BU Now » NFL

SCOTUS slaps down NFL

Dick Taffe — Mon, 24 May 2010 21:30:46 +0000

In a unanimous vote, the Supreme Court denied the National Football League its goal of broad protection from antitrust suits. The high court ruled on a case involving a license for making souvenir caps and sent to back to a lower court to further consideration allegations by a smaller company that challenged the league’s 10-year exclusive deal with Reebok. Law Professor Keith Hylton, an authority on antitrust law, says it is understandable that the court would be reluctant to expand the “single entity” concept to include the NFL. Meantime, Sports Journalism Professor Frank Shorr says this could be the “watershed moment.”

Keith Hylton:

“‘Single entity’ status implies exemption from Section 1 of the Sherman Act, and the Court is reluctant to create broad exemptions to Section 1 when the effects may not be entirely clear.”

Contact: Keith Hylton, 617-353-8959, knhylton@bu.edu

Frank Shorr:

“It will be interesting to see if the court now expands it’s view of the National Football League’s long-standing policies. Today it’s hats. Tomorrow, who knows — uniforms, helmets, wrist bands — anything that they can make a profit on and not have to share. We could be looking back on this decision in the not-to-distant future and saying, that was the watershed moment.”

Contact: Frank Shorr, 617-353-5163, fshorr@bu.edu

Nike denies Vick re-sign

Dick Taffe — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 20:16:19 +0000

Despite what his agent said, NFL quarterback Michael Vick has not re-signed an endorsment deal with Nike, which had dumped Vick two year ago following his arrest for bankrolling a dog-fighting ring. College of Communication Professor Chris Cakebread, who teaches sports marketing and advertising, says the risk to Nike is minimal one way or the other.

“Consumers have short memories, especially young consumers.”

Contact Chris Cakebread, 617-353-3476, ccakebre@bu.edu

Brett Farve, 40 Year Old Phenom

Lauren Davalla — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 14:15:59 +0000

School of Education Professor and Sports Psychologist Len Zaichkowsky has his own theory on why NFL quarterback Brett Farve decided not to retire: “..this is what he knows, he’s a football player, a professional quarterback, and he knows he’s one of the best” and what it will take for Favre to finally leave the game: “..what really gets them out for good is that they realize that their skills have deteriorated, there are people that are better players than they are, they don’t want to embarrass themselves” To hear more of what Len thinks about Favre, contact him at sport@bu.edu.

“Raise a turkey leg” to Madden’s TV retirement

Dick Taffe — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 19:48:51 +0000

Sports journalism Professor Frank Shorr, director of the Buston University Sports Institute, says fans will miss Hall of Fame coach John Madden as he retires from the NFL broadcast booth.

“John Madden will always have a special place in the hearts of New England football fans. With his hair flowing and arms raised, what Patriot fan can forget Madden prowling the sidelines of the Oakland Raiders, especially that heartbreaking loss in 1976.

“He brought the same energy and vitality to the broadcast booth – BAM !! Raise a turkey leg to him. We’ll miss the All-Madden team from now on.”

Contact Frank Shorr, 617-353-5163, fshorr@bu.edu