• Mike Danton considered his agent, David Frost, as a father figure.
• Danton was placed in jail for hiring a hitman to kill David Frost.
• Frost was charged with 12 counts of sexual exploitation.
• Frost was arrested for using Mike Danton’s credit card to pay a gas bill.
• Frost was told to stay away from the Phoenix Coyotes training camp and Adam Keefe, who’s brother was once represented by Frost.
• Danton’s attorney was charged with unauthorized practice of law.
• Frost was cleared of  the sexual exploitation charges.
• Prison officials described Danton as a “model inmate” and “an incredible asset.”

Then Danton was granted full parole and claimed that he never actually hired the hitman to kill Frost, but instead wanted the hired assassin to kill his father.  And Frost…he changed his name to Jim McCauley.

ESPN to the rescue.  This Tuesday, May 3 (7 p.m. EST) ESPN E:60 will present “The Mike Danton Story.”  It will include an interview with David Frost (let’s stick with that name instead of McCauley).  This is the first time that Frost has been interviewed by the media about this story in 7 years.

ESPN E:60 Will Focus On Mike Danton’s Strange Relationship With David Frost from Sports Agent Blog - Sports Business, Sports Law, Sports Negotiations, NCAA Rules

The Special Master rejected the Union’s complaint; however the he did rule that the NFL violated the Reggie White settlement agreement governing the CBA, regarding the NFL’s specific media contracts with ESPN and ABC. Liz Mullen of SportsBusiness Journal reported that the Special Master did not grant the injunction, but instead, awarded $6.9 million in damages for the CBA violations of the ESPN and ABC contracts. According to the Associated Press, the NFLPA was asking for $60 million in damages, but was awarded $6.9 million. Most importantly, the Special Master did not grant the Union’s request for an injunction, thus allowing the NFL to keep $4B from the TV contract deals with networks in 2011.

After the ruling both sides claimed a victory. The Union was happy the Special Master found minor CBA violations with the ABC and ESPN contracts. NFL Executive VP & General Counsel Jeff Pash called the award a “modest” amount at a press conference, but had to be delighted with the outcome. Union spokesman George Atallah tweeted after the decision, “Now for the good news: The NFL, until the appeal in Minnesota, has $4 billion to not play football next year. VICTORY!”

I believe this is a clear victory for the NFL. Comparing an award of $6.9 million with $4 Billion from what the Union called “lockout insurance” gives the NFL a lot more chips at the bargaining table.

The fact that the Union immediately appealed the ruling, and is now asking U.S. District Court Judge David Doty, the judge in charge of overseeing the NFL’s CBA, to issue a decision on its appeal before the March 3^rd CBA officially expires is another example of how the Union is truly taking this ruling. One of my favorite quotes from an NFL statement over the weekend read, “As we have said all along, a new CBA has to be hammered out at the negotiating table, not in the courtroom. If the union commits to invest as much time, energy and other resources in negotiations as it has in its litigation strategy, a new agreement could well be reached by March 4.”

Although the NFL appears to have an advantage after the Special Master’s decision, the ruling could be beneficial to both side’s progress and enhanced efforts for a new CBA. This ruling could entice the NFLPA to negotiate more fervently in hopes of coming to an agreement before the critical March 4^th deadline, just like the league’s statement above suggests.

On a side note, the league’s Exec VP/Business Operations Eric Grubman also mentioned to reporters in January that the TV money at issue has to be repaid, with interest, once the games resume. Conversely, the NFL recently mentioned that it would not touch the $4 billion from the television contracts until a potential second lockout year in March 2012, if a new CBA still has not been reached. If these statements are true then the NFL now has even more incentive to come to an agreement for a new CBA and get these funds active.

Moving forward, Judge Doty will hear oral arguments for the appeal on February 24^th in an open federal courtroom in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Judge Doty has been favorable to the players in recent rulings. The NFL even asked the judge to remove himself from his role overseeing the NFL’s CBA after his decision in the Michael Vick ruling, claiming Doty was showing bias towards the NFL players by meeting with player representatives before hearings and making inappropriate public comments. However, I am not so sure about Doty ruling with the players on this decision.

NFL Management and the NFLPA will be enhancing the intensity of negotiations between the two parties over the next several weeks. Hopefully the Union will let Judge Doty decide this decision on appeal, and not let it disrupt the flow of negotiations. As we all know, the sides have many other issues to agree on before March 4.

The NFL Gets to Keep A 4 Billion-Dollar Bargaining Chip from Sports Agent Blog - Sports Business, Sports Law, Sports Negotiations, NCAA Rules

I have a history with ESPN’s founder, Bill Rasmussen, and his fantastic public relations consultant, Jim DeLorenzo.  I first met the two gentlemen at the 2008 Princeton Sports Symposium.  All of us immediately hit it off at the symposium, and Rasmussen agreed to serve as the Closing Speaker at the 2009 UF Sports Law Symposium.  It was fascinating to hear a brief recounting of the creation of ESPN.  There was no way that he could say everything there was to know about the company’s birth in the time that was allotted.  Thus, I was very excited to receive a copy of Sports Junkies Rejoice, which tells a story about ESPN that very few people know.

Sports Junkies Rejoice was actually first published in November 1983, four years after ESP Network (what it was called prior to ESPN) hit the air.  I did not even realize that what I was reading was published such a long time ago until I approached the end of the book.  In 1983, a hardback version was offered.  This is the first year that the paperback has been available.

Rasmussen must have kept a very detailed diary, because he recalls specific events and attaches dates for everything that happened leading up to the birth of ESPN.  If you pick up the book, you will find out how the idea for ESPN came about, the many trials and tribulations leading up to September 7, 1979, and even how Rasmussen was eventually pushed out of the company.

And my favorite part of the book (which I decided to read to the audience at my York College of Pennsylvania presentation last week) is the following:

As a general rule, I have discovered during my lifetime there are two approaches available for use when you have something to say:

1. Be cautious, tentative and don’t rock the boat – someone may laugh at you; or
2. exude confidence, be positive, believe that what you’re saying will be done, and, when people laugh at you, maintain your confidence.  Those people will soon discover that you were right.

The book is not expensive, either.  I think it would be a good gift for someone you know who loves sports and is addicted to ESPN.

Book Review: Sports Junkies Rejoice – The Birth of ESPN from Sports Agent Blog - Sports Business, Sports Law, Sports Negotiations, NCAA Rules

1) The Discover/Orange Bowl deal is for a reported 4 years and 5 games.  What influenced the parties to choose this particular length of time?

“The deal runs concurrent with ESPN’s BCS agreement which includes the 2011-2014 BCS bowl games and the 2013 BCS National Championship.” – Larry Wahl, Orange Bowl Committee, VP Communications and Community Outreach

2) How much weight did Allstate’s four year renewal with the Sugar Bowl play in your negotiations with Discover?

“The discussions did not have any influence on each other, as our negotiations with Discover were completely independent.” – Amy Phillips, ESPN, Director, Communications

3) In conversations with executives at Discover, did the fact that both the Orange Bowl and Discover Card logos have orange in their images ever come up?

“The fact that both the Orange Bowl and Discover Card logos have orange was discussed.  While coincidental, this has an added benefit because there is already the consumer connection with the color orange, which is a critical piece of the Discover heritage, and iconic in the recognition of the Orange Bowl and South Florida.” – Larry Wahl, Orange Bowl Committee, VP Communications and Community Outreach

4) It’s quite a jump to go from sponsoring NHL playoffs intermissions, the WNBA, and Arena Football to a title sponsorship of a BCS Bowl Game.  What were some of the key factors that helped convince Discover that this was a smart move?

“Discover cardmembers are passionate about college football. Discover views this as a great way to reach both cardmembers, by rewarding them with exclusive benefits all year long, and sports fans in general, by showing them how it pays to Discover. This partnership resonates with Discover cardmembers passion and loyalty toward their favorite football teams.” – Matthew Towson, Discover, Senior Manager, Community Affairs and Media Relations

5) Are any activation plans built into the sponsorship?  What are some interesting features of the sponsorship that have not yet been reported?

“Discover will be offering cardmembers exclusive benefits, including ticket offers and unique experiences surrounding the Orange Bowl festivities.” – Matthew Towson, Discover, Senior Manager, Community Affairs and Media Relations

“Additional details about activation within the South Florida community are still being collaborated on with Discover.”  – Larry Wahl, Orange Bowl Committee, VP Communications and Community Outreach

6) There were rumors that Reese’s, another company with orange in its logo, showed interest in the title sponsorship.  Why do you think Discover is a better fit?

“We spoke to many advertisers, but we engaged with Discover because we felt they showed the most commitment and ultimately would make the best partner for the Orange Bowl and ESPN.”  - Amy Phillips, ESPN, Director, Communications

7) Who was involved in brokering the deal and negotiating the terms of the sponsorship?  Were there particular attorneys/firms on retainer?

“MediaCom ESP, a GroupM company led the negotiation for Discover.” – Matthew Towson, Discover, Senior Manager, Community Affairs and Media Relations

More Details About The Discover Orange Bowl Alliance from Sports Agent Blog - Sports Business, Sports Law, Sports Negotiations, NCAA Rules

What I find most fascinating is the fact that sports fans actually care. ESPN has the most to lose – not the actual game of college basketball or football. As a network, ESPN has very few sideline reporters that have both beauty and brains – and knowing your stuff isn’t easy. Considering the demographic of much of the programming of the network, losing her could disappoint many (men) and possibly cost the network some viewers.

If EA does pull the plug on ESPN, it would take an entire team to figure out her next move. According to my sources and analysis, there are two possibilities other than ESPN.

1. With either FOX, CBS, or NBC – on NFL sidelines.
2. Transplant to Hollywood, with a similar role as with sports – possibly with Entertainment Tonight or a similar program.

As usual, money will be one of the deciding factors. If ESPN expects to keep her around – expect EA to get a pay day, to a large extent, an in-house promotion.

The challenge for her agent will be to structure the deal — providing the maximum payoff, but also in terms that allow her to partake in the NCAA Basketball Tournament – a desire she has expressed candidly. Jay Bilas has a similar arrangement between ESPN and CBS.

Concurrently, EA has also shown an interest in pursuing opportunities with the NFL, which may not be too far down the road.

For now ESPN’s parent company, ABC – with Dancing with the Stars, will toast her success with a gala of dance and cheer – a possible farewell tour for EA and her six year relationship with the network.

Will Erin Andrews stay with ESPN? from Sports Agent Blog - Sports Business, Sports Law, Sports Negotiations, NCAA Rules

The NCAA can opt out of the remainder of their contract, leaving new bidders coming with one thing in common – maximizing the bottom-line.

It has been reported by numerous sources that any sort of ‘opt-out’ will inevitably lead to an expansion of 32 additional teams in the NCAA Basketball Tournament.

Both Turner Broadcasting and ESPN are said to be likely candidates. It is expected that both will pursue an expansion to 96 teams, extending March Madness beyond what it is today.

So why do this? Money.

The argument by those in the business is that a longer tournament means more television coverage and more viewers. Whether or not that directly translates into a greater amount of revenues is to be determined.

After all, the ‘true’ tournament would not begin until ‘the 64’ anyway. The likelihood of early round blowouts would be significantly higher with many small conference at large bids as well as major conference ‘cup cakes’ providing for an utter mockery of college basketball – none of which would likely even make the traditional NCAA tournament.

ESPN, Turner Broadcasting, and whoever else might be interested in a long-term, multi-billion dollar media rights contract must understand one thing – the tournament is more than just dollar signs to sports fans, it is about the purity and integrity of the game.

Fans and players are what make the tournament what it is today. Neither have a say in this decision.

The NCAA Tournament is a rare spectacle in sports, losing its historical and unique quality is similar to losing one of the eight wonders of the world.

Once it’s gone – it’s gone forever.

What Does the Future Hold for the NCAA Tourney? from Sports Agent Blog - Sports Business, Sports Law, Sports Negotiations, NCAA Rules

Belmonte E:60 Piece On Demand from Sports Agent Blog - Sports Business, Sports Law, Sports Negotiations, NCAA Rules

The 25-year old from Orange, Australia made the match play field six times and cashed in eight of the nine events he entered during the 2008-09 Lumber Liquidators PBA Tour season. Belmonte averaged 219.2 and earned $44,380.

Jason Belmonte Named Rookie Of The Year from Sports Agent Blog - Sports Business, Sports Law, Sports Negotiations, NCAA Rules

7:00 p.m. EST tomorrow (Tuesday), tune into ESPN to watch this week’s episode of E:60.  As shown above, Dynasty client, Jason Belmonte, will be featured on the program.  The trailer alone should be enough to get you interested in tuning in.  Here is what ESPN has to say about the segment:

In the tradition of great sports innovators like Dick Fosbury, who revolutionized the high jump, and Bill Walsh, inventor of football’s West Coast offense, a 25-year-old Australian named Jason Belmonte is taking the bowling world by storm with a revolutionary technique in which he bowls using both hands. Belmonte is challenging his sport’s history and redefining what it means to be a bowler. E:60’s Jeremy Schaap chronicle’s Belmonte’s development of the technique, which he began at 18 months of age in his parents bowling alley. Belmonte’s two-handed bowling is now spreading to all corners of the globe.

Jason Belmonte On ESPN E:60 This Tuesday from Sports Agent Blog - Sports Business, Sports Law, Sports Negotiations, NCAA Rules

Tom Jones of the St. Pete Times likes the commercial, but thinks that there is a blatant conflict of interest in having Rosenhaus on a commercial that was paid for by ESPN and really endorses the ESPN brand.

ESPN does stories on Rosenhaus. It does stories about his clients. Why should the viewer trust any story it sees when one of Rosenhaus’ clients is negotiating a new deal, or worse, gets into legal trouble?
This isn’t to say ESPN will slant stories one way or the other, but just the appearance of a conflict of interest puts doubt in the viewers’ minds, and why would ESPN risk its credibility?

Rosenhaus In Bed With ESPN? from Sports Agent Blog - Sports Business, Sports Law, Sports Negotiations, NCAA Rules