian Club.
SPANISH NATIONAL TEAM: DEL BOSQUE CALLS UP BOJAN, AMOREBIETA, IRAOLA & CAPEL AGAINST DENMARK
New Spanish National Team Selector & Coach VICENTE DELBOSQUE (pictured below) has handed in his first list of players fornext Wednesday´s friendly game against DENMARK. Del Bosque was faced beforehand with injuries to Goalkeeper Palop, defenderMarchena & midfieder Cesc Fabregas, all members of the winningEuropean Nations Cup Team. Added to this Del Bosque has dropped Sergio Garcia (Zaragoza)&
Kettlebell Deadlifts
Kettlebell Deadlifts
Depending on your strength levels and the size of kettlebells you have available, kettlebell deadlifts can become part of your training routine.
Kettlebell deadlifts don't always have to be extremely heavy like in powerlifting, but your training/workout program can be adapted to use this great exercise.
The beauty of the kettlebell deadlift is that kettlebells can be place in front of you or by your side which in a way emulates the standard barbell deadlift or the handle position of a trap bar deadlift. I would recommend alternating the grip every workout you do it.
Kettle bell deadlifts can be performed with double kb's or singles.
Simple exercise, just place the kettlebell in front/or side of you and lift off the floor then repeat.
When a single kettlebell is placed at the side of you this is known as the suitcase kettlebell deadlift.
Go for reps if you don't have heavy kettlebells but make sure you use good form keeping a neutral spine position and bending at the knees and sitting back as much as possible.
Other exercises related to the kettleblel deadlift are the stiff leg kettlebell deadlift and the kettlebell Romanian Deadlift
When you feel like an extra challenge after you've mastered the kettlebell deadlift you can make the exercise harder by standing on a platform a few inches above the ground, thus increasing the range of movement.
Here is an example of a double kettlebell deadlift sumo style.
Remember there are many ways and places to hold and put the kettlebell.
Hit yourself from all angles and vary your workouts to build all round strength.
Depending on your strength levels and the size of kettlebells you have available, kettlebell deadlifts can become part of your training routine.
Kettlebell deadlifts don't always have to be extremely heavy like in powerlifting, but your training/workout program can be adapted to use this great exercise.
The beauty of the kettlebell deadlift is that kettlebells can be place in front of you or by your side which in a way emulates the standard barbell deadlift or the handle position of a trap bar deadlift. I would recommend alternating the grip every workout you do it.
Kettle bell deadlifts can be performed with double kb's or singles.
Simple exercise, just place the kettlebell in front/or side of you and lift off the floor then repeat.
When a single kettlebell is placed at the side of you this is known as the suitcase kettlebell deadlift.
Go for reps if you don't have heavy kettlebells but make sure you use good form keeping a neutral spine position and bending at the knees and sitting back as much as possible.
Other exercises related to the kettleblel deadlift are the stiff leg kettlebell deadlift and the kettlebell Romanian Deadlift
When you feel like an extra challenge after you've mastered the kettlebell deadlift you can make the exercise harder by standing on a platform a few inches above the ground, thus increasing the range of movement.
Here is an example of a double kettlebell deadlift sumo style.
Remember there are many ways and places to hold and put the kettlebell.
Hit yourself from all angles and vary your workouts to build all round strength.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
BARCELONA SECURES ITS CHAMPIONS PRELIMINARY 1º LEG AGAINST WISLA WITH VICTORY (SEE VIDEO)
It was new Coach Guardiola´s debut for FC BARCELONA in itsPreliminary 1º Leg game to qualify for this years Champions Leagueagainst Polish side WISLA CRACOVIA, & his side did not disappoint.The "new look" Barça dominanted throughout the whole game, & although the final score was 4-0 it could have been much, muchmore than what the final score reflects. Barça played well & movedthe ball in the
ATLETICO LOSE AWAY TO SCHALKE 04 IN CHAMPIONS LEAGUE PRELIMINARY
It was always going to be a tough affair for ATLETICO DE MADRID in the home leg of the Champions League Preliminary match against German side SCHALKE 04. The optimistic levels were highfor the Spaniards, until they saw how hard the game really was: 8 yellowcards & 1 Red (Antonio Lopez, Atletico), with a final result 1-0 in favour of the Germans.It now all goes down to the away match ( 2ºleg) at
Executive Compensation and Professional Sports
Paul Caron (TaxProf) and Verity Winship (guesting at Prawfs) both discuss recent efforts by the NFL to avoid federal rules requiring not-for-profit organizations to disclose all executives earning in excess of $ 150,000. The New York Times story on the NFL is here. The NFL follows in the footsteps of Major League Baseball's in failing to disclose salaries for anyone other than the commissioner. The leagues apparently want to argue that they are trade associations, not charities, thus not subject to the new rules. Failing that, the NFL is lobbying Congress for an exemption from the new disclosure requirements.'Brian Galle at Prawfs weighs in on some of political issues underlying the federal rule requiring this disclosure and the leagues' resistance to it.
The Times feature includes the following:
Pretty clever rhetorical device by Mr. Browne--picking on an unpopular group, lawyers, who typically are not the ones making huge sums of money. Note that he did not say the investment banker or the for-profit corporate VP, both of whom make substantially more than the typical lawyer.
The Times feature includes the following:
Joe Browne, the N.F.L.’s executive vice president for communications and public affairs, said league lobbyists had not yet found a Congressional sponsor for their proposal.
“I’ve been here 40 years,” Browne said. “I finally get to the point where I’m making 150 grand, and they want to put my name and address on the form so the lawyer next door who makes a million dollars a year can laugh at me.”
Pretty clever rhetorical device by Mr. Browne--picking on an unpopular group, lawyers, who typically are not the ones making huge sums of money. Note that he did not say the investment banker or the for-profit corporate VP, both of whom make substantially more than the typical lawyer.
DJALMINHA : THE "FORGOTTEN" BRAZILIAN MAGICIAN OF SPANISH & WORLD FOOTBALL
While the World marvels at the increible skills, plays & dribblingof Brazilians like Ronaldinho, Kaka, Robinho...etc, we ( & perhapsthe youngsters) forget that before them was DJALMINHA (pictured below) who played in DEPORTIVO DE A CORUÑA,who helped take them to their first Liga title in the year 2000.Why bring this up now? Because it seems most contempary Footballfollowers only talk about
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
REAL MADRID DRAWS AGAINST EINTRACHT FRANKFURT IN FRIENDLY (SEE VIDEO)
Last dress rehearsal for REAL MADRID before it´s Spanish SuperCup match against Valencia CF. The Spanish Champions travelledto EINTRACHT FRANKFURT to play a friendly game that endedin a 1-1 draw.Perfect stage to fine-tune the Real Madrid machine with all of its players available to fine the touch needed to be 100% ready for thekick off to the new season. Great game that saw an unlucky RealMadrid
Blogging the Olympics
At Opinio Juris, a top international-law blog, they have a bunch of posts on the Olympics, including excellent commentary on Olympic arbitration procedures, the role of citizenship in Olympic-team membership, and the influence of professionalism. They will be doing this throughout the Olympics, so it might be worth checking over there periodically.
(H/T: Alert reader Patrick O'Donnell)
(H/T: Alert reader Patrick O'Donnell)
Does Kettlebell Brand Make a Difference
Does Kettlebell Brand Make a Difference?
Good question!!
Not all kettlebells are created equally.
I personally have purchased many different kettlebells from a variety of places. I must say I have been happy with each and everyone of them as they have varied in price range from the dirt cheap to fairly expensive.
The kettlebell brand does make a difference but for various reasons. Unless you're gonna throw the kettlebell then most brands allow you to perform a decent workout/training session.
Here is a list of the places I have got kbells from
LondonKettlebells.com
Newitts.com
Powerseekers.com
Tvdeals.tv
I have found that the best value for money kettlebells have been tvdeals.tv (nice thick handles) with Newitts a close second due to their excellent construction. I have also found poweseekers to provide superb competition style kettle bells but my all time favourite being LKB mainly due to the superb quality but also the fact that they provide 'Monster Kettlebells' upto 60kg and there support is fantastic. So if you're looking to buy kettlebells in London and want to save on some carriage.
When buying a kettlebell............
1. If you can only afford one and it's your first, makesure you're getting the right weighted kbell. Try a friends or go to gym and makesure you're gonna be able to handle the weight. If it's far too heavy for you then you ain't gonna get much of a workout.
2. Make sure there aren't badges sticking out of the kettlebell (a symbol cast into the kbell) as this will certainly cause abrasions on your forearms after doing several hundred reps in a session.
3. Try and find a review on the kettlebell you are buying. Scan the internet or ask on forums etc to see what other people think. Also check the carriage costs as this can add quite a lump to the cost.
4. Don' forget you'll become seriously addicted to kettlebell training when you get one and will have less time to spend with boyfriends, girlfriends, husbands and wives.
5. Buying a kettlebell will lead on to wanting to buy more kettlebells of same and various weights.
Good question!!
Not all kettlebells are created equally.
I personally have purchased many different kettlebells from a variety of places. I must say I have been happy with each and everyone of them as they have varied in price range from the dirt cheap to fairly expensive.
The kettlebell brand does make a difference but for various reasons. Unless you're gonna throw the kettlebell then most brands allow you to perform a decent workout/training session.
Here is a list of the places I have got kbells from
LondonKettlebells.com
Newitts.com
Powerseekers.com
Tvdeals.tv
I have found that the best value for money kettlebells have been tvdeals.tv (nice thick handles) with Newitts a close second due to their excellent construction. I have also found poweseekers to provide superb competition style kettle bells but my all time favourite being LKB mainly due to the superb quality but also the fact that they provide 'Monster Kettlebells' upto 60kg and there support is fantastic. So if you're looking to buy kettlebells in London and want to save on some carriage.
When buying a kettlebell............
1. If you can only afford one and it's your first, makesure you're getting the right weighted kbell. Try a friends or go to gym and makesure you're gonna be able to handle the weight. If it's far too heavy for you then you ain't gonna get much of a workout.
2. Make sure there aren't badges sticking out of the kettlebell (a symbol cast into the kbell) as this will certainly cause abrasions on your forearms after doing several hundred reps in a session.
3. Try and find a review on the kettlebell you are buying. Scan the internet or ask on forums etc to see what other people think. Also check the carriage costs as this can add quite a lump to the cost.
4. Don' forget you'll become seriously addicted to kettlebell training when you get one and will have less time to spend with boyfriends, girlfriends, husbands and wives.
5. Buying a kettlebell will lead on to wanting to buy more kettlebells of same and various weights.
Donnie Thompson Training
Donnie Thompson Training
In my previous article about kettlebells and powerlifting I discussed Donnie Thompsons take on kettlebell training for powerlifting. Donnie uses kettlebells to assist him in his powerlifting preperation.
He uses bottoms up presses and various swing styles to aid his powerlifting total amongst many other exercises such as sumo kettle bell swings and static kettlebell snatching after deadlifting.
Donnie preaches that kettlebells hit his hamstrings and hips hard where he needs them to and that there isn't anything other than kettlebells that transfer 100% over to Sport and the same goes for powerlifting too. If you don't believe that then who are you to argue with World Super Heavyweight Powerlifting Champion Donnie Thompson and his training methods. I certainly aren't.
A great article about Donnie Thompson's Training can be found over at Dragondoor here
Donnie Thompson Training
In my previous article about kettlebells and powerlifting I discussed Donnie Thompsons take on kettlebell training for powerlifting. Donnie uses kettlebells to assist him in his powerlifting preperation.
He uses bottoms up presses and various swing styles to aid his powerlifting total amongst many other exercises such as sumo kettle bell swings and static kettlebell snatching after deadlifting.
Donnie preaches that kettlebells hit his hamstrings and hips hard where he needs them to and that there isn't anything other than kettlebells that transfer 100% over to Sport and the same goes for powerlifting too. If you don't believe that then who are you to argue with World Super Heavyweight Powerlifting Champion Donnie Thompson and his training methods. I certainly aren't.
A great article about Donnie Thompson's Training can be found over at Dragondoor here
Donnie Thompson Training
Monday, August 11, 2008
ROBINHO & REAL MADRID: A CHESS GAME
It´s normal, you to would be pissed off if you knew that yourClub was thinking of selling you to another Club for another player. That´s the case of REAL MADRID & its Brazilian playerROBINHO in its quest to sign Cristiano Ronaldo.However, the Manchester United Portugues star is now not coming& Robinho is in a strong bargaining position because he has a serious offer from Chelsea FC that offers
Recent Sports Law Scholarship
Recent scholarship includes:
James R. Devine, The Duke lacrosse matter as a case study of the right to reply to prejudicial pretrial extrajudicial publicity under Rule 3.6(c), 15 VILLANOVA SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT LAW JOURNAL 175 (2008)
Aaron Brooks and David Davies, Exploring student-athlete compensation:
why the NCAA cannot afford to leave athletes uncompensated, 34 JOURNAL
OF COLLEGE & UNIVERSITY LAW 747(2008)
Todd Crosset and Lisa Masteralexis, The changing collective definition of collegiate sport and the potential demise of Title IX protections, 34 J.C.& U.L. 671 (2008)
Shannon Carroll, Note, Golfing on Green Acres: is the acquisition of golf courses an appropriate means of preserving open space in New Jersey?, 32 SETON HALL LEGISLATION JOURNAL 211 (2007)
William B. Gould, IV, The 1994-’95 baseball strike and National Labor Relations Board: to the precipice and back again, 110 WEST VIRGINIA LAW REVIEW 983 (2008)
Sean Hanlon and Ray Yasser, “J.J. Morrison” and his right of publicity lawsuit against the NCAA, 15 VILLANOVA SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT LAW JOURNAL 241 (2008)
Gregory D. Hanscom, Comment, Baseball juiced up: should the increased risk associated with the use of performance-enhancing substances create tort liability?, 15 VILLANOVA SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT LAW JOURNAL 367 (2008)
Daniel E. Lazaroff, The NCAA in its second century: defender of amateurism or antitrust recidivist?, 86 OREGON LAW REVIEW 329 (2007)
Tiffany D. Lipscomb, Note, Can Congress squeeze the “juice” out of professional sports? The constitutionality of congressional intervention into professional sports’ steroid controversy, 69 OHIO STATE LAW JOURNAL 303 (2008)
Robin L. Muir, Casenote, Drunk or disabled? The legal and social consequences of Roy Tarpley’s discrimination claim against the NBA, 15 VILLANOVA SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT LAW JOURNAL 333 (2008)
Tyler M. Simpson, Comment, Balking at responsibility: baseball’s performance-enhancing drug problem in Latin America, 14 LAW & BUSINESS REVIEW OF THE AMERICAS 369 (2008)
Ryan T. Smith, Note, “Bull’s eye”: how public universities in West Virginia can creatively comply with Title IX without the targeted elimination of men’s sports teams, 110 WEST VIRGINIA LAW REVIEW 1373 (2008)
SPANISH FOOTBALL TRANSFER NEWS 2008: REAL MADRID & FC BARCELONA
The Olympics are monopolizing the World news, which is natural& understandable, however locally Football news continues as theSpanish League ( as other leagues) gear up to start the new 2008/2009 season.The word around town is that AC ROMA has struck a deal withREAL MADRID for its Brazilian midfielder JULIO BAPTISTA.However, Real Madrid Coach Schuster has called up Baptista to travel with the
Presidential Debate Moderators as Umpires
Over on The Presidential Debate Blog, Aaron Zelinsky has a really interesting piece entitled Debate Moderators as Umpires. Here is an excerpt:* * *
The problem is that a debate moderator, like a judge, (and as Professor Howard Wasserman points out in attack on the judge-umpire analogy at Sports Law Blog , the role of an umpire and almost any other decision maker) is more complicated than merely applying a fixed set of rules. Even a moderator who remains “in the background” will have to choose when to keep “the conversation moving and orderly.”
Such decisions are ultimately subjective. When a moderator decides whether the topic discussed is worthwhile, or if all the relevant points have been exhausted, he imposes his own conceptions on the debate. There is nothing inherently wrong with this –indeed, it is an intrinsic part of a good moderator’s job— but there are limits to such discretion. The moderator must walk the fine line between facilitating discussion and becoming party to the debate.
* * *
For the rest of the post, click here.
Friday, August 8, 2008
Adjustable Kettlebells
Adjustable Kettlebells
Are they any good?
Good question! I think so, how about you?
I started my kettlebell style training with a home welded bar (made by my brother in law who has supplied me with many other fantastic devices), a bit like a shortened farmers walk bar which I attached barbell discs to. The handle was somewhat thicker than a traditional barbell or dumbbell and the fact that the weight was offset like a hinge really appealed to me because as I only put 17kg on the bar it sure did feel a lot heavier. It was almost a kettlebell but like it's seriously ugly brother.
I spent ages working out with this 'kettlebell like device' and bruised my forearm quite severely until I got the hang of it. Like many of you have done I'm sure!
It was a great stepping stone to a real kettlebell. I purchased the 24 kg kettlebell from Powerseekers and have never looked back since.
One thing I don't have is a real adjustable kettlebell like those from kettlestack.com which look great but may have a bit of a downside that you can't add a great amount of weight onto it.
I have scanned around the internet looking for other adjustable kettlebell ideas and came across a superb site called caestus blog that has some superb examples of adjustable kettlebells.
The rest of the blog is also a haven for Girevoy enthusiasts, a real must see.
The Web Olympics
Apologies to NBC, but I have just seen the opening ceremonies of the Beijing Olympics. Online and Live. Superb picture quality. Without commercials.
And if you wish to brush up on your high school German, German television coverage of the ceremony would help.
With the help of the New York Times blog, a link to the German TV web opened up with nary a glitch.
This cannot be good news for NBC, or the International Olympic Committee. It could portend major changes in future negotiations of exclusive television rights negotiations for the biggest sporting event.
And if you wish to brush up on your high school German, German television coverage of the ceremony would help.
With the help of the New York Times blog, a link to the German TV web opened up with nary a glitch.
This cannot be good news for NBC, or the International Olympic Committee. It could portend major changes in future negotiations of exclusive television rights negotiations for the biggest sporting event.
Academic Free Agency and Sports Free Agency
Apropos of the most recent example of college coaches signing long-term contracts that are not really long-term and the broader question of movement of players and coaches and comparisons to academics, comes Clayton Gillette's Law Faculty as Free Agents. According to the abstract:
The phenomenon of law professors changing jobs from one law school faculty to another - faculty free agency - has increased in recent years and appears to be part of a general phenomenon of increased mobility across academia. In this paper, I consider the consequences of free agency in law school markets. It is likely that law professors have benefited financially from free agency. Whether it has benefited law schools generally, or advanced the quality of legal education is another matter. The paper raises some issues that at least give reason for pause about free agency. The consequences of free agency have been similarly questioned in other industries, most notably professional sports. But studies suggest that the adverse effects that some predicted when free agency was officially instituted there have not materialized. Thus, in the absence of similar studies about academic free agents, one might claim that my concerns are overstated. But those studies are often most interesting because they focus on characteristics of professional sports that have little or no analogue in faculty markets. The market for professional sports differs from the academic market in ways that I suggest have significant effects on free agency. Academic free agency may have different, and more negative, impact in academia. To the extent that is true, law schools face a classic prisoners' dilemma in adjusting. Even if it would benefit legal education generally to constrain free agency, it is contrary to the interests of any law school to constrain itself unless competitors do the same. I conclude, therefore, with some practical ideas about how to address the negative effects of free agency.
REAL MADRID PRE-SEASON 2008: SANTA FE 1 - REAL MADRID 2
These two men below - Van Der Vaart & Pepe - helped REAL MADRID comeback & take the game from SANTA FE 1-2 in a friendly match to celebrate the 470th year of the city of Bogota(Colombia)In fact it was a grand debut for Real Madrid new Dutch signningRafael Van Ver Vaart who scored from a free kick & set up thegoal for Pepe. This should ease concernes over Sneijder´s injury as they have an
Thursday, August 7, 2008
CHELSEA FC MAKES A FORMAL OFFER FOR ROBINHO
News from the CHELSEA FC website tells us that the EnglishPremier League Club has made a formal offer to REAL MADRIDfor its star Brazilian International forward ROBINHO. More pressureon the player as it goes totally out in public, from the buyer & now thewished seller. The offer is speculated to be initially 24€M which is belowwhat Real would have wanted to hear.SFS doubts that Real Madrid will
AMAZING GOAL FROM MEXICO!
Perfectly realize that this is not from Spain , but from our brothersfrom Nauchalpan (Mexico). This goal is soooo amazing that SFS postsit for all of its readers who are Universal Football lovers. Watch& enjoy!
The "Pay-for-Play" Debate
Matt Winkeljohn of the Atlanta-Journal Constitution wrote an excellent article 10 days ago that debates the issue of paying amateur athletes, including the use of players' likenesses in video games (Advocates, NCAA Take Sides on Paying Student-Athletes, 7/27/09).
For further in-depth analysis and discussion on this topic, see C. Peter Goplerud III, Pay for Play for College Athletes: Now, More Than Ever, 38 S. Tex. L. Rev. 1081 (1997); and C. Peter Goplerud III, Stipends for Collegiate Athletes: A Philosophical Spin on a Controversial Proposal, 5 Kan. J.L. & Pub. Pol'y 125, 127 (1996).
For further in-depth analysis and discussion on this topic, see C. Peter Goplerud III, Pay for Play for College Athletes: Now, More Than Ever, 38 S. Tex. L. Rev. 1081 (1997); and C. Peter Goplerud III, Stipends for Collegiate Athletes: A Philosophical Spin on a Controversial Proposal, 5 Kan. J.L. & Pub. Pol'y 125, 127 (1996).
SFS RECOMMENDS FIREFOX FOR INTERNET & VIEWING VIDEOS
For some very strange reason if you use EXPLORER to readSpanish Football & Sports & click the "YouTube" videos,you will see "Video removed , not available". That is, theyappear as removed. It´s not for everyone I am being told butfor some readersHowever, if you use FIREFOX you can see them normally.So please use Firefox, Microsoft is everyday more & moresuspicious. Apart, Firefox is safer & more
ATLETICO DE MADRID NEWS 2008: JOSE ANTONIO REYES TRAVELS TO BENFICA
JOSE ANTONIO REYES did not wish to leave ATLETICO DE MADRID for Portugues Club BENFICA, were both Clubs had come to en agreement for the players transfer.However, Atletico put more pressure on the player when todaythey did not register Reyes in the Champions League List for UEFA, thus sending a strong & clear message that the Club doesnot count with him this season.According to "Mundo Deportivo",
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