SPANISH FOOTBALL LEAGUE ROUND 34 SATURDAY GAMES RESULTS

Unexpected results & events tonight in the SPANISH FOOTBALL LEAGUE with the three games played as part of Round 34 of LA LIGA. Here is a summary of events, the results & the scorers



Iker Casillas 

REAL MADRID lost 2 - 3 to REAL ZARAGOZA who was fighting for their 1º Division life & with Real Madrid suffering the side - effects of the Barça clashes these last weeks. Real Madrid started without

REAL MADRID 2011 | AGREEMENT WITH NURIN SAHIN OF BORRUSIA DORTMUND ?

The news is not from a specialist Spanish Football paper, the report is from a very serious local online news site called   "Elconfidencial". According to the source REAL MADRID has come to an agreement with German Budesliga & BORRUSIA DORTMUND 22 year old Turkish midfield sensation NURIN SAHIN. 




Nurin Sahin


The news gains weight because the player has refused to renew his contract with the

REAL MADRID | CRISTIANO RONALDO "PUNISHED" TO THE STAND

REAL MADRID has the first casuality from the "Barça Wars", or at least the one that is ringing the most in Spanish Sports media. CRISTIANO RONALDO has been "punished" by his Coach José Mourinho mainly for the following post-match comments to media after the Champions League semi-final 0 - 2 loss against FC Barcelona :

"No me gusta jugar así, pero tengo que adaptarme a lo que me piden..."

"I don

New Sports Illustrated Column: Eighth Circuit grants temporary stay -- NFL Lockout is Back On

Here's my new SI column on tonight's big news from the Eighth Circuit: Judge Nelson's preliminary injunction order has been temporarily stayed and the tea leaves suggest the order will be made permanent. 

Sledgehammer Striking and Double Kettlebell Snatch Combo

Awesome combo from Mike Mahler. 2 Movements very close to my heart. Sledgehammer slamming and double kettlebell snatches.

Also, love the idea with the half tyre, great for rebounding the hammer for more explosive striking

Tomorrow in Boston: A Discussion on NFL Labor Negotiations

My Vermont Law School colleague and good friend Professor Sean Nolon, who is Director of the Dispute Resolution Center at our school, and I will give a joint presentation the NFL labor crisis tomorrow at the Boston office of Bulkley, Richardson and Gelinas.  While the event is primarily geared for Vermont Law School alumns, please contact me if you would like to attend as I can secure you an invitation.

You are cordially invited to a Boston Vermont Law School Alumni Association Brown Bag Lunch   NFL Labor Negotiations with guest speakers VLS Professors Sean Nolon and Michael McCann   Friday, April 29, 2011  12:00pm   at Bulkley, Richardson and Gelinas, LLP 125 High Street Oliver Street Tower, 16th Floor Boston, MA   RSVP to Kim Evans at alumni@vermontlaw.edu or 802-831-1347   Please remember to RSVP so that we can add your name to the list for security clearance at Bulkley, Richardson and Gelinas.

164 Chelsea Street, PO Box 96 | South Royalton, VT 05068 US

PORTO 5 VILLAREAL 1 | SPANIARDS STEAM-ROLLED IN EUROPA LEAGUE 1º LEG SEMI

Portuguese League Champions PORTO took the sail out of the "Yellow Submarine" after defeating Spanish Football Club VILLAREAL 5 - 1 in the 1º leg of the EUROPA LEAGUE semi final. The Portuguese Club put in an electric second half that knocked the Spaniards onto the "Football canvass".



Villareal celebrate their goal


It looked in the first half that Villareal would surprise the hot favourites

FC BARCELONA TAKES JOSE MOURINHO TO THE UEFA DISCIPLINARY COMMISSION

SPANISH FOOTBALL has exploded with the announcement that FC BARCELONA will take REAL MADRID Coach Jose Mourinho to the UEFA Disciplinary Commision under article 5 of infrigement of the ethical code. 



Jose Mourinho

This is almost unprecedented between the two Major Spanish Football Clubs that will no doubt lead to further conflicts on all fronts. FC Barcelona has considered that the words &

Reminder: SLA and Sullivan and Worcester Panel tonight

If you're in the Boston and are looking for a timely sports law discussion - it should be fun and I strongly suspect the NFL legal chaos will work itself into the discussion:

The Sports Lawyers Association and Sullivan & Worcester LLP present

Boom Goes The Dynamite! Top Sports Transactions of 2010

Thursday, April 28, 2011 Program: 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm Reception: 6:30 pm- 7:30 pm

Sullivan & Worcester LLP One Post Office Square Boston, MA 02109 MAP

The Sports Lawyers Association and Sullivan & Worcester LLP invite you to attend a panel discussion on the top sports transactions of 2010, including the sale of the Golden State Warriors, the Texas Rangers and the acquisition of Liverpool FC. Speakers: Christopher Brumm, Counsel, Major League Baseball Sal Galatioto, President, Galatioto Sports Partners LLC Professor Michael McCann, Vermont Law School Ed Weiss, General Counsel, Fenway Sports Group Mike Zarren, Assistant General Manager and Associate Team Counsel, Boston Celtics

Click to RSVP

Please RSVP by April 22. If you have questions or need more information, please contact Katie Potter at 617.338.2923 or kpotter@sandw.com.

VIDEO | PEPE RED CARD INCIDENT WITH DANI ALVES | REAL MADRID - FC BARCELONA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE SEMI

I have been accused of being biased, one sided, not objective regarding my below post on what I consider is not a red card, & a moment that radically altered the course of the REAL MADRID - FC BARCELONA Champions League 1ºst leg semi-final. I also make the point that the referee standards for the whole Champions League this season has been poor & not up to the standards called for this level.

New Sports Illustrated Column: Judge Nelson Denies NFL Stay. What's Next?

Judge Susan Nelson. Do NFL owners now regret Judge David Doty's removal?

Judge Nelson says no stay for NFL, so the NFL is -- quite reluctantly and perhaps temporarily -- back in business. Here's my new SI 10-point column on what that means for the league and players.  Here's an excerpt:

4. So what would you recommend the NFL do?

First, NFL teams should re-open business without any physical or other obstructions to players. A court has told the league to resume operations. It should do just that and not pull any gimmicks. It may be an awkward time for teams and players, but only if they let it be.

Second, the NFL should -- for the time being -- not employ a salary cap, meaning teams should be able to sign free agents without restriction. Teams would still be deterred in their spending because a new CBA will eventually be reached and it will contain a salary cap -- no team wants to be way over the cap when the new CBA is put in place.

Third, teams should remove franchise tag designations and other restrictions on players' free agency rights. History should convince the league of this point: the NFL has lost antitrust cases involving unilaterally imposed restrictions on movement of free agents between teams. Judge Nelson notably stipulated that teams are not obligated to sign free agents. In one respect, that stipulation benefits teams since they cannot be alleged to have engaged in a group boycott under federal antitrust law by not signing free agents. But as a matter of practice, the stipulation may not prove meaningful: teams may not be legally obligated to sign free agents, but if they don't, their competitors will.  . . .

Read more: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/writers/michael_mccann/04/27/judge.ruling.qa/index.html#ixzz1KnLWh91y

90kg Kettlebell Jerk 10 reps Pavlos Georgiardis

Incredible lifting from Pavlos Georgiardis.

You don't need to be big to lift big! (This guy is like a rake)

Boston Marathon concedes its course is ineligible for world, American records

The organizers of the Boston Marathon decided today not to contest IAAF rules that make the course ineligible for a world record. (The Boston route ends 459 feet of elevation below the start, and it is a point-to-point course that is susceptible to a tailwind such as the one last Monday that helped Geoffrey Mutai finish in 2 hours, 3 minutes, 2 seconds _ 57 seconds faster than Haile Gebrselassie's world record.)

B.A.A. officials had said they would file the paperwork to have the record certified, even though the IAAF language is clear and Boston has long been known to be ineligible. Today the B.A.A. decided not to force a confrontation over the issue. Instead, it said it would "engage members of Boston's scientific and medical communities" to see if they can't come up with new rules that would better recognize the challenges of the course, notwithstanding its net downhill layout.

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE 1º LEG SEMI FINAL RESULT | REAL MADRID 0 FC BARCELONA 2

REAL MADRID lost 0 - 2 to FC BARCELONA in the 1º leg of the semi final of CHAMPIONS LEAGUE. Very controversial with Real Madrid going down to 10 men when referee Stark unjustly sent off Pepe (Red Card) in the 60th min & with the match in a 0 - 0 draw. The protests lead to Coach Mourinho being sent off as well & the balance was pushed "artificially" in Barça favour. 



Pepe red card 

At the end

SBJ Sports Law Article

The April 25, 2011 issue of Sports Business Journal includes an insightful article by Bill King about several lawyers who work where the law and the sports industry overlap. Lawyers at Proskauer, Weil Gotshal & Manges, O'Melveny & Myers, and other law firms are profiled. The article appears to be gated online, but is worth a read if you can get access to a hard copy or if you have a subscription to the web-based companion publication.

Josh Luchs to speak at New York Law School tomorrow

From Elliot Solop of The Sports Tomato:

Josh Luchs will be lecturing at New York Law School on April 28th (the day of the NFL 2011 Draft) between 1-2pm. Do not miss out on a great opportunity to hear about the realities of the sports industry and how Mr. Luchs  hopes to change it. Special thanks to Mr. Luchs for taking time out of his busy schedule to come educate. It should be great!

Here’s the info:
Thursday, April 28, 2011
1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Room WA10

About our speaker:

Josh Luchs was a former NFLPA certified agent that made shocking confessions in a Sports Illustrated article (“Confessions of an Agent,” October 18, 2010) concerning the unethical conduct and foul play of sports agents.  Mr. Luchs came out with the story with the goal to change the ethical and moral landscape of the industry.

Notable former clients of Josh Luchs include:

Adam Archuleta (20th overall, St. Louis Rams), Todd Heap (31st overall, Baltimore Ravens) and Terrell Suggs (2004 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, Baltimore Ravens), Chris Mims (Tennessee defensive end, 23rd overall in the 1992 draft), Jamir Miller (UCLA linebacker, 10th pick overall in the 1994 draft by the Arizona Cardinals) and Tony Banks (Michigan State quarterback, the first QB selected in the 1996 NFL Draft, by the St. Louis Rams).

Please RSVP to nylawsports@gmail.com.

REAL MADRID - FC BARCELONA CLASHES TEARING APART THE SPANISH NATIONAL FOOTBALL TEAM?

The below photo is the SPANISH NATIONAL FOOTBALL TEAM that made history & won the FIFA World Cup 2010 with great play, but more importantly,  with a solid friendship base, team mentality & solidarity. The picture shows only 11 of the 23 Squad members, but one can clearly see a divide: most are either REAL MADRID or FC BARCELONA players. Missing from this picture are Albiol & Arbeloa (Real Madrid)

New Sports Illustrated Column: How does NFL Ruling Impact the NBA and NBA Players?

In a new SI column, I write the potential impact of Judge Nelson's order in favor of NFL players on the NBA and NBA players, two groups which are headed for a similar labor crisis this summer and possibly into next season.

Here's an excerpt:

• NBA players may be less able to show irreparable harm caused by a lockout.

Another factor in a trial judge's decision to grant a preliminary injunction is whether the plaintiffs -- be they NFL players or NBA players -- would suffer irreparable harm if the injunction is denied. Irreparable harm refers to a harm that cannot be adequately remedied by money damages.

Nelson, in relying on numerous affidavits, including from such prominent player agents as Neil Cornich and Tom Condon, determined that NFL players would suffer irreparable harm if they missed the 2011 season. During that time, players would age, and given that NFL players are usually in their 20s or early 30s and usually only play a few seasons, missing just one year of football might be akin to the typical person, who normally works decades in his/her lifetime, missing many years of work. Players would also lose out on conditioning and training opportunities. And as Nelson ruled, free agents are hurt even before a missed 2011 season since they cannot sign with teams during a locked out off season. She also found that 2011 rookies would be particularly hurt by a lockout since they would return in 2012 after missing a year of football -- in both the pros and college -- and then be expected to compete with 2012 rookies, who would be fresh off playing in college.

Most of Nelson's logic holds true for NBA players, as well. In fact, to advance her reasoning on irreparable harm, she cited Spencer Haywood's successful antitrust suit against the NBA in 1971. Haywood, one of the best players in the rival American Basketball Association and then a signee of the Seattle SuperSonics, was barred from entering the NBA until four years after his high-school graduation. The NBA's restriction had not been collectively bargained and was thus subject to antitrust law. A court found that he would suffer irreparable harm by missing four years of playing in the NBA.

The presence of alternative employment opportunities in pro basketball, however, could sway a different judge, particularly one who is more inclined than Nelson to favor the league's views. Indeed, if the NBA instituted a lockout, some players would likely seek and obtain comparable employment in Europe and elsewhere. While those leagues impose restrictions on the number of U.S. players allowed on rosters, the restrictions could be changed in the event of the supply of available NBA players suddenly surges on July 1. The NBA would argue that irreparable harm should not be found if players can pursue comparable opportunities elsewhere.

In response, however, NBA players would likely cite the Haywood case: even though Haywood could play professionally in the ABA, a court nonetheless found that he suffered irreparable harm by not being able to play in the NBA. NBA players would probably also charge that playing and living abroad should not constitute an equivalent employment opportunity to playing in the NBA and living in one's home country.

Read more: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/writers/michael_mccann/04/26/nfl.ruling.nba.impact

PEP GUARDIOLA - JOSE MOURINHO LOCK HORNS PRE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE SEMIS

Tense pre-Champions League press conference this afternoon just 24 hours before REAL MADRID & FC BARECLONA play the 1ºst leg semi final in the "Santiago Bernabeu Stadium". That Real Madrid Coach Mourinho makes comments & sly insinuations is not a surprise, its part of his psychological warfare to rattle the oppostion. What is news, is that Barça Coach Josep Guardiola explodes in response in a

New Sports Illustrated Column: NFL Players Secure Big Victory before Judge Nelson

Judge Nelson granted the players the injunctive relief they were seeking -- but an appeal may make it a short-term success.  I have an SI column on the ruling and what it means.  Here's an excerpt:

8. What effect, if any, does Judge Nelson's ruling have on the NBA?

The collective bargaining agreement between the NBA and the National Basketball Players' Association (NBPA) will expire on June 30. Just like we saw last month with the NFLPA and the NFL, the NBPA is poised to decertify and the NBA is poised to institute a lockout.

On one hand, Judge Nelson's ruling sends a warning to the NBA and its owners that, at least in her view, antitrust law holds a dim view of lockouts and that judges should not wait for the NLRB to decide on unfair labor complaints.

On the other hand, the NBA is in a very different situation.

For one, the NFL's legal argument has been hampered by the fact that not one NFL team can show that it is losing money. The inability of a team to do so suggests that enjoining the NFL lockout would not force an NFL team to lose money. The NBA, in contrast, asserts that 22 of its 30 teams will lose money in the 2010-11 season, and the league is willing to open the books to prove it. A court decision to lift a lockout instituted by the NBA would therefore subject NBA teams to losing money in the 2011-12 season. Such a consequence could motivate a judge reviewing an NBA lockout to be less willing than Judge Nelson to lift the lockout.

Second, irreparable harm may be more difficult for NBA players to show, since unlike NFL players who can play nowhere else and earn an NFL-quality income, some NBA players would be able to secure lucrative contracts in Europe and elsewhere during a lockout. If NBA players can't show irreparable harm, they would not be able to convince a judge to enjoin an NBA lockout.

Third, Judge Nelson's decision would not bind a court that reviews the NBA lockout. In fact, it is likely that such a court would be in New York, where both the NBA and NBPA are located. The NFL and NFLPA are litigating the lockout in Minnesota because the parties choose to do so in their collective bargaining agreement.

Bottom line: while Judge Nelson's ruling likely caused some concern for NBA teams, the NBA is in a very different situation and a lockout may be viewed more favorably by a court.

Read more: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/writers/michael_mccann/04/25/nfl.lockout/

The Unlucky NFL Draft Class of 2011

After months of speculations and predictions the NFL draft will finally begin on Thursday, April 28th. Commissioner Roger Goodell will host the festivities—expect plenty of boos from New York’s finest—and call out the names of first round picks. While sports fans will argue over selections and trades, it’s important to give a nod to the man who conceived of professional league drafts—Bert Bell.

Tired of watching the NFL power brokers of the day—Bears, Packers, Redskins, and Giants—sign all the college stars, Bell proposed a new system to distribute talent. As president of the Philadelphia Eagles, Bell proposed the concept of an NFL draft at a league meeting on May 18, 1935. The goal was competitive parity and after some discussion the league voted unanimously to support this new initiative.

The Boston Globe’s Greg A. Bedard has a wonderful story about Bell in the April 24, 2011 edition, noting this year serves as the 75th Anniversary of the NFL Draft. Here’s a link to the story.

It is no disrespect to Bell as a pioneer if agree with Alan C. Milstein's argument, as presented in this article, that having a college draft at all is illegal.

* * * *

While the press and talking heads (quick nod of respect to personal favorite NFL Network and Boston College alumnus Mike Mayock) analyze and grade the teams’ efforts over seven rounds, don’t forget about how this year is unique. Traditionally, as soon as the name of Mr. Irrelevant (the last pick of the draft) is called, the phone lines begin heating up between teams and the agents of those representing “priority free agents” (PFAs).

Often it is better to be a free agent than a late round draft selection as you can choose the team with the best opportunity for someone playing your position. This year, priority free agents waiting for their cell phones to ring will hear only deafening silence. Why? Because the NFL lockout forbids any contact with free agents and that covers not only those NFL players whose contracts have ended but also those hoping to enter the league.

For many of us in the field of “sports law,” professional league drafts are fascinating symbols. As sports fans they hold that special aura of future promise for our favorite teams. However, we also understand the unique laws that forbid MBA graduates to be forced to work in a city that selects them “congratulations you’re now assigned to a consulting firm in Vancouver!!” yet allows a football player to have his rights assigned and told where to report for work.

While you enjoy the pomp and circumstance of this yearly spectacle, don’t forget to tip your cap to Bert Bell and give thought to those PFAs who will be waiting by the phone as brighter minds than mine try to figure out how to get the business of football back up and running.

[Note: A longer version of this article can be found at the Huffington Post here.]

SPANISH LEAGUE ROUND 33 MONDAY NIGHT GAME RESULT | REAL ZARAGOZA 1 ALMERIA 0

The SPANISH FOOTBALL LEAGUE celebrated its last schedule Monday Night game of Round 33 with two Clubs fighting for their LIGA lives. REAL ZARAGOZA made their local fans suffer & managed to defeat last placed ALMERIA 1 - 0. This win gives Zaragoza three vital points & sends Clubs Osasuna & Hercules into the relegation zone along with Almeria which is basically doomed.



Real Zaragoza win their

REAL MADRID - FC BARCELONA NEWS BRIEFS RUMOURS | WARMING UP THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE SEMIS

Hype, vibe, excitement, anticipation, build-up, accusations, previews, atmosphere...just a few words circulating as Spain, Madrid, Barcelona & the Football World looks forward towards next Wednesday night & the 1º leg semi - finals of the Champions League between REAL MADRID & FC BARCELONA.

Here are some interesting curiosities & news pieces circulating,  or items confirmed:


1. Spanish Sports

NFL and Law Panel at New York Law School this Tuesday

Alycia Huckabey - the President of the New York Law School Sports Law Society - lets me know about a great event tomorrow:

* * *

Please join the New York Law School Sports Law Society for an exciting event this Tuesday April 26^th from 3:30- 5:30 pm. Representatives from the NFL Players Association and a current NFL player (name to be announced soon) will discuss the current NFL lockout and answer questions.The event will be held at New York Law School, in the Auditorium (A014). 

 If you are interested in attending this event please RSVP to Alycia.huckabey@law.nyls.edu.

Best,

Alycia Huckabey 

NFL PLAYERS ASSOCIATION TO HOLD DISCUSSION

TUESDAY AT NEW YORK LAW SCHOOL

WHAT:	Representatives from the NFL Players Association and a player from the NFL will hold a session at New York Law School, and is open to students, the public and media. The program titled, “The NFL Lockout: How We Got Here and What Comes Next” is part of a series of appearances held at higher education institutions.
WHO:	·       George Atallah, NFLPA Assistant Executive Director of External Affairs ·       A Player from the National Football League (name to be released closer to date) ·       Moderated by the New York Law School Sports Law Society
MORE:	March 12, NFL owners locked out their players, ending more than 20 years of labor peace in America’s most popular sport. April 19, George Atallah and a player from the NFL will host a presentation on the state of football. Topics such as success of the game, the lockout and how the sides reached this point will be discussed. A full question-answer session will follow. Media availability will be conducted at the conclusion of the event.
WHEN/ WHERE:	Tuesday, April 26, 2011 3:30 pm -5:30 pm New York Law School 185 W. Broadway New York, NY 10013 Auditorium, A014
MEDIA:	For more information or to RSVP: Alycia Huckabey (New York Law School) alycia.huckabey@law.nyls.edu/ 203.927.2485

SPANISH FOOTBALL LEAGUE ROUND 33 SUNDAY GAMES RESULTS

SPANISH FOOTBALL LEAGUE action this afternoon - night with the Sunday Round 33 schedule matches in play. The main highlights are the Clubs fighting to get out of the relegation zone, those attempting to assure their place next season in LA LIGA & thoses teams fighting it out for the limited Euro places on the Spanish League table. Here is a summary of events, results & the scorers.



Real

SPANISH TENNIS | RAFAEL NADAL DEFEATS FERRER IN GODO (BARCELONA)

The RAFAEL NADAL Tennis story continues with the World Nº1 ranked Tennis player winning his sixth "CONDE DE GODO" (Barcelona) Tennis Title after defeating Spaniard DAVID FERRER 6-2 6-4. Its his 45 title, 31st on a clay court & the man has only 24 years of age. Totally undisputed by everyone that on a clay surface Rafael Nadal is almost unbeatable.



Rafael Nadal wins Godo 2011

The runner-up

Toreros and Black Sox: Point-Shaving in Southern CA Sparks Reflection on the Recurring (Underreported?) Problem of Fixing Games

On April 11, 2010 a Grand Jury in the Southern District of California handed down an indictment against two former University of San Diego basketball players, a former assistant coach, and seven others, for Conspiracy to Commit Sports Bribery, Conduct an Illegal Gambling Business, and Distribute Marijuana in violation of 18 U.S.C. 371. The indictment does not specify what games were fixed, but it alleges that San Diego players influenced the outcome of multiple games for monetary bribes. One of the players implicated in the scandal is Brandon Johnson, San Diego’s all time leader in points and assists.

While opinions vary on the prevalence of teams “throwing” games, it has undoubtedly been going on for a long time. In fact, new evidence suggests that it may have been more common in baseball during the early twentieth century than once thought. The infamous Black Sox scandal from the 1919 World Series has been well documented, but a recent Associated Press story indicates that their cross-town rival may have done it first. A 1920 deposition of one of the banned White Sox fixers, Eddie Cicotte, stops short of accusing the Cubs of throwing the 1918 World Series against Boston, but strong inferences are made that members of the Cubs were offered $10,000 to throw the World Series and that the White Sox actually got the idea from the Cubs. Historians’ note that players during this time were grossly underpaid and the bribe represented a substantial sum. The motive, coupled with a few suspicious plays during the 1918 Series, suggests that the Cubs’ drought could have been at least a few years shorter than it currently stands. 

While this anecdote offers an interesting insight into the influence of organized crime during that era, it is (presumably) of little consequence, considering the salaries of today’s professional athletes. It would be naïve to think gambling does not play a role in professional sports (think recently paroled NBA referee Tim Donaghy), but “fixing” is much less common in the professional realm because the players have too much at stake. The question is, just how common is it at the collegiate level where NCAA amateurism standards strictly prohibit the paying of players. Like the underpaid baseball players of yesteryear, the latent motive exists.

High profile point shaving scandals have marred college basketball for decades. Point shaving at CCNY during the 1950-1951 season proved disastrous for the once prominent program. In 1978-1979, Boston College was embroiled in a scandal that involved infamous gangsters Henry Hill and Jimmy Burke. Prior to the San Diego indictments, the last major point-shaving scandal occurred at Arizona State in the mid 1990’s. So are these merely isolated incidents? A 2008 study on wagering in NCAA athletics suggests probably not. The study revealed that 1.6 percent of men’s basketball student athletes were asked to affect the outcome of a game and 2 percent admitted to betting on their own team.

While this percentage is not insignificant, it is difficult to predict just how pervasive the problem really is. First, the NCAA, burdened by a consistent array of compliance issues, does not have the staff to adequately monitor illegal gambling, and furthermore, the involvement of organized crime often takes investigations out of the NCAA’s hands. Second, games fixing like point-shaving is difficult to prove. It usually involves minimal differences in point spreads and a player’s efforts to impact a game undoubtedly go unnoticed more often than not. Finally, the best players are the ones with the most opportunity to impact games, but also the most at stake. The involvement of Brandon Johnson at San Diego proves that the star players are not immune, but a player with significant professional prospects has less incentive to risk his life and his career.  The San Diego scandal may induce the NCAA to ramp up its enforcement efforts, but this incident will unfortunately not be the last.

See other writing on this Blog related to point shaving from Geoff, Howard, and Greg.  HT to law clerk, Brian Konkel, for his work on this piece.

Yet Another 60kg Kettlebell BUP Video

Yet Another 60kg Kettlebell BUP Video

After much hard graft yesterday in Sunny Scarborough, consisting of shovelling, carrying bags, carrying flags, carrying flags again, carrying rolls of turf and then lugging even more bags on top of using my 60kg Kettlebell to pound the garden (total of about 300 partial bent rows) I decided to get chalked up and have a crack at the 60 kg BUP without any BUP'ing for a while (Nearly 10 months).

60kg Kettlebell BUP - Rob Russell from rob on Vimeo.

I really need to step this shit up a level, 60kg is old hat now! Bring it on!!

Take Your Fitness To Another Level with the Gymboss Interval Timer

REAL MADRID - FC BARCELONA - ATHLETIC DE BILBAO WIN | SPANISH FOOTBALL LEAGUE ROUND 33 SATURDAY GAMES RESULT

SPANISH FOOTBALL action this Saturday via LA LIGA & its three scheduled Round 33 matches. Top games that I resume here with all the results & the scorers.



Karim Benzema scores for Real Madrid

VALENCIA CF lost 3 - 6 to a REAL MADRID "B" team as Coach Mourinho left on the bench Ronaldo, Ozil, Marcelo, Pepe & Xabi Alonso; apart from resting Ramos, Di Maria & Khedira who is out injured. Coach

Scocca on the expanded wild card

Tom Scocca at Slate, who shares my antipathy for the baseball wild card for most of the same reasons (as well as a couple I had not thought of), argues that the new proposal to add a second wild card actually turns out to be a good second-best option (the best option being eliminating the wild card altogether, which, unfortunately, is not going to happen).

As Scocca explains, the already-overstuffed schedule, along with MLB's recognition that things cannot go any deeper into November or earlier into March, means that the addition "wild-card round" must be short--one game or at most two-out-of-three. Weird things can happen in a short series. So this creates a meaningful incentive--currently missing--for a top team to win the division rather than settling for the wild card--avoid that short series. It also means that the two best second-place teams go head-to-head, rather than "battling" one another by proxy against very different (particularly in difficulty) schedules.

True, it also may mean more 87-win teams in the playoff race every year. But again, this is just a second-best option.

RAUL GONZALEZ INTERVIEW WITH THE GUARDIAN

One of the greats of SPANISH FOOTBALL & of REAL MADRID still very active at German Club SCHALKE 04, RAUL GONZALEZ BLANCO, has giving a great interview to English paper "The Guradian" as part of the build up to the semi  final Champions League clash against Manchester United next Tuesday night. 



Raul Gonzalez

I put the link below for you to visit & read the excellent interview by Football 

WATERPOLO | CLUB SABADELL WOMENS EUROPEAN CHAMPIONS

Although this blog is about Spanish Football in its majority, its also about Spanish Sports in general especially when something big occurs as CN Sabadell Astralpool Womens Waterpolo team proclaiming themselves European Club Champions. This type of news is appreciated by the many Spaniards currently living , working or studying overseas & surf into Spanish Football Sports Blog for their daily

Utah AG Announces He Intends to File an Antitrust Suit Against the BCS

USA Today reported on Wednesday that Utah Attorney General Mark Shurtleff intends to file a federal antitrust suit against the Bowl Championship Series within "the next couple of months." Shurtleff reportedly told the paper that the attorneys general of at least two other, unnamed states would join him in the suit. The story also reports that Shurtleff stated the U.S. Department of Justice has indicated it would consider following on with its own formal investigation should the state AGs take the lead by filing a suit. Shurtleff is seeking to enlist the help of an antitrust law firm to assist with the case.

This is not the first time that Shurtleff has spoken out against the BCS. A vocal critic of the BCS dating as far back as 2003, Shurtleff announced that he was formally investigating a potential antitrust claim against the BCS in 2009. Meanwhile, Shurtleff stated last October that his office had finished a draft complaint for the case. It will be interesting to see if Shurtleff follows through on this latest threat, or if he is just trying to increase the pressure on the BCS heading into its annual meeting next week in New Orleans. Given Shurtleff's previous stated desire for the U.S. Department of Justice to take the lead on an antitrust suit against the BCS, this latest announcement may also provide an indication that the federal government is unwilling to initiate a suit itself.

While the merits of such a suit can, of course, be debated (see here and here), ultimately I'd be surprised if Shurtleff's suit ever proceeded all the way to trial. There is little incentive for the BCS conferences to spend millions of dollars (and risk treble damages) defending a system that generates hundreds of millions of dollars less per year than would a playoff system.

Meanwhile, although BCS officials have previously threatened to return to the pre-Bowl Alliance post-season model should the BCS system be challenged legally, this threat rings hollow for several reasons. First, the BCS conference schools would be leaving too much money on the table -- money they have grown to depend on during the lifespan of the BCS -- to ever seriously consider a return to the old system. Second, as Sports Illustrated's Andy Staples notes, even if college football initially did go back to the pre-Bowl Alliance days, several of the current BCS conferences (in particular the Big East and ACC) would likely fare much worse than they would under a playoff system. Therefore, even if the SEC, Big 10, Pac 12, and Big 12 were all content to return to the old system, the ACC and Big East would likely join with the current non-BCS schools to give the "have-nots" a significant majority within the Football Bowl Subdivision, dramatically increasing the pressure on the NCAA to finally implement a playoff system.

Therefore, although an antitrust suit against the BCS is itself unlikely to directly lead to a court order mandating that the NCAA adopt a playoff system, I strongly suspect that a playoff system would ultimately result should AG Shurtleff files suit. It simply doesn't make sense for the BCS conferences to expend the resources necessary to defend the current system, and in lieu of the current arrangement, a playoff system is the most practical option.

Update #1: A new report out states that AG Shurtleff will be meeting with officials from the U.S. Justice Department this week, so my assumption above that the federal government may be unwilling to be involved in the case might be premature.

Update #2: AG Shurtleff discussed his decision to file suit against the BCS with a local radio station yesterday. The interview is available here.

FC BARCELONA 2011 | VICTOR VALDES REACHES 400 GAMES

Barcelona Spanish Sports based paper "Sport" informs us that today FC BARCELONA goalkeeper VICTOR VALDES will notch up his 400 game for the Club. A controversial figure with a "love - hate" relationship with Football fans, there is however little doubt about his quality & outstanding goalkeeping skills. His 3 "Zamoras" ( least goaled keeper in the Spanish Football League ) gives proof of this

New Sports Illustrated Column: Can Bud Selig legally take Dodgers away from Frank McCourt?

I have a new SI column on Bud Selig's decision to remove operations power from embattled Dodgers owner Frank McCourt, who will retain his equity interest but effectively be barred from any decision-making. Here are excerpts from the column:

* * *

. . . McCourt could argue that Selig and Major League Baseball have violated the terms of the franchise agreement and have consequently caused him financial harm. To advance that claim, McCourt would insist that Selig lacks the specific authority to take over a franchise, particularly a franchise that is allegedly in compliance with MLB's financial guidelines.

McCourt could also emphasize that other ownership groups have demonstrated numerous failings -- be they professional or personal -- and yet Selig has not exiled those owners from their teams. For instance, Selig has allowed Mets owner Fred Wilpon to remain in charge despite his exposure to lawsuits brought by victims of Bernie Madoff. McCourt could probably find other instances of owners having some combination of financial, legal or family troubles, or instances of fans outside other clubs' stadiums who have been hurt due to inadequate security. His goal would not be to slander other owners, but rather to portray his problems as far from extreme and certainly not worthy of expulsion from MLB.

* * *

In addition to the "best interests of the game" clause, MLB could also highlight the "waiver of recourse" clause found in the MLB constitution. The waiver of recourse clause prevents clubs from engaging in litigation against the commissioner, the league or other owners. Indeed, by virtue of becoming a franchise owner, an owner waives away the right to seek remedies that would normally be available through the legal system. The clause also compels owners to resolve their differences internally and to accept the commissioner's judgment as binding.

Waiver of recourse clauses can be found in a wide range of business contexts. Generally, it is difficult for purportedly aggrieved parties to overcome these clauses, especially if the clauses were freely and voluntary negotiated by sophisticated business parties (all of which would hold true with McCourt in his purchase of the Dodgers).

A waiver of recourse clause helped MLB prevail over Finley. The court held Finley could only overcome the clause if he could show that commissioner Bowie failed to follow baseball's internal rules or violated basic due process. Basic due process requires the commissioner to act fairly and not arbitrarily or with bias; the furnishing of fair notice, use of substantive hearings, reliance on neutral experts and uniform application of consistent rules all help the commissioner show that a fair and substantive process was used.

* * *

To read the rest, click here

In track, the record isn't always the fastest time

[The following post is authored by Associated Press sports writer Jimmy Golen, who is a graduate of Yale Law School and an adjunct professor at Boston College - we look forward to more of Jimmy's excellent commentary on our blog -- MM]:

* * *

If you shoot a 58 in a PGA Tour event, that’s a new record. It’s less impressive if it happens in CVS Charity Classic than the U.S. Open, but it’s still a record.

Home runs in the thin air of Denver’s Coors Field still count the same as the ones hit at sea level in Boston. And records set by Barry Bonds, Mark McGwire and Roger Clemens still stand (see Bud Selig's comments from today about Bonds and his records), even though there’s reason to doubt that they were achieved honestly.

In track and field, though, the fastest time is not always the record time, as those who followed the Boston Marathon this week learned when Geoffrey Mutai of Kenya ran the fastest 26.2 miles in history.

Mutai’s time of 2 hours, 3 minutes, 2 seconds was almost a minute faster than what had been – and likely will remain -- the world record: a 2:03:59 run by Haile Gebrselassie in Berlin in 2008. Likewise, Ryan Hall’s 2:04:58 was 40 seconds faster than the American record set by Khalid Khannouchi nine years ago. But because the finish line in Boston is 459 feet of elevation below the starting line in Hopkinton, times set on the historic course are ineligible for records – no matter much uphill running there is between them. Boston is also a point-to-point course; the international and U.S. governing bodies prefer loops, because if you finish near where you start it doesn’t matter how much time you run with the wind at your back, you have to go about the same distance with it in your face. It’s like “What goes up, must come down,” except horizontal.

Those who follow running say this is an accepted part of the culture. When someone breaks the record in the 100 meters, for example, the first thing the crowd will do is look to the anemometer to see if it was wind-aided, much like a football fan looks for a penalty flag before celebrating a touchdown. So it is not uncommon for a world record to be different – slower -- than the “world best,” and the running community has accepted this.

The goal of these rules is to certify only records set in regular competition, not “tricked-up” courses designed specially for fast times. It’s possible, as a scientific exercise, to pick a 26.2-mile section of the interstate that runs slightly downhill, wait until the wind is blowing in the right direction, and fire the starting gun. It is likely that the 2 hour barrier could be broken, but that would put the record out of reach of future, real marathons. And that is what the IAAF is trying to avoid.

It’s hard to argue that wind wasn’t a factor in Mutai’s run. The tailwind at the start was announced at 21 mph. Anyone who’s run Boston when the wind comes in from the Atlantic Ocean knows that it’s a time-killer. And the fact that another runner, Moses Mosop, also beat Gebrselassie’s time – and two more men broke the Boston course record – gives a sense of how much the wind might have affected the race. That doesn’t taint the competition because it affects all competitors equally. But when you start measuring one race against another, which is the goal of a record book, it can be like comparing apples and herring.

Still, there is some inconsistency in the governing bodies’ position. They will certify races run with “rabbits,” who are hired to run a fast and steady pace and even shield the top runners from the wind. Gebrselassie’s Berlin win in 2008 was set up for him to break the record, and he did. Runners insist that this is a much bigger advantage than a tailwind, or a 459-foot drop in elevation. The IAAF also allows Boston times to be used to meet Olympic qualification standards, and USA Track and Field will let Hall into the Olympic trials based on Monday’s run.

In the end, there’s something just plain odd about saying that the Boston Marathon, long considered one of the toughest races in the world, is too easy to be eligible for a world record. Only three times before in history had a world record been established in Boston, all of them before the IAAF refined the rules about eligible courses. So while it has long been known that a time run in Boston would not count for a record, no one seems to have worried much about it because it was unlikely to come up. Then Mutai blistered the course on Monday. B.A.A. officials said they would apply to have the record certified, even though it’s clear the IAAF can’t do that without changing its rules. Rob de Castella, who won Boston in 1986, called on the governing bodies to recognize the record; this could be done either by grandfathering Boston in or by refining the rules to allow courses that go both up and down to have a larger drop in elevation.

In the meantime, we are likely to see a repeat of the debate that surfaces whenever the bright-line rules of a sport conflict with what we might more intuitively consider the right outcome. We saw it with the Tuck Rule, and with Armando Galarraga’s near-perfect game. A lot could depend on which feat the running community views as the real record and how the times are described in common parlance.

One thing is clear: the B.A.A. isn’t going to change its 115-year-old course to suit the IAAF. As executive director Tom Grilk told the AP the day after the race: "If somebody wants to put up a dome and chase Swifty, the rabbit from Wonderland (dog track), around, God bless them. We'll keep doing what we've been doing for 100 years: Firing off a gun and saying, 'Go.'"

VIDEO | SERGIO RAMOS SPANISH CUP TROPHY BUS ACCIDENT

When one opens up his email account & finds more the 50 mails from readers asking for the VIDEO of Real Madrid defender SERGIO RAMOS dropping the SPANISH CUP (accident) in front of the celebration bus to then see it get run over & trampled, one finds it for the Spanish Football Sports Blog readers. 



Sergio Ramos later put on his twitter ...that he did not drop the Cup, the Cup jumped on of his

VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS | SPANISH CUP FINAL 2011 | FC BARCELONA 0 REAL MADRID 1

VIDEO highlights of last nights SPANISH CUP FINAL between FC BARCELONA - REAL MADRID courtesy of Jonzea. Video in HD with 12 minutes of the intense on field battle with Real Madrid winning 0 - 1 & the Title.


Great video in case you missed the game.

REAL MADRID SPANISH CUP 2011 CELEBRATIONS | SPANISH CUP TROPHY "DESTROYED"

Just a humorous incident, or very serious accident, depending on how you look at things occurred during this mornings REAL MADRID Spanish Cup winners celebrations with their fans in Madrid. The full Real Madrid Football Team had arrived at Madrid around 04.00 & did a bus parade towards the fountain of "Cibeles" in the middle of Madrid, where Real Madrid celebrates its titles with the fan base.

PHOTO | REAL MADRID SPANISH CUP 2011 WINNERS

Here is a photo for all the Spanish Football Sports readers & REAL MADRID fans around the World of the team celebrating their 0 -  1 SPANISH CUP ( Kings Cup) FINAL victory over FC Barcelona.



Real Madrid Spanish Cup winner 2011

For all the many fans of Cristiano Ronaldo



Cristiano Ronaldo with the 2011 Spanish Cup
photo courtesy of Rafa Casals

SPANISH CUP FINAL RESULT FC BARCELONA 0 REAL MADRID 1

REAL MADRID won their 18th SPANISH CUP Title, plus 18 years later from their last,  after defeating FC BARCELONA 0 - 1 in a Final that went into extra-time. 




Iker Casillas with the Spanish Cup 2011

It was spectacular, intense, a war-zone in the midfield, posts, amazing saves & a physical effort from both teams that was superhuman. Marvellous Spanish Cup Final




Cristiano Ronaldo scores

PREVIEW | SPANISH CUP FINAL SEEN BY THE SPANISH SPORTS PRESS

Two Spanish Football Clubs, two Football playing cultures, two Cities, two visions, two true Champions but just one Title: the SPANISH CUP ( Kings Cup) season 2010-2011. Tonight at the "Mastella Stadium" in the city of Valencia, the Final between FC BARCELONA - REAL MADRID at 21.30 Spanish local time kick-off.

Here are the covers of how the main Spanish Sports press see tonights Spanish Cup

Transitioning from the NCAA to the NBA: A Time for a Change in Rules

New article from the Huffington Post by Boston College's Warren K. Zola on the challenges student-athletes have in transitioning from the NCAA to the NBA under current rules.

The article starts:

"The recently concluded NCAA men’s basketball tournament has once again highlighted some of the very best amateur basketball talent in the country. While some players continued to showcase their exceptional talents, new stars also emerged in the considerable spotlight of the most watched basketball tournament in the world. Many of the college basketball fans, whose sheer size enabled the not-for-profit NCAA to recently sign a 14 year, $ 10.8 billion dollar rights agreement with CBS and Turner Broadcasting, now turn their attention to the 2011 NBA Draft which will be held on June 23rd.

This article calls attention to the challenges that student-athletes in the sport of college basketball have when trying to make a fully informed decision as they evaluate whether or not they should enter the NBA draft and forgo remaining college eligibility. While unique to men’s basketball, this precise situation highlights a more global trend in which colleges, conferences and the NCAA have done shockingly little to provide guidance and counsel as student-athletes across the country navigate the process of transitioning from college to professional leagues; an analysis put forth in a recently published law review article this past winter.

As is the case for every sport the process of entering the NBA is distinct and often confusing to those that have this opportunity."

To read the article in its entirety you may download it here.

ATLETICO DE MADRID | PINOCCHIO PART III

Back on the 18th of Febuary I posted an article titled “…Pinocchio Part II”, expresing my personal disbelief to all recent comments from Atletico de Madrid Directives. Please take a moment to put yourself back into context by reading the post.



Today I would like to continue expressing my disbelief with a “Part III” after comments expressed by Atletico de Madrid Director General Miguel Angel

VILLAREAL 1 REAL ZARAGOZA 0 | MONDAY NIGHT ROUND 32 GAME RESULT SPANISH FOOTBALL LEAGUE

Spanish Football League Round 32 concluded with the Monday Night Soccer game between VILLAREAL & REAL ZARAGOZA with the home team winning 1 - 0. The three points travel to Villareal to consolidate their Champions League Spanish League Table position, & the direct effect puts Real Zaragoza back into relegation positions.



Rossi again crucial for Villareal 

Although both sides battled to gain a

EUROPEAN GOLDEN BOOT 2010 - 2011 | A TWO HORSE RACE - MESSI vs RONALDO

SPANISH FOOTBALL SPORTS is answering here a few emails from readers asking how things are going so far in the race for this seasons European Golden Ball Award. Well with 6 Rounds left to go,  more or less,  in local competitions ( or at least with the Spanish League ), FC Barcelona player LIONEL MESSI is currently on Top with 30 goals.

The Argentine is closely followed by Real Madrid player

SUNDAY ROUND 32 GAMES RESULTS SPANISH FOOTBALL LEAGUE

After yesterdays big Real Madrid - FC Barcelona match you may have thought that Round 32 of the Spanish Football League was over. Well incorrect, as today La Liga had scheduled 5 top Spanish League clashes. Here is a brief summary of events, the results & the scorers.



Levante scores against Hercules

LEVANTE is turning out to be the revelation team in the second half of La Liga after facing

TENNIS | RAFAEL NADAL WINS MONTE CARLO MASTERS 1000

Spanish World Nº 1 ranked Tennis player RAFAEL NADAL won the MONTE CARLO MASTERS 1000 after defeating fellow Spaniard DAVID FERRER 6 - 4 ; 7 - 5 in a tough & long drawn out game between two clay court specialists. In fact, the clay court is Nadal´s favourite surface & apart from being undispuested as the "Best Clay Court Player in the World", he notched up his 7th straight Monte Carlo Tennis

EL CLASICO : REAL MADRID 1 FC BARCELONA 1 | SPANISH FOOTBALL LEAGUE ROUND 32 SATURDAY GAMES RESULTS

SPANISH FOOTBALL has been totally eclipsed by the Round 32 Real Madrid - FC Barcelona match, but three important Spanish League games were played earlier with vital outcomes for the relegation zone Clubs. Here is a brief summary of todays Liga action with all the results & scorers.



Baptista back for Malaga

MALAGA FC are playing for their Spanish 1º Division life & managed an important 3 - 0 

Would Appeal by Barry Bonds succeed?

I talk to Paul Elias of the Associated Press about this topic. Bonds plans to appeal and argue that the jury instructions for Count Five constituted a legal error by Judge Illston. While the standard of review would be de novo, I don't think the appeal would work. Elias interviews several other persons, including Stanford Law Professor Bill Gould. Here are our comments excerpted:

* * *

"Appeals are hard,'' said Vermont Law School professor Michael McCann, who specializes in sports law.

McCann and many other legal analysts said the Bonds defense team has its work cut out in flipping the jury's verdict. U.S. District Judge Susan Illston, who presided over the trial, is rarely overturned on appeal and observers said she deftly handled Bonds' three-week trial.

"An appellate court is always reluctant to overturn a trial judge with a good reputation who ran a good trial,'' McCann said. "Judge Illston was really deliberate on everything she did and the appellate court will recognize that.''

* * *

Stanford Law School professor William Gould said it will be difficult to say persuasively that the obstruction conviction is incompatible with the other charges just because the other lack verdicts.

"It's hard to argue there are mutually exclusive charges when you have only a verdict on a single charge,'' Gould said.

* * *

To read the rest, click here.

Legal Play in the NFL Lockout

Clay Travis and I speak with J. Craig Williams about the NFL lockout for the Lawyer 2 Lawyer Show on the Legal Talk Network.

Here is our discussion: Legal Play in the NFL Lockout (to directly access the audio file of our discussion, click here).

THE NIGHT SPAIN STANDS STILL | "EL CLASICO"

The whole Nation of Spain has only one talking issue today: the REAL MADRID - FC BARCELONA Spanish Football League game. Real Madrid still has the 5-0 loss "thorn" at "Camp Nou" stuck on its side & wishes to revenge that night. Apart a win tonight for the home team will give them plenty of confidence as both side will again meet next Wednesday for the Spanish Club Final, & later play twice in the

New Jersey State Bar Association Symposium: Who You Calling an Amateur? Legal Perspectives on the NCAA’s Amateurism Rules

This looks like an excellent event:

Wednesday, April 20, 2011 – 6 p.m.
Seton Hall Law School – One Newark Center, Room 373, Newark, NJ
Who You Calling an Amateur? Legal Perspectives on the NCAA’s Amateurism Rules

Hosted by the Entertainment, Arts & Sports Law Section of the New Jersey State Bar Association
co-sponsored by the Sports Lawyers Association

This program will discuss the NCAA’s current amateurism rules, proposed changes to those rules, and the recent litigation relating to the use of a student athlete’s name and likeness.

This program has been approved for the following CLE credits: 1.8 NJ, 1.0 PA, 1.5 NY

$32 per person for EASL Section members, includes program, CLE credits and dinner.
For those wishing to attend only the program and dinner without receiving CLE credits, the cost is $17 per person.

Individuals interested in attending can register online at the NJSBA website.

Speakers include:

• Rich Ensor, Esq. (MAAC Commissioner)
• Chris Monasch, Esq. (St. John's Athletic Director)
• Kim Keenan-Kirkpatrick, Esq. (Seton Hall Associate Athletic Director for Compliance)
• Bruce Rosen, Esq. (McCusker, Anselmi, Rosen & Carvelli)
• Daniel Brown (Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton)
• Kerry Cahill (former student-athlete)

Cleveland-Marshall College of Law Sports Law Symposium today

Sorry for the late notice, but if you're in the Cleveland area, there is an outstanding sports law symposium this afternoon at Cleveland-Marshall College of Law:

Cleveland-Marshall College of Law

Entertainment and Sports Law Symposium

The Legal Evolution of Professional Golf and Tennis


Friday, April 15, 12 p.m.- 5 p.m.


C|M|LAW, Moot Court Room, 1801 Euclid Avenue

Sponsored by the Entertainment and Sports Law Association.

Special guest Panelists will share their experience and knowledge on the legal aspects of player representation, event management, broadcasting, publicity rights, exploitation, and legal governance.

12:00 pm – 12:30 pm: Registration

12:30 pm – 2:00 pm: The Legal Evolution of Professional Tennis

Kevin Callanan, vice president of IMG Tennis


Jim Thomas, former tennis professional

Gavin Forbes, senior vice president of IMG Tennis

2:15 pm – 3:15 pm: Legal Governance of the

Zandria Conyers, legal counsel to the LPGA

Peter Carfagna, executive-in-residence Professor at C|M|LAW, LPGA Board Member

3:30pm – 5:00 pm: The Legal Evolution of Professional Golf

Dave Lightner, owner of Fairway Sports Management


Jay Burton, senior vice president, IMG Golf

Jim Juliano, managing partner at Nicola, Gudbranson & Cooper, LLC 


This symposium is free and open to the public. Preregistration is not necessary.

Continuing Legal Education credit: 4 hours (free)

Contract Michael Kluchin at Michael.kluchin@law.csuohio.edu for more information

NBA First Round Playoff Predictions

The playoffs are once again among us... some predictions for the first round.

EAST

1 Chicago over 8 Indiana in 4 games
The Bulls are the more complete, talented team. They are better offensively and defensively. This should be the least interesting series in round 1.

2 Miami over 7 Philadelphia in 5 games
As much as I want to see the 76ers pull one out, it is not going to happen. They don't have the firepower to hang with the star-studded Heat. Iggy can only guard LeBron or Wade.

3 Boston over 6 New York in 7 games
The Celtics come limping into the playoffs, trying to find an identity again after the Kendrick Perkins trade. Funny things can happen when the Knicks get into the playoffs... Game 7 in Boston, though, gives them the advantage.

4 Orlando over 5 Atlanta in 6 games
I'm not sold on the Magic as legitimate contenders, but I think they have the firepower to overtake the Hawks.


WEST

1 San Antonio over 8 Memphis in 6 games
This is an intriguing game since people think the Spurs are a weak 1 and the Griz a strong 8, but reports of an upset have been greatly exaggerated. The Spurs still have the big 3, and Manu Ginobili will be the best player in this series.

2 Los Angeles over 7 New Orleans in 5 games
If David West were healthy, this might be an interesting series. As it is, I don't see the Lakers faltering, even as poor as they have played down the stretch.

6 Portland over 3 Dallas in 7 games
The upset of the first round, I like the more athletic Blazers to take down Dallas, even though Dirk is playing as well as anyone in the NBA. The Mavs need Tyson Chandler to be huge in this series, but I am not sure he is up to it.

4 Oklahoma City over 5 Denver in 6 games
It should be the most entertaining series in the first round, as both teams get out and run. The difference is that one of these teams have Kevin Durant, and one does not.

What are your predictions?

TWENTE 1 VILLAREAL 3 (2-8 AGG)| EUROPA LEAGUE 2º LEG QUARTER FINAL RESULT

Another Spanish Football Team gets into the semi-finals of a European Football competition. TWENTE lost 1 - 3 to VILLAREAL ( 2 - 8 Agg ) in the 2º leg of the EUROPA LEAGUE Quarter - Final.



Villareal celebrates a goal

The game was a very physical affair with a lot of contact that lead to many fouls. The Dutch Club started strong as they had no other alternative than to go all out to attack.

TEAM PHOTO | FC BARCELONA STARTING 11 2011

Thinking about all the FC BARCELONA readers & fans across the World. Here is a very latest starting 11 Team photo from the Spanish Football League 2011:



FC Barcelona Team Photo 2011
Top: L-R: Alves;Keita;Mascherano;Busquets;Pique & Valdes
Bottom: L-R:Adriano;Afellay;Villa;Iniesta & Thiago

New Sports Illustrated column: Barry Bonds Verdict: Who Won?

I have a new SI colum on the Barry Bonds verdict. Bonds was convicted on obstruction of justice, but Judge Illston declared a mistrial on the three perjury counts. Here's an excerpt of my column:

* * *

But federal prosecutors convict 90 percent of indicted defendants. Shouldn't they have done better here?

This question begets big picture and small picture responses.

Big picture first. While the 90 percent statistic has received a good amount of attention, it does not speak to considerable differences in wealth among indicted defendants and the possible impact of those differences on trial outcomes. Bonds possessed the wherewithal to assemble a team of leading defense attorneys, from different law firms and with complementary skills. The vast majority of indicted defendants, in contrast, cannot afford a "team" of lawyers. In fact, according to statistics provided by Department of Justice in 2000, 66 percent of federal felony defendants are represented by court-appointed counsel. Also, and less important, the 90 percent conviction rate is for all crimes; the federal government's success rate in perjury trials is slightly lower, at about 85 percent. . . .

* * *

When will Bonds be sentenced and how long will he be sentenced?

First, the defense will ask that Judge Illston overrule the jury's decision. It is extremely unlikely that she would do so, as she would have to conclude that the jury was unreasonable in finding Bonds guilty.

Bonds will likely be sentenced in four to six months. In the months leading up to the sentencing hearing, the U.S. Probation Office will author a "Presentence Investigation Report" which will recommend a sentence. Bonds' lack of criminal record will work in his favor. His refusal to plead guilty, however, will count against him. Sentencing guidelines suggest that he could receive a sentence of 18 to 30 months, though those guidelines are permissive and Judge Illston will reserve the right to impose a sentence outside that range.

During the sentencing hearing, Bonds will have an opportunity to speak and offer an apology -- or to insist on his innocence. Friends and family of Bonds may also speak on his behalf at the sentencing hearing, or they can provide letters asking for leniency.

Bonds may be fortunate that Judge Illston is sentencing him. Judge Illston presided over two other BALCO-related perjury trials in which the defendants -- track coach Trevor Graham and cyclist Tammy Thomas -- were convicted, with Graham convicted on perjury and Thomas convicted on both perjury and obstruction of justice. Illston sentenced each to home confinement (Graham for one-year; Thomas for six months). While Illston could distinguish Bonds as more culpable than Graham and Thomas and more deserving of time in prison, Bonds should take some comfort in knowing Illston's sentencing in the Graham and Thomas cases.

Even if "only sentenced" to home confinement, Bonds would still experience substantial restrictions on his freedom. He would likely have to wear an electronic monitor at all times and could only leave his home with approval by his supervising officer. Home confinement, however, sure beats prison.

If Illston sentences Bonds to prison, she could opt for a sentence similar to that received by track star Marion Jones, who, pursuant to a guilty plea, was sentenced to six months in prison, two years of probation and community service.

* * *

To read the rest, click here.