Saturday, January 31, 2009
SPANISH FOOTBALL - LA LIGA 2008/2009 - ROUND 21 SATURDAY GAMES RESULT
Two games tonight in Round 21 of the Spanish League, here are theresults, images & scorers in a short resume.ATHLETIC DE BILBAO hosted MALAGA & did a favour to Atleticode Madrid coming back & winning 3-2 in a wonderful game.Malaga started well & early via LUQUE (above) with a goal in the 2min& then later in the 63rd min via LOLO who scored a second giving themthe lead again after Bilbao had
KOBE BRYANT IS A FC BARCELONA FAN
American Basketball & LA Lakers Star KOBE BRYANT is a FCBARCELONA Fan! He says so here in a special ESPN promotionalgig, check it out:As the "crack" says, it was Ronaldinho that got him into Soccer ( sorryFootball) & into Barça. Now Kobe follows LIONEL MESSI as this fotoshows of his locker at Staples Center at Los Angeles.SFS thinks its a set up, but a good one at that.Smells agreement between FC
Friday, January 30, 2009
New SI.com Columns
Over the last day, I have written three new columns on SI.com -- I hope you have a chance to check them out:
Hope you all enjoy the weekend.
Hope you all enjoy the weekend.
University of Baltimore Law School Sports Law Symposium: "From Rookie to Retirement"
The University of Baltimore School of Law has schedules what looks to be an excellent sports law symposium on February 26, 2009. Congrats to Professor Dionne Koller and others for putting the event together. Below are the details.* * *
The University of Baltimore School of Law invites you to attend its first annual Sports Law Symposium. This year's event will focus on the effect of economic realities on the NFL player – from his rookie year through retirement. Baltimore Ravens President Richard Cass will be the keynote speaker for the event. Panelists include in-house legal counsel for the NFL and NFL Players' Association, top agents, and active NFL players.
The symposium will take place on Thursday, February 26 from 10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. at the School of Law. There is no charge to attend the event. Online registration is now available here: Sports Law registration. For more information about the symposium, please contact the Office of External Relations.
10:30 a.m. Opening Remarks: Dean Phillip J. Closius, University of Baltimore School of Law
10:30 – 11:45 a.m. PANELS ON NFL ROOKIES
Preparing the Rookie: Pre-Draft Prep: Trace Armstrong, CAA Sports
Negotiating the Contract and Salary Cap, Now and in the Future: Pat Moriarty, Baltimore Ravens & Tom Condon, J.D. '81, CAA Sports
11:45 a.m. – 1 p.m. Luncheon Keynote Speaker: Richard Cass President, Baltimore Ravens
Assistant Professor of Law Dionne Koller will introduce Mr. Cass.
1:00 – 1:50 Collective Rights and Benefits – The Future of the NFL Collective Bargaining Agreement: Harold Henderson, NFL Legal Counsel & Richard Berthleson, NFLPA Legal Counsel
2:00 – 4:00: PANELS ON NFL VETERANS
Negotiating the Second and Third Deals Andrew Brandy, nationalfootballpost.com & Tony Agnone, J.D. '78, EAS
NFL Player Benefits: What's Next?: Sarah Gaunt, NFLPA Pension Plan & Doug Ell, the Groom Law Group
Player Marketing in the New Economic Reality: Howard Skall, CAA Sports & Kristen Kuliga, Agent for Doug Flutie
Private/Public Partnerships: Ira Rainess, J.D. '92
For more information, click here.
REAL MADRID ANNOUNCE THE INCORPORATION ON LOAN OF WEST HAM JULIEN FAUBERT
REAL MADRID has announced that it has the services of WEST HAM25 year old right winger JULIEN FAUBERT. The French Internationalcomes on loan for the next 5 months & Real Madrid will have to payWest Ham 1.5M€. However, Real Madrid has an option to buy if theplayer fits 100% in the squad & does an outstanding half season, theprice will then be 6M€.(photo:Marca) The news has hit Spanish media by
SFS FLASHBACK: EURO 2008 SPAIN vs. ITALY PENALTY SHOOT-OUT
A SFS Flashback from last years European Nations Cup were SPAINcame of age & threw off the Q/Final jinx to win ITALY in the vital penaltyshoot-out. Spain, as we all well know, went on to defeat Russia in theSemi´s & win the European Nations Title against Germany:
TENNIS: NADAL & VERDASCO SHOW THE WORLD THE LEVEL OF SPANISH TENNIS
A pity only one wins. World Nº1 RAFAEL NADAL was pushed to the limit by fellow Spaniard FERNANDO VERDASCO in theirAUSTRALIAN OPEN Semi-final to finally win 6-7,6-4,7-6,6-7,6-4after more the 5 hours. In fact it was the longest game in AustralianOpen history with Tennis from another galaxy.Both have demostrated to the World that Spanish Tennis is in magnificent form & that our players are currently
ATLETICO DE MADRID CALMS SERGIO AGUERO
The news portal “elmundo.com” has revealed that last Wednesday, the28th of January, the Director General of ATLETICO DE MADRIDMiguel Angel Gil, accompanied by his star player Argentine SERGIOAGUERO with a close friend & executive of the Club, had a speciallunch at a well known Madrid restaurant to calm the "nerves" ofAguero.Alarms rang when various comments & stories came to light that
How To Make a Macebell
Make Your Own Macebell
Still I am getting around to making a macebell, but yet have not found the time.
However, all is not lost as I do believe I have just the thing already at home that would could pass as a Macebell.
A couple of years ago I welded an end on a 1 inch steel shaft so I could load weights on and use it as a Scots Hammer in preperation for Highland Games. So this weekend will be my first ever Macebell workout (providing my device allows)
So if you are looking to make a Macebell and do not have the required welding equipment to make a steel one then Steve Maxwell has a superb post on his site for making a great looking macebell along with some really welldone pictures of them stage by stage
100 reps with a 45lb Macebell
How To Make a Macebell
Still I am getting around to making a macebell, but yet have not found the time.
However, all is not lost as I do believe I have just the thing already at home that would could pass as a Macebell.
A couple of years ago I welded an end on a 1 inch steel shaft so I could load weights on and use it as a Scots Hammer in preperation for Highland Games. So this weekend will be my first ever Macebell workout (providing my device allows)
So if you are looking to make a Macebell and do not have the required welding equipment to make a steel one then Steve Maxwell has a superb post on his site for making a great looking macebell along with some really welldone pictures of them stage by stage
100 reps with a 45lb Macebell
How To Make a Macebell
Thursday, January 29, 2009
SPANISH CUP 2008 - 2009 QUARTER FINALS: 2º LEG THURSDAY GAME RESULTS
The last two 2ºleg games of the SPANISH CUP have been played tonight& have decided which team will join Athletic de Bilbao & Mallorca in theSemi Finals.The 1ºst leg saw Valencia win 3-2 Sevilla FC. However, the return 2ºleg was a different affair, as the law of Football applied: "if you missyour chances you lose".VALENCIA CF started well with an early goal with the header of SpanishInternational
Quick Update on Retired NFL Players vs. NFLPA
The Sports Business Daily reports that U.S. District Judge William Alsup upheld the jury’s verdict awarding a class of NFL retired players $28.1 million in its suit against the NFLPA We discussed the case back in November here (as is often the case, the meat of the discussion is contained in the comments).
NEW REAL MADRID TEAM PHOTO 2009
The news site "mundo.es" has published the "new" REAL MADRIDTEAM PHOTO 2009. New in the sense that it highlights CoachJuande Ramos & not Bernd Schuster, plus the new additions, LassanaDiarra & Huntelaar.The photo is less than perfect quality. You can see it better on"realmadrid.com".
REAL MADRID PRESIDENTIAL JULY 2009 ELECTIONS: FLORENTINO WANTS XABI ALONSO
The upcoming REAL MADRID Presidential elections in July 2009, &the possibility that ex Real Madrid President Florentino Perez will presenthimself as candidate, is spurring on numerous rumours here & overseas.The latest is that Florentino Perez – who by the way is maintainingcomplete silence – has LIVERPOOL FC Spanish midfielder XABIALONSO as his “number one” priority. This news has been pickedup
Laine Snook Millenium Dumbbell 7 Reps
Laine Snook Millenium Dumbbell 7 Reps
Laine Snook displaying totally insane grip strength and raw power, awesome!
Technorati Tags: grip strength, grip training
Laine Snook Millenium Dumbbell 7 Reps
Laine Snook displaying totally insane grip strength and raw power, awesome!
Technorati Tags: grip strength, grip training
Laine Snook Millenium Dumbbell 7 Reps
YATTARA , SURPRISE LOAN TO REAL MADRID?
The name being talked about as a possible last minute loan to REALMADRID is WIGAN winger ANTONIO VALENCIA ( see post below).With two days left in the "Winter Market", Spanish daily "Marca", in theirusual way to differentiate themselves & call attention, have published anew name in todays paper.IBRAHIM YATTARA, winger from Club Trabzonspor could comeon loan to REAL MADRID until the end of the
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Kettlebell Swings and Snatches
60kg Kettlebell Assault
Todays lunchtime workout with 60kg kettlebell.
10 swings and 18 snatches from dead stop start.
Certainly not pretty, but managed lots of grunting, sweating and plenty of belly on show for free!!
Currently working on a free flowing 20 rep snatch set with the 132lber
Kettlebell Swings and Snatches
Todays lunchtime workout with 60kg kettlebell.
10 swings and 18 snatches from dead stop start.
Certainly not pretty, but managed lots of grunting, sweating and plenty of belly on show for free!!
Currently working on a free flowing 20 rep snatch set with the 132lber
Kettlebell Swings and Snatches
SPANISH CUP 2008-2009 QUARTER FINALS: 2º LEG WEDNESDAY GAMES RESULT
Two games played tonight of the 2ºleg in the Q/FINALS of the SPANISHCUP with results that have decided which two teams move onto the Semis.Tomorrow the other two matches will be played & decide which teamsgo on to join them.REAL SPORTING DE GIJON hosted ATHLETIC DE BILBAO afterfinishing in the 1ºleg in an 0-0 draw. It was a golden opportunity forGijon infront of their loyalty fans to make history
A Clarification of My Last Post on Salary Arbitration
The two anonymous comments to my January 23 posting offered good observations and questions, and they point out my need to be more precise about my last sentence -“One of my arguments has been that salary arbitration usually works because most of the time the parties agree to a figure at the midpoint or slightly below the midpoint.” Thank you for forcing me to apply more rigor to my statement. This reply to the first anonymous response became so long that I decided to move it up to the main page because I wanted more readers to see it. Plus, the response deserves a wider audience on the main page.
I will offer some thoughts about how the Astros, Marlins, and Rays methods are pushing the balance towards management in a follow-up to this reply.
My argument that the salary arbitration system actually works is that it usually produces a settlement instead of forcing a hearing. Furthermore, there are strong incentives for both parties to submit a reasonable figure if numbers are exchanged. So I would have been more accurate concerning my position if I had said - “One of my arguments is that the salary arbitration process usually works because most of the time the parties agree to a figure without the need for a hearing.”
Many observers of the process focus on the teams and players that proceed to a hearing first and the group that exchanges numbers second. This ignores all of the cases that are settled either before the exchange of figures or prior to a hearing. Look at some of these recent figures -
Year - Cases Filed - Cases Settled - Number of Hearings
2005 - 89 - 86 - 3 (Teams won 2 out of the 3)
2006 - 100 - 94 - 6 (Teams won 4 out of the 6)
2007 - 106 - 99 - 7 (Teams won 4 out of the 7)
2008 - 110 - 102 - 8 (Teams won 6 out of the 8)
Since the beginning of the process in 1974, my research lists the total number of cases filed at 3,043 (all of the lists that I have seen concerning salary arbitration differ as to some of the numbers in the 1970s and early 1980s). Of that number, 2,554 were settled, 484 proceeded to a hearing, and 5 were released (neither settled nor a hearing). That is a ratio of 83.9% settled cases and 15.9% hearings (the additional 5 cases account for the 0.2%).
So, my evidence for the revised statement is that 84% of the cases are settled, and that is, I think, the point of single-offer or final-offer arbitration. Now, the system is supposed to produce reasonable figures from both camps. If one of the figures is not plausible or defensible, you have created every incentive for the other side to go to a hearing because the chance of winning has increased significantly. Over the years, the teams have won 58% of the cases (279-205). The last time that the players exceeded .500 was 1996 (players won 7 of 10 hearings).
I am including a listing below showing the results of players and teams who exchanged numbers but settled before a hearing during the past five years. Note that during that five year period, 68% of the cases were settled at the midpoint or below the midpoint. This was part of the source for my original last sentence because that is what has happened in a strong majority of the recent cases. However, as I was properly taken to task, that is evidence for a different conclusion. My argument is that these statistics support the conclusion that the majority of cases are framed by the two exchanged numbers at an agreeable point for both parties. The general thought of hearing decision-making is that you determine the midpoint between the two figures. If the player is worth $1 or more above the midpoint, the arbitrator chooses the player’s figure. If the player is worth $1 or more below the midpoint, the arbitrator chooses the team’s figure. The decisions at hearings are supposed to be made within 24 hours by a panel of three. For many years a single arbitrator made the decision. An article last year at the end of the hearing season quoted veteran arbitrator Stephen Goldberg as follows: “Each arbitrator casts a vote but my impression is that 99 percent of the decisions are unanimous.” Ameet Sachdev, “Former NU Professor Says Multimillion Dollar Salary Hearings Have Grown Less Contentious,” Chicago Tribune, February 26, 2008. If Mr. Goldberg is correct as to the voting, he is arguing that the presentations are quite strong for one side or the other.
Notice that the next largest percentage (22%) are the 40 multiyear deals. This year there are already five multiyear deals between teams and players who filed numbers (Prince Fielder, Milwaukee Brewers; Zack Greinke, Kansas City Royals; Jason Kubel, Minnesota Twins (pending a physical); Nick Markakis, Baltimore Orioles; Jayson Werth, Phillies). The multiyear deals portion of the data merits its own posting and discussion.
Major League Baseball Salary Arbitration
Players and Teams Who Exchanged Numbers But Settled Before a Hearing
Results - 2004-2008
Year - Multiyear Deals - Above Midpoint - At Midpoint - Below Midpoint - Total
2004 - 5 multiyear - 1 above - 6 at midpoint - 8 below - 20 total
2005 - 8 multiyear - 3 above - 5 at midpoint - 21 below - 37 total
2006 - 7 multiyear - 8 above - 9 at midpoint - 14 below - 38 total
2007 - 10 multiyear - 4 above - 12 at midpoint - 22 below - 48 total
2008 - 10 mulityear - 2 above - 7 at midpoint - 21 below - 40 total
Multiyear Deals - 40 (22%)
Above Midpoint - 18 (10%)
At Midpoint - 39 (21%)
Below Midpoint - 86 (47%)
Total - 183 (100%)
I apologize if this posting is too long or not in your area of interest. I appreciate the comments because, as I stated above, they force me to be more rigorous in my work on this topic. Also, I think one of the purposes of the blog is to get feedback.
I will offer some thoughts about how the Astros, Marlins, and Rays methods are pushing the balance towards management in a follow-up to this reply.
My argument that the salary arbitration system actually works is that it usually produces a settlement instead of forcing a hearing. Furthermore, there are strong incentives for both parties to submit a reasonable figure if numbers are exchanged. So I would have been more accurate concerning my position if I had said - “One of my arguments is that the salary arbitration process usually works because most of the time the parties agree to a figure without the need for a hearing.”
Many observers of the process focus on the teams and players that proceed to a hearing first and the group that exchanges numbers second. This ignores all of the cases that are settled either before the exchange of figures or prior to a hearing. Look at some of these recent figures -
Year - Cases Filed - Cases Settled - Number of Hearings
2005 - 89 - 86 - 3 (Teams won 2 out of the 3)
2006 - 100 - 94 - 6 (Teams won 4 out of the 6)
2007 - 106 - 99 - 7 (Teams won 4 out of the 7)
2008 - 110 - 102 - 8 (Teams won 6 out of the 8)
Since the beginning of the process in 1974, my research lists the total number of cases filed at 3,043 (all of the lists that I have seen concerning salary arbitration differ as to some of the numbers in the 1970s and early 1980s). Of that number, 2,554 were settled, 484 proceeded to a hearing, and 5 were released (neither settled nor a hearing). That is a ratio of 83.9% settled cases and 15.9% hearings (the additional 5 cases account for the 0.2%).
So, my evidence for the revised statement is that 84% of the cases are settled, and that is, I think, the point of single-offer or final-offer arbitration. Now, the system is supposed to produce reasonable figures from both camps. If one of the figures is not plausible or defensible, you have created every incentive for the other side to go to a hearing because the chance of winning has increased significantly. Over the years, the teams have won 58% of the cases (279-205). The last time that the players exceeded .500 was 1996 (players won 7 of 10 hearings).
I am including a listing below showing the results of players and teams who exchanged numbers but settled before a hearing during the past five years. Note that during that five year period, 68% of the cases were settled at the midpoint or below the midpoint. This was part of the source for my original last sentence because that is what has happened in a strong majority of the recent cases. However, as I was properly taken to task, that is evidence for a different conclusion. My argument is that these statistics support the conclusion that the majority of cases are framed by the two exchanged numbers at an agreeable point for both parties. The general thought of hearing decision-making is that you determine the midpoint between the two figures. If the player is worth $1 or more above the midpoint, the arbitrator chooses the player’s figure. If the player is worth $1 or more below the midpoint, the arbitrator chooses the team’s figure. The decisions at hearings are supposed to be made within 24 hours by a panel of three. For many years a single arbitrator made the decision. An article last year at the end of the hearing season quoted veteran arbitrator Stephen Goldberg as follows: “Each arbitrator casts a vote but my impression is that 99 percent of the decisions are unanimous.” Ameet Sachdev, “Former NU Professor Says Multimillion Dollar Salary Hearings Have Grown Less Contentious,” Chicago Tribune, February 26, 2008. If Mr. Goldberg is correct as to the voting, he is arguing that the presentations are quite strong for one side or the other.
Notice that the next largest percentage (22%) are the 40 multiyear deals. This year there are already five multiyear deals between teams and players who filed numbers (Prince Fielder, Milwaukee Brewers; Zack Greinke, Kansas City Royals; Jason Kubel, Minnesota Twins (pending a physical); Nick Markakis, Baltimore Orioles; Jayson Werth, Phillies). The multiyear deals portion of the data merits its own posting and discussion.
Major League Baseball Salary Arbitration
Players and Teams Who Exchanged Numbers But Settled Before a Hearing
Results - 2004-2008
Year - Multiyear Deals - Above Midpoint - At Midpoint - Below Midpoint - Total
2004 - 5 multiyear - 1 above - 6 at midpoint - 8 below - 20 total
2005 - 8 multiyear - 3 above - 5 at midpoint - 21 below - 37 total
2006 - 7 multiyear - 8 above - 9 at midpoint - 14 below - 38 total
2007 - 10 multiyear - 4 above - 12 at midpoint - 22 below - 48 total
2008 - 10 mulityear - 2 above - 7 at midpoint - 21 below - 40 total
Multiyear Deals - 40 (22%)
Above Midpoint - 18 (10%)
At Midpoint - 39 (21%)
Below Midpoint - 86 (47%)
Total - 183 (100%)
I apologize if this posting is too long or not in your area of interest. I appreciate the comments because, as I stated above, they force me to be more rigorous in my work on this topic. Also, I think one of the purposes of the blog is to get feedback.
Media ethics and law prof blogging
I am quoted today in an op-ed in the Daily Tar Heel. (H/T: My former colleague Joel Goldstein). The op-ed discusses the motion filed by former Durham District Attorney Mike Nifong, the main culprit in the Duke lacrosse mess, seeking to dismiss the § 1983 actions against him on absolute prosecutorial immunity grounds (and without seeing the motion, I have argued previously that he has a pretty strong argument). The op-ed, clearly not coming close to understanding what prosecutorial immunity is all about, argues that Nifong should not have immunity because by "withholding DNA evidence, Nifong clearly deprived the defendants of their right to due process." Um, yeah, but the point of immunity is that does not matter, because other policy concerns trump. AndI did not read the piece as arguing that prosecutors should not have immunity (an arguable point), only that Nifong should not.
Anyway, I am identified as a Saint Louis University law professor and described as saying that Nifong only has immunity for those things he did as an advocate for the state. One problem--I never spoke with anyone at the Daily Tar Heel at any point. (Actually, I suppose a second problem is that I no longer teach at SLU, so there is a pretty glaring factual error there that would get them nailed in a newswriting course). The "comment" attributed to me was something I wrote in one of several posts, here and at Sports Law Blog, analyzing the players' lawsuits against Nifong, Duke, and others.
So, my question--Did the authors of the piece act appropriately (as a matter of journalistic practice) in attributing a comment to me without identifying it as something I wrote on a blog and attributing the blog? Is it OK for reporters to make it sound instead as if we had had a conversation? I am not suggesting that journalists should not read blogs as part of their reporting or that they should not report what they see written here. Indeed, one purpose of blogging is to be part of the broader public conversation beyond the academy, so having newspapers report on what we write here goes a long way to making us part of that conversation. My question is strictly how journalists should describe the source of a comment when they get it not from an interview, but from something the source has written.
Anyway, I am identified as a Saint Louis University law professor and described as saying that Nifong only has immunity for those things he did as an advocate for the state. One problem--I never spoke with anyone at the Daily Tar Heel at any point. (Actually, I suppose a second problem is that I no longer teach at SLU, so there is a pretty glaring factual error there that would get them nailed in a newswriting course). The "comment" attributed to me was something I wrote in one of several posts, here and at Sports Law Blog, analyzing the players' lawsuits against Nifong, Duke, and others.
So, my question--Did the authors of the piece act appropriately (as a matter of journalistic practice) in attributing a comment to me without identifying it as something I wrote on a blog and attributing the blog? Is it OK for reporters to make it sound instead as if we had had a conversation? I am not suggesting that journalists should not read blogs as part of their reporting or that they should not report what they see written here. Indeed, one purpose of blogging is to be part of the broader public conversation beyond the academy, so having newspapers report on what we write here goes a long way to making us part of that conversation. My question is strictly how journalists should describe the source of a comment when they get it not from an interview, but from something the source has written.
REAL MADRID THINKS ABOUT THE WIGAN VALENCIA OPTION
News from the Spanish daily “AS” today reports that the new REALMADRID President Boluda has put himself in contact with EnglishPremier League Club WIGAN. The former desires to examine the possibilityof gaining the services of the Wigan player & winger ANTONIOVALENCIA. Real look to convince the English Club to loan the player,with an option of a buy at the end of the season. SFS doubts that Real
TENNIS: FERNANDO VERDASCO REACHES SEMIS OF AUSTRALIAN OPEN 2009
Spanish Tennis keeps growing with the confirmation of the victory ofFERNANDO VERDASCO 7-6,3-6,6-3, 6-2 over Frenchman Jo-WilfriedTsonga in the Quarter Finals of the Australian Open. A historicalmoment for Verdasco, as he becomes the 6th Spaniard to reach theSemi Finals of this prestigious Grand Slam tournament.Verdasco is the revelation after defeating giants of the calibre of RadakStepanek &
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
"Flyer" Goes Down: Wisconsin Supreme Court Finds Cheerleading to be a Contact Sport
Today, the Wisconsin Supreme Court issued its opinion in Brittany L. Noffke v. Kevin Bakke. Howard Wasserman discussed this matter on this Blog last month. Also, check my post on the Sports Law Blog for cheerleader injuries from 2006, and discussions on sports injuries from myself and Geoffrey Rapp here, here, and here. Also, see Geoffrey's recent law review piece on the reckless standard for injuries on the playing field.
The basic facts: Noffke, a "flyer" (the elevated cheerleader during stunting), fell while practicing a "post to hands" stunt in an area without mats. Bakke, the "post" (the one who elevates the cheerleader onto the shoulders of the "base"), lifted Noffke onto the "base," and let go. Instead of moving to the rear to spot Noffke, Bakke moved to the front. Noffke fell to the rear of the "base" and struck her head. This was the first time this stunting group practiced this particular stunt. At the time, her coach (also a middle school teacher from this district), was supervising another group of cheerleaders approximately ten feet away.
Procedural history: Noffke sued Bakke for negligence (failure to spot Noffke), and sued the school district (Holmen) for negligence (failure to provide a second spotter and failure to provide appropriate surfacing/mats). Both Bakke and the school district were granted summary judgment; Bakke succeeded as the circuit court found cheerleading to be a "contact sport" requiring a finding of recklessness to impose civil liability. The school district succeeded on summary judgment as no known and compelling danger arose that gave rise to a ministerial duty on the coach's part. On appeal, the appellate court found that Bakke was not immune from suit since cheerleading is not a "contact sport" as defined by Wis. Stat. 895.525(4m)(a), but affirmed the school district's immunity. The Supreme Court of Wisconsin today affirmed the circuit court's ruling.
For Bakke to achieve immunity under the statute, cheerleading would have to be found by the Court to be a contact sport in this setting (amateur, high school sport). The Court found cheerleading to fit within the plain language of the statute ("physical contact between persons in a sport involving amateur teams"). The Supreme Court goes on to cite to those "recreational activities" that do not enjoy immunity, such as hunting, bowling, horseback riding, and skiing.
The Supreme Court found cheerleading to be a sport because it involves "physical exertion and skill that is governed by a set of rules or customs," and it is a team sport because "a group is organized to work together" to lead fan participation. Utilizing a dictionary and the spirit rules of the National Federation of State High School Associations, the Wisconsin Supreme Court found that cheerleading is a contact sport as it involves physical contact (at times "forceful") between cheerleaders during participation.
Noffke argues that the physical contact between cheerleaders is not of the type contemplated by the Wisconsin legislature (football, hockey, etc.), but rather cheerleader contact in incidental. The Wisconsin Supreme Court, however, responded that the legislature did not intend to just give immunity to participants in "aggressive" sports (side-note: in the Karas decision in Illinois, Justice Burke added an enhanced exception for "full-contact sports"). Noffke then argues that immunity should not apply in this case because cheerleading is not "competitive," but competition is not a requirement in the plain language of the statute, and a "competition" requirement would result in inconsistent results (cheering a team vs. cheerleading competition; practice vs. game).
Interestingly, the Court concludes its opinion relative to Bakke by encouraging the legislature to examine the Supreme Court's opinion and address how the statute would apply to other sports like "golf, swimming, or tennis."
To defeat this immunity, Noffke would have to show that Bakke was reckless, but the facts here did not support such a high standard, so the Wisconsin Supreme Court affirmed that Bakke was immune under the contact sport recreational immunity statute. Contrast this with the Karas case in Illinois, which made its way to the Illinois Supreme Court for review of a Motion to Dismiss based on the pleadings, and as such, evidence was not in the record for determination of whether the "Illinois contact sports exception" applied to the facts outside of the complaint.
With regard to the school district, Noffke argued that the coach (as an employee of the school district) violated a ministerial duty by not providing a second spotter and mats as required by the spirit rules, and that the coach, himself, should have known there was a compelling danger as appropriate safety precautions were not taken for these cheerleaders performing this stunt for the first time. However, the Wisconsin Supreme Court found that the school district was not bound to the spirit rules because it did not adopt the same, and as such, the coach had discretion on whether to provide a second spotter and mats. Further, looking to the actual spirit rules, there are no additional spotters or mats "required", but rather, the same are "suggested".
Of note here factually: the cheerleaders had performed more difficult stunts together before, both Noffke and Bakke thought they could perform this stunt, Bakke was a trained spotter, the stunt could be accomplished safely without Bakke's spot (Bakke was not the "base"), and the coach knew the level of difficulty of this stunting group to be "much higher". These same facts were essential to the Wisconsin Supreme Court in finding there to be no known or compelling danger that would remove the coach from immunity.
This decision continues to shed light on the fact that cheerleading is a dangerous sport, and as such, proper coach training (both technique and safety) is imperative. Cheerleading has evolved along with the sports that it supports (i.e. football), but while advances in safety equipment (helmets, pads, etc.), training, and playing/practicing surfaces has advanced in sports like football to go along with the faster, bigger, and stronger athletes, cheerleaders are exponentially advancing the physical difficulties of their sport with no real change in safety since football players were wearing leather helmets. It is a good step for the courts to acknowledge the athleticism and physical contact involved in cheerleading, but continued participation in cheerleading may suffer if safety policies are not adopted as rules rather than mere suggestions to coaches and teams.
The basic facts: Noffke, a "flyer" (the elevated cheerleader during stunting), fell while practicing a "post to hands" stunt in an area without mats. Bakke, the "post" (the one who elevates the cheerleader onto the shoulders of the "base"), lifted Noffke onto the "base," and let go. Instead of moving to the rear to spot Noffke, Bakke moved to the front. Noffke fell to the rear of the "base" and struck her head. This was the first time this stunting group practiced this particular stunt. At the time, her coach (also a middle school teacher from this district), was supervising another group of cheerleaders approximately ten feet away.
Procedural history: Noffke sued Bakke for negligence (failure to spot Noffke), and sued the school district (Holmen) for negligence (failure to provide a second spotter and failure to provide appropriate surfacing/mats). Both Bakke and the school district were granted summary judgment; Bakke succeeded as the circuit court found cheerleading to be a "contact sport" requiring a finding of recklessness to impose civil liability. The school district succeeded on summary judgment as no known and compelling danger arose that gave rise to a ministerial duty on the coach's part. On appeal, the appellate court found that Bakke was not immune from suit since cheerleading is not a "contact sport" as defined by Wis. Stat. 895.525(4m)(a), but affirmed the school district's immunity. The Supreme Court of Wisconsin today affirmed the circuit court's ruling.
For Bakke to achieve immunity under the statute, cheerleading would have to be found by the Court to be a contact sport in this setting (amateur, high school sport). The Court found cheerleading to fit within the plain language of the statute ("physical contact between persons in a sport involving amateur teams"). The Supreme Court goes on to cite to those "recreational activities" that do not enjoy immunity, such as hunting, bowling, horseback riding, and skiing.
The Supreme Court found cheerleading to be a sport because it involves "physical exertion and skill that is governed by a set of rules or customs," and it is a team sport because "a group is organized to work together" to lead fan participation. Utilizing a dictionary and the spirit rules of the National Federation of State High School Associations, the Wisconsin Supreme Court found that cheerleading is a contact sport as it involves physical contact (at times "forceful") between cheerleaders during participation.
Noffke argues that the physical contact between cheerleaders is not of the type contemplated by the Wisconsin legislature (football, hockey, etc.), but rather cheerleader contact in incidental. The Wisconsin Supreme Court, however, responded that the legislature did not intend to just give immunity to participants in "aggressive" sports (side-note: in the Karas decision in Illinois, Justice Burke added an enhanced exception for "full-contact sports"). Noffke then argues that immunity should not apply in this case because cheerleading is not "competitive," but competition is not a requirement in the plain language of the statute, and a "competition" requirement would result in inconsistent results (cheering a team vs. cheerleading competition; practice vs. game).
Interestingly, the Court concludes its opinion relative to Bakke by encouraging the legislature to examine the Supreme Court's opinion and address how the statute would apply to other sports like "golf, swimming, or tennis."
To defeat this immunity, Noffke would have to show that Bakke was reckless, but the facts here did not support such a high standard, so the Wisconsin Supreme Court affirmed that Bakke was immune under the contact sport recreational immunity statute. Contrast this with the Karas case in Illinois, which made its way to the Illinois Supreme Court for review of a Motion to Dismiss based on the pleadings, and as such, evidence was not in the record for determination of whether the "Illinois contact sports exception" applied to the facts outside of the complaint.
With regard to the school district, Noffke argued that the coach (as an employee of the school district) violated a ministerial duty by not providing a second spotter and mats as required by the spirit rules, and that the coach, himself, should have known there was a compelling danger as appropriate safety precautions were not taken for these cheerleaders performing this stunt for the first time. However, the Wisconsin Supreme Court found that the school district was not bound to the spirit rules because it did not adopt the same, and as such, the coach had discretion on whether to provide a second spotter and mats. Further, looking to the actual spirit rules, there are no additional spotters or mats "required", but rather, the same are "suggested".
Of note here factually: the cheerleaders had performed more difficult stunts together before, both Noffke and Bakke thought they could perform this stunt, Bakke was a trained spotter, the stunt could be accomplished safely without Bakke's spot (Bakke was not the "base"), and the coach knew the level of difficulty of this stunting group to be "much higher". These same facts were essential to the Wisconsin Supreme Court in finding there to be no known or compelling danger that would remove the coach from immunity.
This decision continues to shed light on the fact that cheerleading is a dangerous sport, and as such, proper coach training (both technique and safety) is imperative. Cheerleading has evolved along with the sports that it supports (i.e. football), but while advances in safety equipment (helmets, pads, etc.), training, and playing/practicing surfaces has advanced in sports like football to go along with the faster, bigger, and stronger athletes, cheerleaders are exponentially advancing the physical difficulties of their sport with no real change in safety since football players were wearing leather helmets. It is a good step for the courts to acknowledge the athleticism and physical contact involved in cheerleading, but continued participation in cheerleading may suffer if safety policies are not adopted as rules rather than mere suggestions to coaches and teams.
REAL MADRID WITHDRAWS ITS “SAT THREAT” & CHOOSE LASSANA DIARRA FOR CHAMPIONS
News has just come in via our local Sports daily’s (As & Marca) that REALMADRID has decided to withdraw its legal recourse from the “SAT”(Sporting Arbitrage Tribunal) in reference to the inscriptions ofHUNTELAAR & LASSANA DIARRA for this years Champions League.(courtesy of "AS")SFS wishes to recall that Real Madrid signed both players thinking they wereeligible for this years Champions League
Heavy Kettlebell Snatches
60KG Kettlebell Snatches
Had a great lunch time workout today working upto some heavy kettlebell snatches.
Started off warming the shoulder up with 20 reps each side 20kg bottoms up press.
Suitcase kettlebell deadlift with various weights of kettlebells together in one hand.
I love lifting 2 kettlebells together to make the grip work hard which in turn helps heavier single kettlebells feeel lighter.
Worked up from 20+24 to 60+40 (100kg) with one hand, before 5 sets of 5 swings each hand with the 60kg kettlebell.
The swings were performed really explosively and felt awesome in my hands (I think my grip is getting much stronger). This spurred me on to 60kg dead stop snatches for reps, which is something I've never done yet, until today.
All my other 60kg snatches were performed with pre-swing. So I was delighted to go from dead with them straight to overhead. I feel this is due to handling heavier weight with my kettle handle and extra grip strength, which is definitely required as the handle on the 60kg is 1.9 inches diameter. The beauty of this is everything else upto about 80kg on the kb handle feels lighter than it actually is.
Will be putting up a new 60kg kettlebell attack video later in the week
Heavy Kettlebell Snatches
Had a great lunch time workout today working upto some heavy kettlebell snatches.
Started off warming the shoulder up with 20 reps each side 20kg bottoms up press.
Suitcase kettlebell deadlift with various weights of kettlebells together in one hand.
I love lifting 2 kettlebells together to make the grip work hard which in turn helps heavier single kettlebells feeel lighter.
Worked up from 20+24 to 60+40 (100kg) with one hand, before 5 sets of 5 swings each hand with the 60kg kettlebell.
The swings were performed really explosively and felt awesome in my hands (I think my grip is getting much stronger). This spurred me on to 60kg dead stop snatches for reps, which is something I've never done yet, until today.
All my other 60kg snatches were performed with pre-swing. So I was delighted to go from dead with them straight to overhead. I feel this is due to handling heavier weight with my kettle handle and extra grip strength, which is definitely required as the handle on the 60kg is 1.9 inches diameter. The beauty of this is everything else upto about 80kg on the kb handle feels lighter than it actually is.
Will be putting up a new 60kg kettlebell attack video later in the week
Heavy Kettlebell Snatches
INTER DE MILAN JIMENEZ OFFERS HIMSELF TO ATLETICO
A past ATLETICO DE MADRID desire, Chilean LUIS JIMENEZwho is currently at INTER MILAN has offered his services to theSpanish Club, according to local daily "As".Jimenez is out of favour with his Coach Mourinho & is not playing.This has prompted the player to look elsewhere & in the "WinterTransfer Market" window of opportunity. This story is also backedfrom Italy via "Tuttomercatoweb.com" who see
Monday, January 26, 2009
New SI.com Sports Law Column on Kirk Radomski's New Book
I have a new column on SI.com on potential legal implications for Roger Clemens relating to Kirk Radomski's new book, Bases Loaded: The Inside Story of the Steroid Era in Baseball by the Central Figure in the Mitchell Report. Here is an excerpt from the column:* * *
The inconsistency over specific information shared by McNamee to Radomski may seem to be on the periphery of the central question of whether Clemens used steroids and knowingly lied to Congress, but it offers Clemens' legal team a valuable card in a potential trial in which McNamee would be subject to cross-examination: Why should a jury believe McNamee's recollections over those of Clemens when McNamee's account is, at least in part, contradicted by the published words of his friend Radomski?
Then again, jurors might dismiss potential inconsistencies in dates and other historical facts as relatively immaterial. After all, the inconsistencies seem several steps removed from the legal question of whether Clemens knowingly lied under oath, and jurors recognize that all humans occasionally err while recalling details and minutiae.
Clemens' legal team would likely disagree. Remember, to convict Clemens of perjury, the government would need to leave a jury without any reasonable doubt as to whether Clemens knowingly lied under oath; although jurors might ultimately believe that Clemens more likely than not knowingly lied under oath, any reservations triggered by questions of McNamee's memory and veracity could instill the requisite "reasonable doubt" in those jurors' minds. Such an outcome would lead to Clemens being found not guilty, which in turn would bolster his chances for rehabilitating his reputation in baseball and the public at large.
* * *
Hope you have a chance to check out the rest.
JAVIER SAVIOLA ON LOAN TO PORTSMOUTH?
The Argentine & REAL MADRID forward exploded after his seemlessly"eternal" stays on the bench with comments: "...my situation isintolerable". His Coach Juande Ramos replied ( + or - translated)"...if you wish to play, find yourself a lower level Club". Words that quiet frankly would sink the spirits of any player.JAVIER SAVIOLA has been followed by "shadows" since arrivingfrom Argentine Club
SFS FLASHBACKS: SPAIN vs YUGOSLAVIA EURO 2000
A classic SFS Flashback & great historical moment for the SpanishNational Team.Situation: European Nations Cup 2000 Group C clash. The winner ofthe Spain vs. Yugoslavia match goes on to qualify for the next stage. Thegame is a high scoring affair & goes into extra time. Then, in the lastmoments …Did you see FC Barcelona’s current Coach with the Nº4 shirt? It’sGuardiola. Plus Raul, Mendieta,
ECONOMIC CRISIS HITS LOWER DIVISION SPANISH CLUBS
The Economic Crisis ( & bad business management) is also hitting SpanishFootball, in this case GRANADA who play in the 2º Division Group 4 &whose professional players haven’t been paid for the last 4 months. Thisweekend in their match against Melilla the players decided to protest &send a message to their Club President Paco Sanz & everyone … “PacoSanz we need to be paid now”!This situation is
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Grip n Rip Adam T Glass
Grip n Rip Strength Demonstration
Adam T Glass held a weekend seminar of grip,rip and tear training this last weekend.
With lots of demos and advice to share with the participants on grip, tearing and strength training even kettlebells.
I feel sure will be a video coming too........
awesome job Adam!
Technorati Tags: grip training, tearing cards, ripping phone books, adam t glass, kettlebells
Grip n Rip Adam T Glass
Adam T Glass held a weekend seminar of grip,rip and tear training this last weekend.
With lots of demos and advice to share with the participants on grip, tearing and strength training even kettlebells.
I feel sure will be a video coming too........
awesome job Adam!
Technorati Tags: grip training, tearing cards, ripping phone books, adam t glass, kettlebells
Grip n Rip Adam T Glass
Super Bowl Prediction
On paper, the Pittsburgh Steelers have the edge over the Arizona Cardinals in Super Bowl XLIII. But as Kenny Mayne says, "We know that these games aren't played on paper, but by the little men inside our TV sets."
First off, how did these teams get here? The Pittsburgh Steelers took a slightly more conventional path. They won the difficult AFC North with a 12-4 record, receiving a first-round bye into the playoffs. Once there, they beat the upstart San Diego Chargers in the Divisional Round before taking out their bitter rival the Baltimore Ravens in the Conference Championship by a score of 23-14. They come into the Super Bowl tough and battle tested.
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The Arizona Cardinals, on the other hand, are not a team that we expected to be playing into October. They limped into the playoffs at 9-7, getting in only because they won the worst division in football. During the regular season, they went 6-0 against teams in the NFC West, and 3-7 against everyone else. They ended the regular season playing really bad football, struggling after they clinched the division, and looked like the prime example of a team that would be making an early exit. But then, something clicked. They had a home playoff game against wildcard Atlanta, and played inspired football, mixing things up offensively and getting to QB Matt Ryan repeatedly en route to a 30-24 victory. That brought them a date with the Carolina Panthers, a team many thought might be the best in the NFC. Instead of being intimidated, they went into Carolina and shocked them, dominating the game for a 33-13 win. In the Conference Championship, they got another home game, this time against the Philadelphia Eagles, and Kurt Warner led them to a late TD drive for a 32-25 win in one of the best games of the playoffs. That got them a date with the Steelers here in the Super Bowl.
For Pittsburgh, everything starts with the defense, a unit which might be the best in the NFL. Coach Mike Tomlin sets the tone for a tough, aggressive unit, and they go after the QB all day long. The defense is led by James Harrison, the best LB in the NFL this year, finishing with 16 sacks and 7 FF. The LBs are athletic and can get to the QB on a consistent basis, which stops the opposing offense from ever really getting into a rhythm. Even if the QB does have time, he has to look out for Troy Polamalu in the secondary, who finished with 7 INT. The offense of the Steelers is a pretty balanced unit, with gritty QB Ben Roethlisberger leading the charges, throwing the ball to explosive Santonio Holmes, or Hines Ward, who is perhaps the best short-yardage WR in the NFL. They have multiple options running the football, from Willie Parker to Mewelde Moore to Gary Russell. This allows them to simply go with the hot hand there.
In Arizona, offense is the name of the game. They have an explosive unit, and can score from anywhere on the field with their passing game. Kurt Warner has resurrected his career, throwing for nearly 4600 yards and 30 TDs this year. He showed that when he has time, he can still be the most accurate passer in the NFL, fitting the ball in places where you wouldn't expect it to fit, and throwing the deep ball with accuracy. On the outside, they have perhaps the best 1-2 combo at WR in the NFL. The leader is Larry Fitzgerald, who has seemed to break out here in the playoffs to stake his claim as the best WR in football. He has incredible hands, uses his body well, and has deceptive speed. He finished with 1431 yards and 12 TD in the regular season, and has over 400 yards receiving in 3 playoff games. He is flanked by Anquan Boldin, a tough WR who is not afraid to catch the ball in traffic. At certain points this year he has looked even better than Fitzgerald, and he makes sure that teams can't just key on stopping 1 WR. They need to work on balancing the passing game with a rushing game so that defenses can't just tee off on Warner, but make no mistake, they will be able to put some points on the board.
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Arizona has more momentum coming into the game, riding their improbable run into the Super Bowl. And in a 1 game Super Bowl, anything can happen. However, I like the team with more talent here, the Pittsburgh Steelers. They have shown their toughness all season long, and should be able to put pressure on Kurt Warner to at least slow down the Arizona passing attack. The Cardinals will be able to make a game of it, but I like the Steelers to win it, 27-17.
What's your prediction?
"EL MUNDANO DEPORTIVO" : RAFA BENITEZ
As promised here is the the first article from SFS bi-monthly collaboration:"EL MUNDANO DEPORTIVO" - by Adrian Vogel.His article talks about LIVERPOOL Spanish Coach RAFAEL BENITEZ& some "theories" to his situation at Liverpool & his possible future.STRIKER ____________________________________________Rafa Benitez (by Adrian Vogel for SFS)Disclaimer: This post was originally written before Sunday’s
SPANISH FOOTBALL - LA LIGA 2008/2009 - ROUND 20 RESULTS
Hi guys SFS is back after a couple of days in the countryside relaxing withthe family. SFS is now here to give you the results, images & scorers of theSpanish League Round 20 games.Saturday saw two games & SFS will put VIDEOS of the goals scored ineach clash, starting with FC BARCELONA 4 - NUMANCIA 1. Acontroversial game were the referee cancelled a valid goal by Numanciain the first half &
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Kettlebell Exercises
Kettlebell Exercises
Straightothebar.com is a great resource for kettlebells, grip, strongman and strength&fitness in general. I have been a subscriber for a long time now and recommend it to anyone looking for new ways and interesting ways to train and develop great ideas for yourself. Scott Bird selects some really unusual and interesting videos everyday. Some of mine have also been featured on straightothebar too.
Below is a list of kettlebell exercises that have been featured on sttb over the last few years and are linked here for your enjoyment. If you're stuck for kettlebell routines or exercises you know where to come.
I also recently found a great kettlebell resource from Bodybuilding.com
24kg Kettlebell Windmill
2nd Effort Drills : The Hard Style Clean and Jerk
32kg Bottom-up Kettlebell Press
32kg Bottom-up TGU
80lb Kettlebell Flips
A training update
Bent Press Demonstration
Bottom-up Kettlebell Carries
Circular Kettlebell Cleans
Cross-legged overhead kettlebell press
DB vs KB
Double Kettlebell Get-up
Double Kettlebell Getup
Double Kettlebell Situp
Dragging KettleBells
Explosive Kettlebell Throwing
Extreme kettlebell back workout
Grip and KB training videos
Halos, pumps and mountain climbers
Handstand push-up on kettlebells
Hockey Deadlift
How to Perform a Bear Crawl
Inverted Kettlebell Push-ups
Jumping with Kettlebells
Kettlebell Band Curls
Kettlebell Beakers
Kettlebell Chair Press
Kettlebell Deficit Deadlifts
Kettlebell Dragon Flag
Kettlebell Exercises for BJJ
Kettlebell Figure 8 with hold
Kettlebell Flip, Catch and Press
Kettlebell Floor Press
Kettlebell French Walk
Kettlebell Iron Cross
Kettlebell Juggling (Pairs)
Kettlebell Juggling Foot Flip
Kettlebell Juggling Moves
Kettlebell Kossack
Kettlebell Overhead Squat
Kettlebell Shove
Kettlebell Sots Press
Kettlebell Step Up Press
Kettlebell Swing To Open Hand Catch
Kettlebell Swiss Ball Didgeridoo Sots Press
Kettlebell Two Hands Anyhow
Kettlebell Two Hands Anyhow
Kettlebell Walking
Kettlebell Woodchops
Kettlebell and Clubbell Yaw Press
Kettlebell bench with bands
Kettlebell buyers' guide
Kettlebell certification video
Kettlebell circuits
Kettlebell exercise alternatives
Kettlebell golf swing
Kettlebell hold
Kettlebell rolling squat, pullover and snatch
Kettlebell rowing
Kettlebell shoulder press
Kettlebell shrugs
Kettlebell slam
Kettlebell snatch tutorial
Kettlebell squat and triple crush
Kettlebell swing refresher
Kettlebell swing, clean, squat
Kettlebell swinging
Kettlebell waiter's walks
Kettlebell windmill
King Cobra Squat
Kneeling to Standing Kettlebell Snatches
Kool Kettlebells
Modified kettlebell Two Hands Anyhow
More on the kettlebell windmill
More power to your kettlebell swing
Overhead kettlebell press variations
Overload kettlebell presses
Photos : Kettlebell workshop
Pistol Grip Kettlebell Toss
RKC Arm Bar Explained
Round and round she goes
Serious stability : the bottom-up KB TGU
Setting up the 2 kettlebell swing
Side plank with kettlebell
Snatching the beast
Sots Press (Pistol style)
Squatting like a 5-year-old
Stacked Kettlebell Press
Strengthening your kettlebell press
Suspended Kettlebell Press
Swinging for long sets
TGU (Turkish Get-up)
The Kettlebell Half-Snatch
The Kettlebell Hot Potato
The Quarter Get-up
The Russian Kettlebell Uppercut
The kettlebell towel (or t-shirt) swing
Up and Over
Upright kettlebell rows (rope)
Video demos of KB short cycle and long cycle
Technorati Tags: kettlebell exercises , youtube, kettleblel exercises, exercies kettlebells. kettlebell training video, kettlebell workout ,
Kettlebell Exercises
Friday, January 23, 2009
Cubs Suing Former Sponsor Underarmour
The Wall Street Journal Law Blog reports a suit filed on Thursday by the Chicago Cubs for breach of contract and promissory estoppel against Underarmour. Driven to abandon the sponsorship due to the effect of the economic climate on overpriced polyester sports clothing, the company now faces this $10 million suit. As more sponsors abandon pricey sports team deals in the face of economic tumult and public criticism, such lawsuits may multiply.
The Tampa Bay Rays and the "File-and-go Strategy"
Bill Chastain, an MLB.com reporter covering the Tampa Bay Rays, wrote an informative piece on January 20 about Willy Aybar and Dioner Navarro’s salary arbitration negotiations with the Rays. (“Aybar, Navarro will go to arbitration; Pair of players unable to come to terms with Rays before deadline). The article outlines the Rays’ “file-and-go strategy,” and it contains a number of quotations about the team’s philosophy from Gerry Hunsicker, Senior Vice President, Baseball Operations. It is worth reading if you are interested in baseball labor relations. This has been the club’s policy for some time under Andrew Friedman, Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations.
As Bill Chastain points out in the article, “Josh Paul is the only player to go to arbitration during Friedman's tenure and the backup catcher lost on both occasions.” Those two hearings were in 2006 and 2007. In 2007, Paul requested $940,000, and the team offer was $625,000. The arbitration panel of Robert Bailey, Richard Bloch and Christine Knowlton sided with Tampa Bay. In 2006, Paul wanted an increase from $450,000 to $750,000 and Tampa Bay countered with a modest increase to $475,000. The arbitration panel for that hearing was Dan Brent, Margaret Brogan, and Elliott Shriftman.
In 2002, the team went to a hearing with Esteban Yan. Yan was seeking an increase from $743,000 to $2,400,000, and Tampa Bay felt that $1,500,000 was the appropriate figure. The arbitration panel of Dan Brent, Roger Kaplan, and Carol Whittenberg agreed with the team. After the Phillies lost to Ryan Howard last year for their first setback at a hearing (the Phillies are now 7-1 in their 8 hearings), the Rays became the only team with a perfect winning record in arbitration hearings.
After reviewing the exchanged numbers between the two parties, I thought I spotted an interesting point. The differences between the two figures are amongst the closest of all of the 46 exchanged figures this year.
Willy Aybar
2008 salary = $401,200
Team offer = $900,000
Player request = $1,050,000
Difference = $150,000
Midpoint = $975,000
Dioner Navarro
2008 salary = $412,500 (base salary) - $10,000 for making the All-Star team
Team offer = $2,100,000
Player request = $2,500,000
Difference = $400,000
Midpoint = $2,300,000
I have at least two thoughts about this. If the parties were that close, why couldn’t they get a deal done before the deadline? Second, does the “early deadline” prompted by the “file-and-go strategy” help push the two parties closer to each other? One of my arguments has been that salary arbitration usually works because most of the time the parties agree to a figure at the midpoint or slightly below the midpoint.
As Bill Chastain points out in the article, “Josh Paul is the only player to go to arbitration during Friedman's tenure and the backup catcher lost on both occasions.” Those two hearings were in 2006 and 2007. In 2007, Paul requested $940,000, and the team offer was $625,000. The arbitration panel of Robert Bailey, Richard Bloch and Christine Knowlton sided with Tampa Bay. In 2006, Paul wanted an increase from $450,000 to $750,000 and Tampa Bay countered with a modest increase to $475,000. The arbitration panel for that hearing was Dan Brent, Margaret Brogan, and Elliott Shriftman.
In 2002, the team went to a hearing with Esteban Yan. Yan was seeking an increase from $743,000 to $2,400,000, and Tampa Bay felt that $1,500,000 was the appropriate figure. The arbitration panel of Dan Brent, Roger Kaplan, and Carol Whittenberg agreed with the team. After the Phillies lost to Ryan Howard last year for their first setback at a hearing (the Phillies are now 7-1 in their 8 hearings), the Rays became the only team with a perfect winning record in arbitration hearings.
After reviewing the exchanged numbers between the two parties, I thought I spotted an interesting point. The differences between the two figures are amongst the closest of all of the 46 exchanged figures this year.
Willy Aybar
2008 salary = $401,200
Team offer = $900,000
Player request = $1,050,000
Difference = $150,000
Midpoint = $975,000
Dioner Navarro
2008 salary = $412,500 (base salary) - $10,000 for making the All-Star team
Team offer = $2,100,000
Player request = $2,500,000
Difference = $400,000
Midpoint = $2,300,000
I have at least two thoughts about this. If the parties were that close, why couldn’t they get a deal done before the deadline? Second, does the “early deadline” prompted by the “file-and-go strategy” help push the two parties closer to each other? One of my arguments has been that salary arbitration usually works because most of the time the parties agree to a figure at the midpoint or slightly below the midpoint.
Basque Stone Lifting
Basque Stone Lifting
I have been a keen fan of lifting stones for many years. As a young boy I can remember trying to lift anything and everything that looked like it had some weight in it. Old axles, stones, bags, boxes anything really.
I fondly remember at the age of 8 managing to just lift a 50kg bag of cement (they only come in 25kg bags now) off the floor at my Grandad's builders yard.
There is something very primal and instinctive when it comes to lifting stones and something that gives me much satisfaction, even though I should know better. Last summer I tried out and succeeded with both the Inver Stone and the Dinnie Stones and later this year I hope to return to Potarch along with Laine Snook and have a go at walking with the Dinnies, maybe it should be called walking with Dinosaurs.
Anyways, here's something interesting from the net about Basque Stonelifting. performed in rural Basque areas of Spain along with a nice video of a 1 handed 200kg basque stone lift
"Years before any one had heard of professional athletics and before competitors had made sport a way of earning a living, the inhabitants of the rural areas of the Basque country in northern Spain had gone in the opposite direction, making their daily work into a sport. Peasants and farmers, used to lifting stones, cutting logs and mowing fields, discovered that these chores had a game-like aspect and used them as an excuse to compete and demonstrate their physical prowess. With the industrialization of farming, these activities remained behind as vestiges of a former way of life and a particular way of spending one’s leisure time.
Stone-lifting, perhaps the most spectacular of Basque sports, has its origins in the quarries and in the use of large standing stones to mark off boundaries. Over the years it has managed to avoid the dangers threatening the survival of other traditional games, which are so often forgotten by the press, overlooked in the distribution of official grants and squeezed out of education programmes by more fashionable disciplines imported from other continents. However, the sports events of the Basque Country continue thanks to the support of local councils which include exhibitions in their festival programmes, and thanks also to their extensive coverage in the press by expert journalists who have managed to carve a niche for themselves among the pages reserved for football, the king of sports in Spain.
The first step for a “harrijasotzaile” ( t h e Basque word for “lifter”) is to go to a stonemason’s workshop, find a stone he likes, and have it properly prepared for the challenge: to lift one kilo more than at his last attempt. This is done by injecting lead into holes that are worked into the original granite slab, until the stone weighs exactly what the lifter wants. The current world record for stone-lifting is held by Migeltxo Saralegi, a 27-year-old from Navarre, who succeeded in lifting 320 kilos. But because of his youth Saralegi has not yet replaced the greatest lifter of all time, his neighbour, friend and teacher, Iñaki Perurena, in the memories of stone-lifting aficionados. Perurena, who is also known as “the colossus of Leiza” (his native town), has achieved popularity ratings in Spain that are unheard-of for a rural sportsman, though they are understandable in light of his competition history. He became national champion at the age of 17 with a lift of 175 kilos, and defended his title year after year with progressively heavier stones until 1987 when, at the age of 31, he achieved what was thought to be impossible: lifting a 300- kilo stone onto his shoulder. Once this psychological barrier had been broken he continued to break his own records, up to 318 kg. There was competition among the Basque local councils to host his record attempts, which were supported by private sponsors, while booking agents helped maintain a rising interest in the events.
Despite the inevitably rough-hewn image of a man weighing almost 130 kg who lifts stones for fun, Perurena, who also works as a butcher and farmer, has given free rein to his more sensitive side by writing poetry about his land and its people. As he grasps the stone and tries to lift it onto his shoulder, he talks to it and asks it for help. He is even capable of disqualifying his own valid lifts if they are performed with the necessary strength but “‘without grace”. The main ambition of stone-lifters is to be considered as sportsmen, not just as local curiosities. Like all other athletes they need daily training, a balanced diet and a refined technique. Because of their exceptional physical condition some have received offers to become boxers or weightlifters, but most stone-lifters reject such offers without a second thought. They don’t want hasten the demise of an entire people’s tradition."
Basque Stone Lifting
I have been a keen fan of lifting stones for many years. As a young boy I can remember trying to lift anything and everything that looked like it had some weight in it. Old axles, stones, bags, boxes anything really.
I fondly remember at the age of 8 managing to just lift a 50kg bag of cement (they only come in 25kg bags now) off the floor at my Grandad's builders yard.
There is something very primal and instinctive when it comes to lifting stones and something that gives me much satisfaction, even though I should know better. Last summer I tried out and succeeded with both the Inver Stone and the Dinnie Stones and later this year I hope to return to Potarch along with Laine Snook and have a go at walking with the Dinnies, maybe it should be called walking with Dinosaurs.
Anyways, here's something interesting from the net about Basque Stonelifting. performed in rural Basque areas of Spain along with a nice video of a 1 handed 200kg basque stone lift
"Years before any one had heard of professional athletics and before competitors had made sport a way of earning a living, the inhabitants of the rural areas of the Basque country in northern Spain had gone in the opposite direction, making their daily work into a sport. Peasants and farmers, used to lifting stones, cutting logs and mowing fields, discovered that these chores had a game-like aspect and used them as an excuse to compete and demonstrate their physical prowess. With the industrialization of farming, these activities remained behind as vestiges of a former way of life and a particular way of spending one’s leisure time.
Stone-lifting, perhaps the most spectacular of Basque sports, has its origins in the quarries and in the use of large standing stones to mark off boundaries. Over the years it has managed to avoid the dangers threatening the survival of other traditional games, which are so often forgotten by the press, overlooked in the distribution of official grants and squeezed out of education programmes by more fashionable disciplines imported from other continents. However, the sports events of the Basque Country continue thanks to the support of local councils which include exhibitions in their festival programmes, and thanks also to their extensive coverage in the press by expert journalists who have managed to carve a niche for themselves among the pages reserved for football, the king of sports in Spain.
The first step for a “harrijasotzaile” ( t h e Basque word for “lifter”) is to go to a stonemason’s workshop, find a stone he likes, and have it properly prepared for the challenge: to lift one kilo more than at his last attempt. This is done by injecting lead into holes that are worked into the original granite slab, until the stone weighs exactly what the lifter wants. The current world record for stone-lifting is held by Migeltxo Saralegi, a 27-year-old from Navarre, who succeeded in lifting 320 kilos. But because of his youth Saralegi has not yet replaced the greatest lifter of all time, his neighbour, friend and teacher, Iñaki Perurena, in the memories of stone-lifting aficionados. Perurena, who is also known as “the colossus of Leiza” (his native town), has achieved popularity ratings in Spain that are unheard-of for a rural sportsman, though they are understandable in light of his competition history. He became national champion at the age of 17 with a lift of 175 kilos, and defended his title year after year with progressively heavier stones until 1987 when, at the age of 31, he achieved what was thought to be impossible: lifting a 300- kilo stone onto his shoulder. Once this psychological barrier had been broken he continued to break his own records, up to 318 kg. There was competition among the Basque local councils to host his record attempts, which were supported by private sponsors, while booking agents helped maintain a rising interest in the events.
Despite the inevitably rough-hewn image of a man weighing almost 130 kg who lifts stones for fun, Perurena, who also works as a butcher and farmer, has given free rein to his more sensitive side by writing poetry about his land and its people. As he grasps the stone and tries to lift it onto his shoulder, he talks to it and asks it for help. He is even capable of disqualifying his own valid lifts if they are performed with the necessary strength but “‘without grace”. The main ambition of stone-lifters is to be considered as sportsmen, not just as local curiosities. Like all other athletes they need daily training, a balanced diet and a refined technique. Because of their exceptional physical condition some have received offers to become boxers or weightlifters, but most stone-lifters reject such offers without a second thought. They don’t want hasten the demise of an entire people’s tradition."
Basque Stone Lifting
SFS FLASHBACKS: RONALDO WHEN AT FC BARCELONA
Here is an amazing goal by Brazilian RONALDO when he was part ofFC BARCELONA. The goal was scored during a Spanish League gameagainst Santiago de Compostela. This is Ronaldo at his maximum peak form,unstoppable.
REAL MADRID 2009 : KAKA; RONALDO & BENZEMA ON THEIR AGENDA FOR UPCOMING PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS
There are three names being herald as possible candidates for the REALMADRID CF Presidential elections for July 2009: Juan Villalonga (exPresident of Telefónica), Eugenio Martinez & Florentino Perez ( Presidentof ACS & ex President of Real Madrid 2000-2006). The latter is remainingsilent for the moment, but everyone suspects that he will run & is alreadymoving his cards behind the
Thursday, January 22, 2009
FERNANDO TORRES HELPS MATE WITH A TV AD TO PROMOTE "GESSBAR" HAIR SALON
This post is for the millions of FERNANDO TORRES fans. This video isalready wildfire across the Internet, specially in Spain & will no doubtrace into England, USA & Asia.Here is the story. Fernando has a mate called Juan Carlos who owns &runs an ordinary hairdressing salon in A Coruña (Galicia, SPAIN) called“Gessbra”. Juan Carlos simply asks Fernando if he will appear in his verylow budget TV ad
SPANISH CUP 2008/2009 QUARTER FINAL 1ºLEG THURSDAY GAMES RESULTS
The last two 1ºleg SPANISH CUP matches have been played tonight in a low scoring affair with the return 2ºlegs up for next week &totally wide open.ATHLETIC DE BILBAO & REAL SPORTING DE GIJON finished in a 0-0 draw. Bilbao missed a penalty - that wasn´t - in the 28th minwhen Llorente miscued. The game was end to end stuff with each having their chances, but a touch of conservatism entered both
High Pulls
High Pulls with Kettle Handle
Training High Pulls with my kettle handle the other night.
The high pull is something I've never ventured into with anything other than a barbell.
Is a great exercise assist the snatch and clean movements
I worked upto 70kg sets of high pulls after some beast kettlebell swings. What I found was the slightly smaller diameter of my handle felt great and the weight was nice and easy after lots of 60kg kettlebell work preparing for my Supernova Challenge kettlebell.
Worked through 5 set of 3 each side.
Awesome core training
High Pulls
Training High Pulls with my kettle handle the other night.
The high pull is something I've never ventured into with anything other than a barbell.
Is a great exercise assist the snatch and clean movements
I worked upto 70kg sets of high pulls after some beast kettlebell swings. What I found was the slightly smaller diameter of my handle felt great and the weight was nice and easy after lots of 60kg kettlebell work preparing for my Supernova Challenge kettlebell.
Worked through 5 set of 3 each side.
Awesome core training
High Pulls
"EL MUNDANO DEPORTIVO": NEW BI MONTHLY COLLABORATION FOR SFS
SFS wishes to announce a NEW section that will appear every 15 Dias.Titled “El Mundano Deportivo”, it is an honour & a pleasure to counton the collaboration of a fellow blogger & friend, Adrian Vogel, to enrich& take SFS to another level. Adrian will share his wealth of Football(Soccer) knowledge & experience to give SFS readers an “alternative”view & the behind the scenes reasons to the stories
REAL MADRID: FLORENTINO PEREZ WOULD WIN IF ELECTIONS HELD TODAY
The race is on as the potential REAL MADRID Presidential candidatescome out of the woodwork. The announcement last week of RamonCalderon´s resignation & that new Presidential elections will be held inJuly 2009 has stirred the waters & everyone is beginning to positionthemselves.Many are forging alliances with powerful Sporting media, but one inparticular hasn’t announced that he will present
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
SPANISH CUP 2008/2009 QUARTER FINAL 1ºLEG WEDNESDAY GAMES RESULTS
Two games tonight of the Q/Finals of the SPANISH CUP with the 1ºlegto decide. Tomorrow another two matches between At.Bilbao - SportingGijon & Mallorca - Real Betis.A top game played tonight with plenty of goals that saw VALENCIA CF comeback & turn the result around against SEVILLA CF.DAVID VILLA scored first in the 5th min to allow Valencia to start well, however Sevilla reacted & turned up the
Bailed-out AIG to drop pricey sports team sponsorships
One of the reasons I've been blogging relatively lightly in the past few weeks is that I've discovered the Fox Soccer Channel is part of my digital cable package. Although I've been enjoying a number of great soccer games, it is always a bit jarring to see a team of millionaire soccer players running around in jerseys that proudly display the name of a corporation that has recently come begging for money to the U.S. taxpayers.
Today, Reuters broke the story that insurance giant and bailout recipient AIG will not be renewing its $100 million sponsorship of Manchester United, a top English soccer team. AIG is also seeking to renegotiate its current sponsorship -- likely in an effort to escape from the contract's remaining years.
At the time of the bailout, AIG and other corporate sports sponsors receiving federal funds, like Citi, insisted they had no plans to discontinue such sponsorships even in the face of public criticism and the common "Taxpayer field" jokes.
Expect AIG's lead to be followed by other recipients of bailout funds.
Baseball Salary Arbitration - Players and Teams Exchange Figures
Over the past few days there has been a flurry of activity between baseball teams and player agents negotiating contracts for players eligible for salary arbitration. On Thursday, January 15, 111 players filed for arbitration. Between last Thursday and yesterday’s deadline for exchanging numbers, 65 deals were finalized leaving 46 players and teams involved in exchanging numbers yesterday.
The big buzz is about Ryan Howard who went to a hearing with the Phillies last year and beat his team. Of course, most of you are aware of his effort last year for the World Series Champions. Howard is seeking $18 million and the Phils offered $14 million. Howard’s request is the third highest figure sought since the process began in 1974. The next largest request this year is from Prince Fielder. Fielder requested $8 million, and the Brewers countered with $6 million. I am still digesting all of the deals reached before the deadline yesterday and looking over the exchanged numbers figures. I will be posting some of my insights shortly on this blog.
The big buzz is about Ryan Howard who went to a hearing with the Phillies last year and beat his team. Of course, most of you are aware of his effort last year for the World Series Champions. Howard is seeking $18 million and the Phils offered $14 million. Howard’s request is the third highest figure sought since the process began in 1974. The next largest request this year is from Prince Fielder. Fielder requested $8 million, and the Brewers countered with $6 million. I am still digesting all of the deals reached before the deadline yesterday and looking over the exchanged numbers figures. I will be posting some of my insights shortly on this blog.
AND GOD SPOKE TO KAKA..."GO TO REAL MADRID"
Brazilian International & AC MILAN player KAKA isn’t Mosses but hedoes speak with God. In fact, it seems God is a Football fan, great tasteas it could not be any other way, plus he is an advisor to KAKA, imagine hiscommissions!News from Italy, England & Spanish sports media say that “The Father”(not his real representative) advises Kaka to await a call from REAL MADRID. According to local daily “
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Pretty Ugly Card Tearing
Tearing a Deck of Cards
I've been a big fan of Mr Adam T Glass for some time now and have been following his crazy strength exploits and his card destroying antics. I've always thought how cool it would be to be able to rip through a deck of cards.
So, a month or two ago I had a go and failed miserably. I even tried splitting 20 cards and failed to even start a tear!
However, Adam's advice was to just keep trying and you'll get it
So I started ripping paper and made it thicker and thicker until I was getting through sizeable chunks. I've even been trying my paws out on some old business cards to acclimatise.
Then tonight I had a go at a full deck after some heavy kettlebellin' and I got through a full deck. So I'm pretty chuffed with myself.
Nothing startling or pretty, just something new for me.
Here's the video.
Tearing Cards
I've been a big fan of Mr Adam T Glass for some time now and have been following his crazy strength exploits and his card destroying antics. I've always thought how cool it would be to be able to rip through a deck of cards.
So, a month or two ago I had a go and failed miserably. I even tried splitting 20 cards and failed to even start a tear!
However, Adam's advice was to just keep trying and you'll get it
So I started ripping paper and made it thicker and thicker until I was getting through sizeable chunks. I've even been trying my paws out on some old business cards to acclimatise.
Then tonight I had a go at a full deck after some heavy kettlebellin' and I got through a full deck. So I'm pretty chuffed with myself.
Nothing startling or pretty, just something new for me.
Here's the video.
Tearing Cards
SFS FLASHBACKS: EMILIO BUTRAGUEÑO
A blast from the past from one of REAL MADRID´s & SPAIN´s greatforwards, EMILIO BUTRAGUEÑO, here seen scoring against Cadiz,real magicians stuff:
KAKA NO TO MANCHESTER CITY OPENS THE DOOR FOR REAL MADRID
It’s the big news today in the Football World, AC MILAN Brazilian starKAKA has rejected an astronomical (120€M transfer fee plus a 15M€/yearsalary) offer from MANCHESTER CITY & take reign of his destiny.“Money isn’t everything” is the slogan that saw Milan President & histeam called off negotiations after Kaka´s father & Representative BoscoLeite had it all shut with the English Club. The wishes
Monday, January 19, 2009
IKER CASILLAS - 3ºrd BEST GOALKEEPER IN HISTORY ACCORDING TO IFFHS
The IFFHS - International Football Federation of History & Statistics- which is under the umbrella of FIFA named REAL MADRID &Spanish International Goalkeeper IKER CASILLAS the Best in TheWorld for 2008.News comes to us from all the local papers today that the IFFHS has justreleased its "All Time" Historical Statistics for Goalkeepers & citesCasillas as the 3ºrd Best. The Historical Best is
SPANISH FOOTBALL LEAGUE 2008 - 2009: LEADING GOALSCORER & GOALKEEPER - THE HALF WAY MARK
The Spanish League - "La Liga" has reached its half way mark & it´sthe moment for SFS to see who is leading the Goalscoring table - ElPichichi - & who is leading the Goalkeeping table - El Zamora.LEAD GOALSCORERS - after Round 191. SAMUEL ETO´O is one fire. The FC BARCELONA forward has18 GOALS from 18 games. That´s a 100% effectivity rate.2. Spanish International & VALENCIA CF forward DAVID
Sunday, January 18, 2009
SPANISH FOOTBALL - LA LIGA 2008/09 - ROUND 19 SUNDAY GAMES RESULTS
Here is a resume of tonights Round 19 Sunday games in the SpanishLeague, known Worldwide as "La Liga", with results, images & scorers.REAL MADRID hosted the bottom Club OSASUNA after an intense week that saw its President Calderon resign due to scandals already mentioned on the posts below.The crowd & the atmosphere was tense,plus expectant to see how the team would react.In the end it turned out
DAKER 2009: MARC COMA WINS IN BIKES
SFS congratulates Spanish Motorbike rider MARC COMA for winningthis years DAKER Argentina - Chile Rally.The traditional Daker run through Northern Africa changed thisyear to South America after terrorist threats last year. The Spanishrider was dominant during the whole rally being far the superior rider,& return to Buenos Aires in front to take the prized titleIn the car catagory, the winner was
SPANISH FOOTBALL FLASHBACKS: REAL MADRID WINGER MICHEL PRESSURES VALDERRAMA
Spanish Football & Sports Blog will introduce a new section that will beposted oftened but without a definate timeline. It´s called "Spanish FootballFlashbacks", were some great moments will by recalled.Here is Real Madrid ´s great winger MICHEL using psychologicalpressure on Colombian midfield star Valderrama when with SpanishClub Valladolid:
ATLETICO DE MADRID EYE TWO BRAZILIAN FOOTBALL PEARLS
Spanish daily "Marca" publish that ATLETICO DE MADRID has been following for months two of Brazilian Football young promises& may make bids for them in the upcoming future.The Spanish Club will join others like Real Madrid, Fc Barcelona,Valencia & Liverpool FC who have their scouts following them aswell. Both are 20 years of age, goal scorers & considered BrazilianFootball "pearls"The first is
Saturday, January 17, 2009
SPANISH FOOTBALL - LA LIGA 2008/09 - ROUND 19 SATURDAY GAMES RESULTS
FC BARCELONA has reached the half way mark of this SpanishLeague 2008-2009 season being run away leader with 50 points, this is a historic mark in Spanish Football.The Catalonia Club ripped through DEPORTIVO tonight in an exhibition that at times - without deliberately wanting too -humilated the visiting side. The final result was 5- 0 & it could have been greater.Barça is a fined tuned "Football
Beast Kettlebell Tower of Terror
Tower of Terror with 48kg/106lb Beast Kettlebell
Went up to the field this afternoon to have a crack at the 'Tower of Terror'
The first and only time I have ever seen this kettlebell feat is by John Brookfield, grip legend. Hence my inspiration to tackle this today!
I have exchanged a few emails with John over the last week after he contacted me when I left a comment on his Tower of Terror video.
What a really top bloke he is too! I asked John about his Secret Service Snatch Test and he confirmed what I thought
John Brookfield's recipe for success is simple. Hard work and determination and the want to achieve what you have set out to do. John has done 302 reps with the 24kg bell in 10 mins on 2 seperate occasions. He originally set out to do 272 reps to beat the record but wanted 300, so he trained until he did it.
Any way here's my video.
I spent quite a while warming up with 24kg swings (not to mention a 1/4 mile walk with a 24 and 48 to get to the field) and some Towers of Terror with the light bell.
Then some beast snatches and flips. I must have taken about 20 goes before I was succesful.
It is the hardest kettlebell feat I have done yet I feel. John's 20 odd reps is outstanding.
My next aim is 5 reps then 10.
Ok it's time for tea. I think it's gonna be Smoked Grip tonight!!
Here's John Brookfield's Tower of Terror
Technorati Tags: beast kettlebell, tower of terror, 48kg kettlebell training, John Brookfield, youtube kettlebell,
Beast Kettlebell Tower of Terror
Went up to the field this afternoon to have a crack at the 'Tower of Terror'
The first and only time I have ever seen this kettlebell feat is by John Brookfield, grip legend. Hence my inspiration to tackle this today!
I have exchanged a few emails with John over the last week after he contacted me when I left a comment on his Tower of Terror video.
What a really top bloke he is too! I asked John about his Secret Service Snatch Test and he confirmed what I thought
John Brookfield's recipe for success is simple. Hard work and determination and the want to achieve what you have set out to do. John has done 302 reps with the 24kg bell in 10 mins on 2 seperate occasions. He originally set out to do 272 reps to beat the record but wanted 300, so he trained until he did it.
Any way here's my video.
I spent quite a while warming up with 24kg swings (not to mention a 1/4 mile walk with a 24 and 48 to get to the field) and some Towers of Terror with the light bell.
Then some beast snatches and flips. I must have taken about 20 goes before I was succesful.
It is the hardest kettlebell feat I have done yet I feel. John's 20 odd reps is outstanding.
My next aim is 5 reps then 10.
Ok it's time for tea. I think it's gonna be Smoked Grip tonight!!
Here's John Brookfield's Tower of Terror
Technorati Tags: beast kettlebell, tower of terror, 48kg kettlebell training, John Brookfield, youtube kettlebell,
Beast Kettlebell Tower of Terror
Friday, January 16, 2009
Strongman Training Equipment
Strongman Training Gear UK
David Horne has put up a superb set of Strongman Training equipment on his excellent grip site
The first time I found David's site I purchased a set of Dinnie Replica's, these fantastically made loading pins allowed me to train as if I was lifting the Dinnie Stones and certainly were the key factor in my succesful unassisted Dinnie Stone Lift.
So I recenty returned to David's site to check out his ever growing list of awesome strength training devices and found the world of strength shop.
The prices are literally unheard of for some of the gear. Check out the Superyoke on the right for only £252, insane! And also the Strongman Trainer log for £120, I bought one over a year ago for double this price so you can see why I'm impressed!
If you're seriously into Strongman Training or Competing and require some gear for it then I would suggest heading over there first before anywhere else to receive your pleasant suprise.
CHeck out this link to David Horne's Grip Site and Strongman Equipment
Strongman Training Equipment UK
Technorati Tags: Strongman training equipment, strongman uk, strongman training, david horne, world of strength, grip training , strongman log, strongman yoke
Strongman Training Equipment
Endowed college coaching positions
Something I just discovered this week: The head coaching positions for Stanford's football and men's basketball teams are endowed. Football coach Jim Harbaugh is the Bradford M. Freeman Director of Football; Basketball coach Johnny Dawkins is the Anne and Tony Joseph Director of Men's Basketball.
It seems like a good idea for everyone involved. The endowment presumably pays or helps pay salaries that probably are in the mid- or high-six figures. It seems like the type of naming opportunity a sports-minded donor would jump at--after all, the donor's name will be announced over the PA system during pre-game intros in front of 10,000 or 60,000 fans. Has anyone heard of other schools doing this? Does anyone know why Stanford alone seems to have gone this route?
It seems like a good idea for everyone involved. The endowment presumably pays or helps pay salaries that probably are in the mid- or high-six figures. It seems like the type of naming opportunity a sports-minded donor would jump at--after all, the donor's name will be announced over the PA system during pre-game intros in front of 10,000 or 60,000 fans. Has anyone heard of other schools doing this? Does anyone know why Stanford alone seems to have gone this route?
REAL MADRID: RAMON CALDERON RESIGNS. SFS LOOKS AT THE POSSIBLE BEHIND THE "SHADOWS" REASONS
It’s dramatic but necessary, the forced resignation of REAL MADRIDPresident Ramon Calderon, who was overwhelmed by the huge amountof evidence accusing him of acting unlawfully, corruptly & dishonestly,has shaken the prestigious Club & the Football World. The important localSports daily “Marca” with the cooperation of national radio announcerJose Antonio Abellan of the program “El Tirachinas” (
REAL MADRID PRESIDENT RAMON CALDERON RESIGNS
It´s official, its just been announced, REAL MADRID President RAMONCALDERON has RESIGNED.After meeting with his Board members this morning, Calderon has seenthat he has no option but to leave the position after the series ofaccusations hailed at him which were backed by evidence of:.Using the Clubs credit cards for personal use.Allowing persons to jump the waiting lists to gain membership to the
TEVEZ & RIBERY DESIRE FC BARCELONA?
News from Barcelona based Sports Daily “Mundo Deportivo” commentthat both MANCHESTER UNITED 24 year old Argentine playerCARLOS TEVEZ & BAYERN MUNICH French InternationalFRANCK RIBERY wish to move & play at FC BARCELONA. Theyargue that the current Barça team under Coach Guardiola is playing sowell that it is attracting the attention of the European stars, in this case,the both already
Thursday, January 15, 2009
REAL MADRID PRESIDENT LIKELY TO RESIGN OVER SCANDALS & CORRUPTION
The shit hit the fan & on REAL MADRID President RAMONCALDERON´s face. The apparent scandals, favourtism & corruptionthat have been brought out to the public eye - specially by Spanish Sportspaper "Marca" - is so heavy with evidence that it is speculated thatCalderon will announce tomorrow his resignation from the Presidency.Having said this, Calderon is still saying he is not moving, unless
SPANISH CUP 2008/2009 2º LEG THURSDAY NIGHT RESULT: ATHLETIC DE BILBAO WIN
The image tells the joy, as ATHLETIC DE BILBAO won 2-0OSASUNA in its 2º leg clash to go into the Q/Finals of the 2008-2009SPANISH CUP. Athletic join FC Barcelona, Sevilla FC, Real Betis,Sporting de Gijon,Valencia CF, Mallorca & Espanyol which were all decided yesterday - see below post for details.The 1ºleg match finished in a 1-1 draw. However, Bilbao won this toughly fought game with goals from
The Salary Cap, a Rookie Pay Scale and the NFLPA
The week leading up to the Conference Championships, with all of its corresponding movement of coaches and executives, is a good time to take stock of two important bargaining points for the new NFL Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA): 1) a rookie salary cap and 2) the traditional salary cap. Both of these issues relate to a more fundamental question—who are the union’s constituents when negotiating the CBA? Does the NFLPA represent each individual member, or “the players” as a group, and how does the group it represents affect the NFLPA’s negotiating strategy?
First, the current CBA provides a limited amount of cap space with which to sign first-year players (the “Entering Player Pool”). The Entering Player Pool is allocated to each team based on the number and position of their draft picks. The size of the pool varies yearly, increasing in proportion with the salary cap, but it will never be greater than 5% of the salary cap. Therefore, on average, a team will spend no more than 5% of player costs on rookies. In fact, Andrew Brandt of the National Football Post reported that the average team spends less than 4% of its cap space on rookies. Therefore, rookie contracts, on average, do not pose a large burden on team cap spaces, except for a few picks at the top of the first round; however, those few picks are driving the current debate over rookie salary reform.
Second, the traditional salary cap performs two main functions, the first well known and the second a bit surprising. It creates a maximum amount of money a team can spend on its roster in a given year. It also guarantees players a large percentage of all revenue earned by the teams for their football operations. The salary cap has long been touted in the public as a way for owners to control costs and prevent “excess” spending by wealthy teams like the New York Yankees in baseball, while having the pleasant effect of increasing parity in the league. The other, often unnoticed, effect is guaranteeing players least 50% and up to 58% of all NFL revenue. The players have received an enormous piece of the proverbial pie. It is thus unsurprising to find out that the players were the group to demand the salary cap in the 1993 negotiations. One reason the public often overlooks this purpose of the cap leads to the final, and I believe unanswered issue—who does the NFLPA represent in CBA negotiations?
We tend to view professional sports unions as representing the individual athlete (the individual model) and not the group of members as a whole (the group model), and in a way this is true. For instance, the NFLPA represents individual athletes in grievances against teams or the league. However, the NFLPA’s constituent group becomes less clear when one looks at CBA negotiations. What is viewed as a “win” by one group of players is a “loss” for another; higher minimum salaries for veterans increases certain players’ wages while simultaneously putting others out of work (if teams do not value them at the minimum salary) and decreases the wages of certain other players (since more cap space is eaten up by older players). I contend that the public misses the idea of the salary cap increasing the pay for players precisely because we only see the NFLPA’s relationship to the players in the individual model, and not the group model. This is why people often cynically viewed Gene Upshaw as an agent for the league and not the players—the players do not individually have guaranteed contracts, so Upshaw must have failed. However, he did obtain a large amount of guaranteed money for the players as a group—up to 60% of all money earned by teams must be paid to players in the form of salary, benefits, and bonuses each year. Similarly, we view rookie contracts as too rich because of the prominence of contracts such as Jake Long’s and Matt Ryan’s deals, yet we do not view the entirety of rookie contracts taken together as a very small percentage of total player wages.
As the NFLPA searches for a new director to lead it through the next round of CBA negotiations, a rookie pay scale or salary cap and revisions to the traditional salary cap will be two of the most hotly debated issues. Whether the union subscribes to the individual or group model will greatly affect its positions. The salary cap currently guarantees a large amount of revenue to the players, but prevents certain superstars from earning A-Rod type contracts—an individually focused union may try to lift the cap and get huge paydays for the top earners. A group-centered union, on the other hand, will continue to demand high revenue guarantees, regardless of the form they take. Similarly, any changes to the rookie pay system will depend on whether the union looks out for each individual rookie (and its right to as high a salary as possible) or the rookies as a group (and its right to higher guaranteed revenue percentages).
First, the current CBA provides a limited amount of cap space with which to sign first-year players (the “Entering Player Pool”). The Entering Player Pool is allocated to each team based on the number and position of their draft picks. The size of the pool varies yearly, increasing in proportion with the salary cap, but it will never be greater than 5% of the salary cap. Therefore, on average, a team will spend no more than 5% of player costs on rookies. In fact, Andrew Brandt of the National Football Post reported that the average team spends less than 4% of its cap space on rookies. Therefore, rookie contracts, on average, do not pose a large burden on team cap spaces, except for a few picks at the top of the first round; however, those few picks are driving the current debate over rookie salary reform.
Second, the traditional salary cap performs two main functions, the first well known and the second a bit surprising. It creates a maximum amount of money a team can spend on its roster in a given year. It also guarantees players a large percentage of all revenue earned by the teams for their football operations. The salary cap has long been touted in the public as a way for owners to control costs and prevent “excess” spending by wealthy teams like the New York Yankees in baseball, while having the pleasant effect of increasing parity in the league. The other, often unnoticed, effect is guaranteeing players least 50% and up to 58% of all NFL revenue. The players have received an enormous piece of the proverbial pie. It is thus unsurprising to find out that the players were the group to demand the salary cap in the 1993 negotiations. One reason the public often overlooks this purpose of the cap leads to the final, and I believe unanswered issue—who does the NFLPA represent in CBA negotiations?
We tend to view professional sports unions as representing the individual athlete (the individual model) and not the group of members as a whole (the group model), and in a way this is true. For instance, the NFLPA represents individual athletes in grievances against teams or the league. However, the NFLPA’s constituent group becomes less clear when one looks at CBA negotiations. What is viewed as a “win” by one group of players is a “loss” for another; higher minimum salaries for veterans increases certain players’ wages while simultaneously putting others out of work (if teams do not value them at the minimum salary) and decreases the wages of certain other players (since more cap space is eaten up by older players). I contend that the public misses the idea of the salary cap increasing the pay for players precisely because we only see the NFLPA’s relationship to the players in the individual model, and not the group model. This is why people often cynically viewed Gene Upshaw as an agent for the league and not the players—the players do not individually have guaranteed contracts, so Upshaw must have failed. However, he did obtain a large amount of guaranteed money for the players as a group—up to 60% of all money earned by teams must be paid to players in the form of salary, benefits, and bonuses each year. Similarly, we view rookie contracts as too rich because of the prominence of contracts such as Jake Long’s and Matt Ryan’s deals, yet we do not view the entirety of rookie contracts taken together as a very small percentage of total player wages.
As the NFLPA searches for a new director to lead it through the next round of CBA negotiations, a rookie pay scale or salary cap and revisions to the traditional salary cap will be two of the most hotly debated issues. Whether the union subscribes to the individual or group model will greatly affect its positions. The salary cap currently guarantees a large amount of revenue to the players, but prevents certain superstars from earning A-Rod type contracts—an individually focused union may try to lift the cap and get huge paydays for the top earners. A group-centered union, on the other hand, will continue to demand high revenue guarantees, regardless of the form they take. Similarly, any changes to the rookie pay system will depend on whether the union looks out for each individual rookie (and its right to as high a salary as possible) or the rookies as a group (and its right to higher guaranteed revenue percentages).
Heavy Kettlebell Training
Supernova Kettlebell
Currently my kettlebell training has taken a bit of a turn, The awesome Laine Snook just happened to get in touch last weekend about kettlebell stuff and now we're going to be meeting up in a few weeks and Laine will be bringing up Malcolm Whyatt's Supernova kettlebell. The supernova weighs in at 187lb 85kg. So will be a tough cookie to gring upto the shoulder but I'm determined.
Laine is currently the only person to have cleaned this monster kettlebell and he personally has seen plenty of World Strongest Man competitors crumble when they tried it.
So, I'v switched my lighter high repping phase for one concentrating on my 60kg kettlebell and my home made kettle handle to prepare myself for it.
It will be great to meet Laine as he is a monster strength master.
Laine once held the Rolling Thunder world record, has recently lifted 2 millenium dumbbells at once and has been invited to the Arnold's. I can't wait!
Check out some of Laine's videos Check out Laine cleaning the Supernova Kettlebell
Heavy Kettlebell Training
Currently my kettlebell training has taken a bit of a turn, The awesome Laine Snook just happened to get in touch last weekend about kettlebell stuff and now we're going to be meeting up in a few weeks and Laine will be bringing up Malcolm Whyatt's Supernova kettlebell. The supernova weighs in at 187lb 85kg. So will be a tough cookie to gring upto the shoulder but I'm determined.
Laine is currently the only person to have cleaned this monster kettlebell and he personally has seen plenty of World Strongest Man competitors crumble when they tried it.
So, I'v switched my lighter high repping phase for one concentrating on my 60kg kettlebell and my home made kettle handle to prepare myself for it.
It will be great to meet Laine as he is a monster strength master.
Laine once held the Rolling Thunder world record, has recently lifted 2 millenium dumbbells at once and has been invited to the Arnold's. I can't wait!
Check out some of Laine's videos Check out Laine cleaning the Supernova Kettlebell
Heavy Kettlebell Training
SPANISH CUP 2008/2009 2º LEG: VALENCIA CF - RACING DE SANTANDER. THE COLSA GOAL
The 2º leg SPANISH CUP clash played yesterday between VALENCIA& RACING was a grand spectacule with the former winning in extratime 3-1 & thus qualifying for the Q/Finals. YOU CAN READ ALL THEDETAILS OF YESTERDAYS SPANISH CUP RESULTS ON THEBELOW POSTHowever, the highlight was this increible goal scored by Santandermidfielder COLSA to equalize after Valencia got ahead early on in the1ºhalf . Pity
ABBONDANZIERI ON HIS WAY TO BOCA JUNIORS
News from local dailys cite that Argentine Club BOCA JUNIORSis willing to pay the 300.000€ that GETAFE asks for the transferof it´s Argentine International goalkeeper ROBERTO CARLOS"Pato" ABBONDANZIERI. It´s said that if things all go well theplayer will sign a 2 year with the Argentinian Club.The player has been heavily criticised by fans for some poorperformances in vital games, they add that
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
SPANISH CUP 2008/2009 - LAST 16 - 2º LEG RETURN GAMES RESULTS
Big night of 2º LEG SPANISH CUP games with 7 places been settled& giving us 7 teams that move onto the Q/Finals. Tomorrow the last gamewill be played - At.Bilbao vs. Osasuna - that will send one of these twoalong with the other 7 onward in the competition. Here are the results &scorers:The 1ºst leg finished Sporting de Gijon 3 - Valladolid 1The 2ºleg saw SPORTING go through to the Q/Finals thanks
DARIO SILVA PLAYS FOOTBALL AGAIN: NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE!
This deserves a mention & a grand tribute after witnessing the comebackto a Football (Soccer) field of Uruguayan DARIO SILVA. Here he is onVideo scoring - again - a penalty with his artificial leg. A truly emotionalmoment for him & everyone with a heart:Two years ago the Uruguayan International star lost his leg in a neardeath car accident that announced the end of his career. The ex Deportivo,
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