Show Them the Money
Earlier this week, the NCAA announced that it would support a rule allowing college athletes to obtain endorsement deals, making it possible for these athletes to earn money from the use of their names, images and likeness. However, since the athletes cannot be considered employees of their respective universities, all deals will need to come from third parties.
Though athletes will be able to reference their schools and the sport or sports they play, school logos and branding will not be allowed in the advertisements. The rule change is expected to happen for the 2021-2022 school year.
NBA Going to Disney World?
As reported by Shams Charania of Stadium and The Athletic, the NBA is considering Orlando, specifically Walt Disney World Resort property, as the place where the season can resume, if and when it is safe to do so. Las Vegas has also been reported as an option. The NBA has yet to make a decision and Commissioner Adam Silver has continued to point to safety as the top priority. ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski has also reported that discussions continue regarding pushing the start of the 2020-2021 season to December. Meanwhile, today, the NBA cancelled the May Draft Lottery and Combine.
Quarterback News
After nine years with the team and one week after drafting QB Joe Burrow with the first pick in the NFL Draft, the Cincinnati Bengals released quarterback Andy Dalton yesterday. In feel good news though, Dalton and his wife, Jordan, donated $150,000 to the city of Cincinnati to help with medical needs to fight COVID-19.
Over in New Orleans, former Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston has a new home. The 2015 #1 overall Draft pick goes from QB1 to QB2, signing a one-year deal with the Saints, where he’ll backup Drew Brees.
Alex Smith
On November 18, 2018, Washington Redskins quarterback suffered a compound fracture in his right leg during a Week 11 game against the Houston Texans. As time went on, the injury went from severe to life-threatening.
Tonight at 7:30 pm ET/4:30 pm ET, E:60 will air a special in which Smith and his wife, Elizabeth, recount their journey to ESPN’s Stephania Bell. Smith is sharing his story with the hope of helping other athletes who may experience something similar.
2020 Baseball Hall of Fame Postponed
Baseball’s Hall of Fame announced Wednesday that they will be postponing this year’s induction ceremony until 2021.
The 2020 class of Derek Jeter, Larry Walker, Ted Simmons and the late Marvin Miller will now be inducted with next year’s class on July 25, 2021. It will be the first time since 1949 that multiple classes will be inducted at the same time.