The Sports Info Business

A recent feature story on 60 Minutes showcased the power of college football.  When it comes to sports management, budgets and moving college athletic programs forward, the news magazine asked a basic and essential question:  How essential is College Football?

I’d like to ask a few other questions.  How much does a college/university need college football?  Does the pigskin help drive donations?  What about Pride, prestige and the level of national exposure for the school?  In the sad case of Penn State University, what’s the cost of a scandal and its long term impact from one assistant coach,  Jerry Sandusky?

I have embedded the segment from 60 minutes for you to see, which I found interesting, entertaining and educational.

Consider some of these stats which I noted from the feature:

* The Michigan Athletics Department annual budget is $133 million dollars and according to Michigan AD Dave Brandon, football is responsible for about 75% of revenues or about $90 Million dollars.

* Also, according to the Michigan AD, there are 22 football programs (I am guessing here Division I programs) that are either cash flow even or cash flow positive.

* The Cal Athletics Football stadium is currently going through a $321 million dollar renovation.

Don’t forget, you can always follow the sportsinfo101.com posts on facebook at www.facebook.com/sportsinfo101

* * * * * *

Photo of the Day

©Charles Harris Photography

Hello, my name is Charles and I am a recovering Stats-a-Holic.

“Hello Charles”

This problem started a long time ago, when, as a kid, and I learned and loved to keep score during baseball games.

I had my own official score book for the Chicago Cubs.  It did not matter if they were playing on TV or I was listening to the game on the radio.  I always kept score.

Once in a while, I would have my transistor radio on at night and keep track of my beloved Chicago Bulls, some 15 years before a guy name Michael Jordan took over and redefined Chicago and NBA basketball history.

I would chart how many points and rebounds Bob Love and Norm Van Lier would get, keeping the radio on just loud enough to hear, yet soft enough so my parents could not.

But it was baseball, and stats that became a part of me.  That love eventually led to my dream sports job of working in professional baseball with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

When I left the club in 1994 however, I went into stats rehab.  It was years before I would even think of watching a game and not, somehow compile the numbers in my head.

So when I was asked for the first time to play Fantasy Football four years ago, I immediately waved off co-workers and told them

“I used to eat stats for a living.  Thanks, but I think I will pass.”

But there was something deeper that I had an issue with that stopped me from playing Fantasy Football.

Watching these people pore over names, numbers and rosters, I asked myself, “Does Fantasy Football Alter A Fan- Team Relationship?  More plainly said, does it ruin the game for the fan?

I mean, as an owner, you were bound to be rooting for individual players to get “their points” and maybe, god forbid, drafting a hated player n a rival team since he could help you win a game.

How do I know this, you might be asking yourself…..

Well, as long as I am in this fantasy counseling session, I will admit that this year, for the first time, I joined a Fantasy Football league.

Call it Jewish guilt.  By my 14 year old son.

In the past year, he was turned into a walking ESPN recap machine, spitting out every update that comes through his smart phone.  Now, when he gives me the latest score from a professional league I have no interest in, I look at him with a straight face and hum the ESPN theme “dana-na na — dana-na na.”

At first he was amused, now, not so much.

But my point remains.  I grew up, suffered, celebrated and now an suffering again as a lifelong Chicago Bears fan (we have not won the Super Bowl since 1985.

Da Bears!

The kid however, came to me and said this fall he wanted to play in a Fantasy Football League.  Knowing that sports can be an addiction, I thought I better get involved to control this dangerous but enjoyable outlet.

So I rustled up my father and my best friend to put together a four team league.

We held a draft at my place, my father was calling in from his war room, er, retirement home in Arizona and we picked our teams.

After week one, my gut still said the same thing.

“I don’t like what you are eating and drinking on the weekends AND… Fantasy Football ruins the team vs Individual relationship.”

Who was I rooting for, the Bear or my individual players.

I am not going to tell if you if I won or lost (I did not win) but my old addiction krept back into play during the game.  I continuously looked at the latest stats on my smart phone during the day.

Shame on me.

I wanted to swear this FFL thing off forever.

By week three, three of the four of us were taunting each other when someone lost (disclosure, my dad did not figure out how to even substitute players until week six).  So there was pride, a bit of ribbing and it  has become more fun.

Now, heading into week 9, I must leave you now and update my roster before the games start.

Oh yeah, and the Bears are 7-1 and in first place.  Still the best stat I know if.

I am still recovering…..

* * * * * *

Don’t miss any blog post.  Follow Sportsinfo101 on Facebook.

Welcome to the first full weekend of college football, 2012 style.

For those that enjoy the sport, fall is the best time of year.  The temperatures, hopefully, wil begin cooling in the next 30 days and trees will begin changing colors.

One of the big games during the opening weekend has to be the University of Alabama vs the University of Michigan.  ABC thought it was a big enough game to feature the two teams tonight, starting at 8 p.m. Eastern time, 5 p.m, on the West Coast.  With all of the football writers providing previews of what is taking place on the field, I thought I would review what the two teams are doing on the web, ahead of today’s contest.

First off, I went to the Alabama’s athletic website and this is the landing page that popped up.

In the past, we have looked at how many of the professional teams have used technology and the online platforms so today it was time to compare some of the college programs.

First, let’s look at the University of Alabama.

Alabama has many touch points above the fold on this landing page, including links to a football sponsor, a link continuing to the main athletics website, an embedded ABC commercial previewing the game as well as links to ESPN in Dallas and the school’s blog.  What the school missed is in the upper half of the page, you do not see the Facebook nor the Twitter links for the school.  If you scroll down the page just a bit more, they social media platforms become apparent.

Michigan’s site takes a very different approach.  The splash page was much smaller and the goal is clearly on customer acquisition and online interaction.  Two photos allow you to either link to the Wolverines football page or the on lie Facebook application.  Three links at the bottom encourage visitors to tag photos with #GoBlue on Instagram, heeling to generate school related content, follow the sport on Twitter or join its Facebook Fan page.

I understand both approaches.  One is geared towards the overall brand while the other is on acquiring new users. 

The Alabama Athletics Facebook page has more than 700,00 people engaged on it and the University did a great job by adding a phone number for tickets, a link to its Twitter account and also links for photos and rewards.

This page is specific to Michigan football and it has a larger audience than the Alabama page (both links to Facebook were reached via the school’s websites).  However, Michigan does not provide the same resources as the Alabama site does.

The news quickly spread this morning regarding sanctions imposed on the Penn State football team.

By the time I publish this blog post, you probably have already heard some of all of the sanctions imposed on the school.

The sanctions include:

* A 60 million dollar fine

* A four year ban on bowl games

* All wins by the football program, from 1998 though 2011, have been vacated.

* The loss of 40 scholarships over the next four years

Current players on Penn State, as a result of the sanctions, are free to immediately transfer to any school.

Media reports say that the school will not appeal what was handed down by the NCAA today.

A few thoughts about this story.  One time.

How can the NCAA impose the death penalty on SMU football while allowing this program to continue playing?  I am at a loss for words.  I do not mean to compare apples to oranges, but can someone please explain to me why the Nittany Lions will kick off its 2012 season on September 1 vs Ohio University?

Second point:  Meant for the new leaders at the Penn State Athletics department.  When something so significant like this comes down, I think you may want to change the home page of your Web Site, as shown below.  Other than the prepared statements posted, everything appears to be business as usual on the site, including the football countdown clock in the upper right hand corner of the screen shot I took.  The department has had enough time to prepare for this day and it should have altered the look and feel out of respect.  This is a small but significant message that nothing has changed.  Games are not being played right now.  A perfect time to send the right message to the world.

Third point:  So many people have been impacted but this.  Current students, alumni, staff and professors, athletics department coaches and staff.  None of these workers get to transfer or vacate anything.  They still must show up each and every day, facing the media circus short term and scrutiny that will attach itself to this school for the next few decades.

Fourth and Most Important point:  The sanctions above do not matter to me.  I could care less about the loss of money, scholarships or bowl games.  Football became bigger than human life to leaders entrusted to run a very profitable educational institution.  As a father, I cannot fathom the horrid nightmares and impact the children/young adults/adults might still be going through each day/night.  Their innocence cannot be bought nor brought back.

You will forgive me but I did not get the name of one of the men, who during today’s press conference, said the following statement:  ”Football will never again be placed ahead of educating nurturing and protecting young people.”

Really?  Check the news.  According to the Sporting News, “The total payout for the new playoff, beginning with the 2014 season, could be as much as $600 million a year.”

I pray that college university presidents, football coaches and athletic directors will show  more integrity and better leadership moving forward.

Amen.

The folks at Bluekai, a Bellvue, Washington based company that takes a data-centric approach to audience targeting, posted a Super Bowl related Infographic that I thought was worth sharing.  Now, the 2012 Super Bowl still a few weeks away, and there are the NFC and AFC Championship games to be decided this weekend before we jump to the Super Bowl.

I have always been a fan of stats and there are a few that are certainly worth to note from this Infographic.  How about:

**  In the last decade, Anheuser-Bush spent more on Super Bowl Advertisements than any other company ($235 Million dollars)

** In 2010, 33% of Super Bowl advertisers spent (13 companies) spent 10% or more of their yearly ad budget on Super Bowl spots.

** 30 second television sports are going for $3.5 million dollars for this year’s big game.

Before we get to the big game however, the New England Patriots will battle the Baltimore Ravens (3:00 p.m. East Coast time on CBS) and the San Francisco 49ers will square off vs the New York Giants (6:30 p.m. East Coast start on Fox Sports).  Only then will be know the final two teams for the February 5th game.

One last thought, if you’d like to see a nice graphic of the road to the Super Bowl, click here to see what NFL.com created.  It shows each of the 2011-12 NFL playoff teams and significant post-season events.

Today, I’d like to address a bit of college football that went on yesterday.  It would be too easy to speak about the UCLA vs USC game last night, a 50-0 debacle that was solopsided, I was glad I taped it on the DVR instead of watching it live.  I normally watch sporting events live but gave into the post thanksgiving/ get out of the house for a few hourstheory on a Saturday night.  I knew something was amiss when a friend of mine, who was at the game, texted me early on and said “Are you watching this?”

Most of the other news sites, sports blogs and USC fans have already pointed out the the obvious.

** The Trojans beat the Bruins for the 12th time in the last 13 meetings.

** UCLA head coach, specifically Rick Neuheisel’s head, appears to be on the chopping block after going 0-4 to USC since taking over the program.

** Will Matt Barkeley, the USC quarterback who tossed six, yes six touchdowns and threw for 423 yards last night go pro?

What I’d rather talk about is football on television.  With the remote in hand, and well before the Trojans slaughtered the Bruins, I was looking for a game to watch around noon, west coast time.

Here is what was on TV, at the same time.

Preview of the #2 Alabama vs #24 Auburn, Iron Bowl game (KCBS, Channel 2)

Grambling State vs Southern (KNBC, Channel 4)

#15 Michigan vs Ohio State (KABC, Channel 7)

Tennessee vs Kentucky (KDOC, Channel 12)

Maryland vs North Carolina State (Channel 13)

#23 Georgia Tech vs Georgia (ESPN, Channel 15)

UConn vs Rutgers (ESPN 2, (Channel 16)

Iowa State vs, #9 Oklahoma (FX, Channel 17)

and I did manage to bump into the Rice vs SMU contest on Fox Sports West, which was not even close to the other stations on the dial.

Nine, count ‘em nine different football games at the same time.  ….And that is just what I found on the dial.

The question is, at what point is so much too much?  I am not one to curtail football games on television.  I am a sport guy and love the options.

That said, can the industry survive this level of saturation?  Deals are done for exposure and the markets are so fragmented that at some point, there will have to be some sort of fall out.  Until then, get ready for the 2011 college football Bowl Season.

It has been a few weeks since I have posted to this blog.

Call it a sabbatical, call it preparing to launch the new version of this blog.   I took a little time away to take care of important matters.

Now back, I have been trying to figure out what was the best topic to come back and engage you, the reader in when I returned.

I had many different options of what to lead with, but after watching a taped version of 60 Minutes last week. I chose to feature NFL super agent Drew Rosenhaus.

Why would I choose, Rosenhaus, who was once labeled on the cover of Sports Illustrated as the Most Hated Man in pro football?

Many reasons actually.  First, if you are reading this and have seen the 60 Minutes feature on him from last Sunday, stop and watch the feature, which I linked above.

I have never been a big Rosenhaus fan, but then again, I do not know the man so its not a fair statement.

What I do know, after watching the feature, is that Drew is:

** Committed to his players, under any circumstance

** Is very successful as a sports agent

** Smarter than I previously gave him credit

** Is just a bit full of himself to think that the National Football League cannot succeed without him.

** Drew might want to update his website.  As I was researching this blog, I clicked on a few places on his site and noticed that Drew has not had any new “news” posted since May 2011.  For the NFL’s most successful agent, he might want one of his tech guys to get on the ball.

That said, Rosenhause is an interesting case study that many folks who want to work in sports need to observe.  Along with Scott Boras in baseball, Rosenhaus is one of the best at what he does.  Those that want to choose to be a sports agent, can learn both positive and negative things from folks like this.

A Few General Observations From the Program

He certainly used the 60 Minutes interview to help brand himself, both during the discussion and his business.  Drew’s company, RSR, stands for Rosenhaus Sports Representation.

The impact of Drew and his brother Jason taking Tae Kwon Do lessons as kids is evident.  The self disipline as well as inner and outer strength has transformed the self described “Mamma’s Boy” into a business threat for any professional football agent today.

Having a law degree from an institution like Duke University has not hurt Rosenhaus’ business acumen.

I’m not sure Rosenhaus uses the word “balance” in his vocabulary.  With more than 170 active players under contract, if he wants each client to feel like he’s their only client, the agent is certainly tired by the end of the week.

In a business world were people want to see success and copy it, when it comes to sports agents, specifically in professional football, there is no one out there like Drew Rosenhaus.

There are strong rumors the NFL lockout, now in its 126th day could end this week, as early as Wednesday or Thursday depending on when the union and owners vote on the latest agreement.

In honor of the most popular sports league possibly returning to work, I wanted to post this NFL Infographic, crated by Lab42 on the lockout.

Interesting questions and results surrounding the stoppage.  However, make no mistake, the $9 billion dollar juggernaut appears to be returning to a television and stadium near you.

Congratulations to the Dallas Mavericks, who defeated the Miami Heat in six games to win the NBA Championship on Sunday.  I am very happy for guys like Jason Kidd, Dirk Nowitzki, Mark Cuban and my friend Brad Mayne. With it, the National Basketball season is officially over.  Normally, there would be a lot of front office movement in an off-season.  With a shaky economy and a possible work stoppage in the NBA however, I am not sure what the direction of the job market will be.

I think it is a wait and see call for the time being.  That said, it has been a while since I posted new job leads so here are a few I found and am happy to pass along.  Happy hunting!

Director, Human Resources – San Francisco 49ers (Santa Clara, CA)

Summary:
Responsible for all human resource functions, including management of all employee benefit programs. Oversees compliance with company policies and federal and California labor laws.Responsibilities:
• Develops and administers human resource policies, procedures and personnel development programs.
• Manages all employment matters, including recruiting, hiring, training, recordkeeping, performance review process, compensation, and discipline. Maintains employee handbook.
• Oversees all aspects of employee benefit plans and programs, including health insurance, retirement plans, budgeting and expense management, and plan compliance.
• Advises management staff on all personnel matters and recommends appropriate course of action.
• Supervises human resource and administrative office staff.
• Other duties as assigned.

Click here to see the full job listing for the San Francisco 49ers.

Western Regional Sales Manager for Shutt Sports

The company is the world’s #1 Maker of football helmets and faceguards, grabbing nearly 60% marketshare at all levels of the game (youth, high school, college and pro). Also the largest domestic batters helmet manufacturer in the United States.

Applicant must have a minimum of 5 years experience in Sales with progressive managerial responsibilities and a bachelor’s degree in Sales, Marketing or Business.   Previous sports team experience is preferred.

Candidate should have a champions integrity and trust, customer focus, drive for results, passion and imagination with well-developed leadership skills, metrics driven, team builder with a passion for change.

Schutt Sports is also the leading reconditioner in the sporting goods industry, as we now test over twice as many helmets as required by industry protocols.

For a complete description and to apply, click here.

Staff Accountant – Ladies Professional Golf Association (Daytona Beach, FL)

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Understand LPGA tournament contracts and ensure compliance with financial requirements. Generate necessary invoices and manage accounts receivable process
• Process all prize winning payouts for LPGA tournaments. Ensure compliance with withholding tax and retirement plan requirements.
• Assist in general accounting and month-end closing responsibilities
• Research, manage and file all tax obligations related to LPGA tournaments and members
• Manage accounting functions of tournament and supplemental player retirement plans
• Maintain accounting records and prepare monthly financial statements for the LPGA and The LPGA Foundation owned events including:
  o Annual Budget
  o Monthly Forecasts
  o Contract Review, Invoicing and Accounts Receivable
• Maintain financial information database for LPGA Tour members
• Assist Controller with budget preparation and modification
• Provide assistance with year-end audit and annual tax filings as requested
• Coordinate with other LPGA departments to research and resolve accounting issues and inquiries
• Participate in special projects and assignments as requested.

For a complete job description, click here

Communications Manager – CD Chivas USA (Carson, CA)

Summary
The Communications Manager oversees all broadcasting and media relations initiatives for Chivas USA in both Spanish and English, while also playing a key role in the organization’s messaging, publications and new media strategy. As head of the department, this position advises executives, supports the various functional areas and acts as club spokesperson to the media. This position is based in Carson (Los Angeles County), California.

Primary Responsibilities
• Oversee all team relationships with local, national and international medial, primarily in Spanish/English
• Effectively work with other areas to coordinate strategy and messaging, e.g. Sales, Marketing, Operations, etc.
• Lead development and execution of strategy related to new media and publications
• Manage broadcast partnerships (TV/radio) and initiatives in both English and Spanish
• Serve as primary club spokesperson to the media
• Supervise Communications Department; oversee all aspects of department budget and operations
• Proactively promote Chivas USA to key media (national/international; Spanish/English) to generate coverage
• Manage multiple projects, including special events, press conferences, publicity campaigns, broadcasts, etc.
• Monitor and analyze media coverage including print, radio, television and online
• Generate programs and initiatives that will increase and enhance exposure of club and all its activities

To view the entire description and to apply, click here

This is an open letter to NFL Players, Owners and League Officials:

Dear NFL Owners, players, and league officials:

I would like for you to meet two friends of mine.  They both live in California.  One, a college friend of mine, is a well educated man, who spent nearly 20 years with the same company.  He worked hard, purchased a home and is a huge sports fan.  One day, his bosses came to him and notified him that he had not have a job anymore.  After nearly 20 years with the same company, he was asked to leave the company.  My friend, with his master’s degree and job loyalty asked to have time to finish a few projects on behalf of the company’s clients.  He did not want to leave them with incomplete work.  The company said my friend had one hour to clean out his office.

Meet friend number two.  He has been on the streets looking for work for two years. Also educated, he has sent out, I think at last count, nearly 900 resumes for jobs posted online. He has worked in leadership positions for Fortune 500 companies and yet cannot find work.  Desperate to work, he applied to his local Home Depot but was told he is overqualified.  He wants to work and cannot find a position that would allow him to contribute.

So, it is tough for sports fans like my friends to listen to the most successful sports league decertify and possible go through a work stoppage when the national unemployment rate remains near nine percent, 12.7% in California with so many people are hurting.  Listening to billionaires fighting with millionaires in the media over how to divide $9 billion dollars in league revenue is a bit absurd.  Just ask my two friends.

I kept telling myself that last week’s deadlines were extended for a reason.  That the people leading their respecting organizations were smart enough not to walk away from a league that is more successful beyond any other in America.  Yet it happened yesterday anyway.

I am not on the field and I do not know the intimate details of antitrust lawsuits and whom conspired with whom.

What I do know is, in 1994 I left the Los Angeles Dodgers, on my own, knowing that a work stoppage was going to happen and set out an adventure that changed and enriched my life. It happened again 2004-05 when I was part of the Ducks in Anaheim.  That time I stayed.  Some good front office people lost jobs.

Some NFL teams have made plans for no football this fall.  An organization like the Seattle Seahawks should be fine since they also market, promote and sell the highly successful Seattle Sounders. Most of those sports management employees are busy all year long.  However, I hear there are other teams that are going to layoff folks because there is no other option to carry employees on a front office payroll where there is no income.

I have not even mentioned the part-time employees and all the other related NFL jobs that will take a beating as well.  I enjoy football.  I have always wanted to explore an opportunity of working in a sport that so many people love.

However, I am used to getting by without the pigskin.  I graduated from UC Irvine, home of the Anteaters and a terrific Division I school that has never fielded an NCAA football team.

Water Polo anyone?

———————————–

No NFL football and parody videos like this one, just take off now on YouTube, called raise your horn, may vanish.