Free tax help for college athletes
Tax season is upon on and many college athletes are making money for the first time and are away from home. Since college athletes, and some high school athletes, are able to legally monetize their name, image, & likeness, tax implications come into play.
4 Ways for athletes to become more financially literate
We always hear the phrase, make more than you spend, but a huge percentage of people spend more than they make each month. But not you, because you stumbled upon this article and I am giving you 4 ways to become more financially literate. So let’s get into it!
Sports and the Web3 Era
𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐚𝐧 𝐍𝐅𝐓?
Basically it is a digital asset that you own and can trade or sell with other people. However, you actually own the asset much like if you went into the a store and purchased a piece of art. It is another form of currency, but is similar to buying a piece of unique art.
NFL Player Retirement Plan, abusing discretion
“A Texas federal judge on Thursday lambasted the NFL player retirement plan for a history of selectively reviewing former players' applications for disability benefits and abusing its discretion, finding that the plan violated federal benefits law when it denied a retired Super Bowl-winning running back placement in a higher benefits class.”
Creating your mission, vision, & core values
Having a clear mission, vision, & core values is vital to your brand. It not only helps you differentiate yourself from others, it helps guide you when you are making decisions. Having a clear set of standards by which you operate can make all the difference.
Part 2: NWSL CBA rules governing the union
The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) bargained in good faith with the National Women’s Soccer League Players’ Association (NWSLPA) over the course of 40 bargaining sessions to get a collective bargaining agreement (CBA) ratified and executed. The bargaining sessions started in the Fall of 2020 with the final CBA officially executed on April 29, 2022.
This is Part 2 of a multi-part series analyzing the CBA from my perspective as a sports attorney and sports business professional. I will provide commentary and insight into the intricacies of the CBA.
Part 1: NWSL CBA sports law breakdown
What does the CBA entail? This is a the first part of a series of articles not only providing an overview of the CBA, but will also contain my commentary both as a sports attorney and sports business professional.
Is academic excellence less important than athletic excellence?
In August 2020, the NCAA allowed schools to “pay each of their athletes up to $5,980 per year as a reward for academic performance.” This amount is equal to the amount college athletes can receive for awards related to their athletic performance.
However, ESPN found that many schools have not made a commitment to pay these academic bonuses to their college athletes.
Fashionable fellas: Odell Beckham Jr. x Louis Vuitton
Sports and fashion have an inherent connection and seamlessly intersect on and off the court, pitch and field. From fans sporting their favorite players' jerseys to professional athletes posing before games for their walk-up photos. Players these days have personal stylists and truly can make a mark on the fashion industry with their clothing choices.
Small Business 101: Employees vs. Independent Contractors
I have worked with professional athletes and freelancers who have probably been misclassified by their employers. The employers probably misclassified their workers in order to avoid paying employment taxes.
The Position of Power - Professional Male Athletes
Often I see articles centered around the plight of female athletes whether at the professional, semi-professional, or college level. However, I find less content centered around the professional male athlete and how their position of power, when not used in advocacy, is one of the biggest detriments to female athletes. Professional male athletes, in North America, who are currently playing have never been without a union. However, many female athletes who are currently playing have only recently had the luxury of union support and bargaining in a position of power.
Sights and Sounds from Men’s March Madness - Open Practice
The sounds of basketball practice were in full swing at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas. From the squeak of shoes to the calls by coaches to the lively bands practicing for the big day. Dickies Arena hosts March Madness for the first time when The Road to the Final Four® stops in Fort Worth March 17 & 19, 2022. Texas Christian University hosts the First and Second Rounds of the NCAA ® March Madness ® Tournament.
Negotiate like a Pro
Too often people think getting the other side to agree to your way of seeing things is how to "win" in negotiation.
However, listening is the key to being a successful negotiator. You must listen and let the other side speak in order to understand their motives and intent.
Charter flights, Billionaires, & the WNBA
When this CBA was negotiated in 2020, perhaps air travel was less of a priority than it is now.
This article started off by teaching the reader about the CBA, but this is about more than the charter flights. This article’s aim is to open your eyes to the progress that has been made in the world of sports where women are playing.
The fact that W players are even talking about charter flights is a win. This conversation wasn’t necessarily at the forefront five years ago. But now, some of these women have owners who WANT to bring them all the luxuries of professional sports.
We are the Aggies, the Aggies are we
Jump to 2022 and Coach Gary Blair, the fearless leader of Aggie Women’s Basketball is retiring. He led the women to so many championships and titles that it is hard to list them all. But what stands out to me, far more than the winning seasons and titles, is the fact that he elevated the game to national prominence. He supported the women in this game because he loves basketball. HE LOVES IT NO MATTER WHO IS PLAYING.
USWNT victory, but more work to be done for equal pay
Women’s soccer in North America is making 2022 that year of the female athlete.
On Feb. 22, 2022, players from the U.S. Women’s National Team walked away with a litigation settlement valued at $24 million. This comes after they won a decisive victory against U.S. Soccer in their inequitable treatment claims.
How to stand out to brands
This article was inspired by Jonquel Jones, who is the 2021 WNBA MVP. However, despite being name the MOST VALUABLE PLAYER, she expressed the struggles she has had receiving endorsement and sponsorship deals. I broke down some steps to take in order to change this reality.
A Tale of Two Leagues
When people discuss sports, they often default to leagues where men are playing. The ingrained viewpoint is that sports are inherently male.
Do we really need to try to follow what these leagues are doing? Do they actually set the end-all-be-all goal for other sports leagues?
I do not believe they do and comparing or aspiring to be like them might lead us into the same problems they are currently dealing with publicly.
NWSLPA Ratifies First CBA in Women’s Soccer History
On Jan. 31st at approximately 8.30pm ET the National Women’s Soccer League’s Player’s Association announced they had ratified the first ever collective bargaining agreement in women’s soccer history. It is subject to the approval of the Board of Governors. This means the players will not strike and will attend preseason camp on Feb. 1st, 2022.
Comparison is the thief of joy
This is a letter to all those who have struggled or are struggling to find your place in the world. Keep fighting, keep working hard, and it is okay to ask for help. I am excited to get started in this new role, but I will never forget the lessons I have learned from the failures and the hardships.