Bleacher Report - Articles by mark murrell

Moon Over Bobble Heads, There's a New Gnome in Town

mark murrell — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 14:17:45 -0400

Face painting, foam hands, decorated vehicles, flags, jerseys; diehard Sports fans consistently seek for creative ways to flaunt their team pride. I am sure we have seen it all…or have we?

Yesterday, during the NY Jets game, fans were dawning sombreros in honor of their star rookie quarterback, Mark Sanchez. Seriously? Sombreros? This solidified my hypothesis that fans will go to the ends of the earth to show their support, but more importantly, find unique ways to display it.

For these diehard fans dedication to their team does not wane when the game is over. Their undying devotion can be found at their office, in (and on) their car, and at their home; Bobble Heads have long been a popular choice for fans seeking to decorate their shrine.

Bobble heads have been around for nearly 150 years. It wasn’t until 1920 when the New York Knicks created the first athletic Bobble Head, that they became a staple for sports fans across the globe.

I think we can be more creative, however.

Don’t get me wrong, Bobble Heads are funny, but I want to be unique, separate myself from the rest. Bobble Heads seem old hat. Besides, that little head never stops shaking and can be slightly creepy at times. I want something new, different…

A friend of mine from college (University of Florida) called me one day, “Dude, guess what I just found?” I could only imagine. He continued, “They have Gator Gnomes? How cool is that.” I said to myself, “I gotta have it!” My obsession began on that day.

What’s the next big thing in sports collectibles? GARDEN GNOMES

Garden Gnomes have been around for over 200 years. Originating in Germany, these ceramic creatures were used to decorate the gardens of fanatic green thumbers. For many years, Garden Gnomes remained traditional in their use, but as their popularity grew, so did the variety of the garb. The first sports Garden Gnomes hit the scene around August of 2007, and their popularity grew quickly.

Today, you would be hard-pressed not to find your favorite sports team Garden Gnome. From the NCAA (60+ colleges and universities) to the MLB, NBA, NHL, and NASCAR, sports Garden Gnomes are a huge hit and the scope of genres is growing!

Before I get ahead of myself, let me do a quick comparison:

Garden Gnomes vs. Bobble Heads

Attribute	Garden Gnomes	Bobble Heads
Durability	X
Function	X
Conversational	X
Customization		X
Total	4	1

Sports Garden Gnomes win by a landslide, but let’s discuss why;

Durability: let’s face it, you let a kid play with a Bobble Head and that head is coming off. Sports Garden Gnomes are very durable (made from a hard plastic). Find a broken one and will consider changing the score.
Function: Sports Garden Gnomes can be placed indoors, or outside (in the garden). No worries about a rusty spring!
Conversational: trust me, if you came to your next tailgate with your team’s Garden Gnome you would be the hit. Helps to bring a case brews too.
Customization: this is where Bobble Heads win. Sports Garden Gnomes are represented by most teams, but I have not been able to find individual athlete ones yet. Fear not, however, I am sure we will start to see some customized Sports Garden Gnomes soon enough!

As a sports fan it is most important for me to support my team. However, if I can bring something different to place at my office cubicle (other than a Bobble Head of Tim Tebow), then I am up for it. And, for now, until the next cool things comes along, I Gnomeing it. Check out GNOME FRENZY for your favorite Sports Garden Gnome.

Mark Cuban Speaks up About Chicago Cubs Deal

mark murrell — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 15:55:35 -0500

It’s been pretty hush, hush from the Cuban camp until this win the high-visible Mavericks owner added a new post to his blog, The Cubs…READ IT.

Reading this post brought me back to why I started the Cuban and the Cubs campaign in the first place, because I like the guy, and I have never even met him. He is a straight shooter, speaks his mind, and is an innovator; all things I admire in someone’s character. Of course there are some byproducts that would come my way because of this campaign, but for the most part, I really wanted Mark in Chicago; they seem like a great fit, and this town could use a guy like him.

Perhaps it is in the cards, perhaps not, regardless, the ensuing deal is still up in the air.

Sports Genetic Testing: Winning at What Cost?

mark murrell — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 08:52:25 -0500

With recent hype escalating around a newly released sports genetic test that can determine a child's athletic ability and, quite possibly, potential for a college scholarship and professional athletic career, many parents are flocking to the source and asking, "How do I get my kid tested?"

Some experts say in these achievement-oriented, win-at-all-costs times that it is no wonder parents want to get their kids in line for the race. And it is no wonder that the marketers for the test are having a field day playing off the obsessions of parents.

But what of this race? What are the implications of letting a test decide the athletic prowess of a person who is not old enough to understand what that means?

Laura and Malcolm Gauld say "detrimental." Recognized as leading experts on character education and parenting, the Gaulds contend genetics are only a fraction of what defines a superior athlete or person and the mentality that believes otherwise is contributing to a trend that lures kids into a false sense of fulfillment.

Recent surveys indicate there is a cheating crisis in our schools, and the problem is not confined to low-achieving or unmotivated students. Cheating is common among most types of students—boys, girls, athletes, smart kids, student leaders, even those with "strong religious beliefs."

Why are so many students cheating?

"Our culture has become preoccupied with achievement," the Gaulds explain. "Pressure for grades, scores—to win parents' approval and gain admission to colleges—leads many students to cheat. While many students are pushed to succeed by parents and a grade-based system that starts naming winners at an early age, students also feel pulled by a desire to get on a path to top colleges and high-paying jobs."

Now genetics testing is being used to decide a child's potential with absolutely no consideration for pure determination, effort, or character of any kind."

There are serious ramifications to "winning at any cost," according to Laura—including lack of character in students, and also the lack of self-esteem.

"Never kid a kid," Malcolm says. "They will never misread our true expectations of them. They know we have created an educational system that values their aptitude more than their attitude, their ability more than their effort, and their talent more than their character. They are surrounded by signs that tell them that what they can do is more important than who they are."

Unfortunately, an environment that values only achievement can make it extremely easy for genetics tests, test scores and awards to lure good kids into a false sense of fulfillment.

This is not the genuine self-esteem that is earned from the learning process—which includes mistakes and some hardship—and it can leave kids feeling empty.

"In a character culture, achievement is valued, but principles are valued more," says Laura. "That is, what you stand for is more important than merely how you stack up against others."

In addition to this pressure for external achievements, Malcolm Gauld identifies another debilitating grip on today's kids, which is the result of a prevalent mindset in our homes, schools, and culture, that asserts that kids need to feel good about themselves all of the time.

"Applied to education, this mindset seems to say, ‘If we make kids feel good about themselves, they will do great things,'" explains Malcolm. "But, in fact, it's the other way around. When kids do well, and do it honestly, they will feel good about themselves. "

"Character is inspired, not imparted," Malcolm continues. "We cannot pour it into our kids or our families. Self-esteem—real, authentic self-esteem—is essential, and once earned, it can never be taken away. Our children should graduate from schools with a healthy amount of it."

Given that, why would any parent let a test decide a child's future?"

For more information on Malcolm and Laura Gauld, their book, The Biggest Job We’ll Ever Have, workshops, and Hyde Schools, contact Rose Mulligan at 207-443-7379, or by e-mail at rrmulli@yahoo.com.

If You Are Going to Edit My Stuff, Spell It Correctly

mark murrell — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 07:33:05 -0500

Please, please, please...stop editing my articles if you are going to misspell stuff. C'omn, seriously, WTF? I do not want to discourage anyone from editing to make something stronger, but DO NOT MISSPELL! I am the only one allowed to edit my article and misspell something...Thanks.

Mark Cuban: The Email Heard Around the World

mark murrell — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 19:35:51 -0500

I love to see that my civil servicemen are hard at working making America a better place. Check out an email thread between our beloved SEC and Mark Cuban.

How about some other fishy facts related to the latest charge against Mark Cuban?

This excerpt speaks to how the email thread above came to be:

An interesting twist to this is the timing of the SEC’s complaint. The complaint comes some five years after Cuban’s stock sale. While it might well be just a coincidence, according to the New York Times the complaint came after a lawyer for the SEC sent Cuban a letter questioning his patriotism for helping with the distribution of a documentary entitled “Loose Change,” which claims that the 9/11 attacks were an inside job planned by President Bush and other U.S. officials. The SEC lawyer proceeded to report (rat on) Cuban’s involvement with the film to SEC Chairman Chris Cox. The SEC then filed its insider-trading complaint against Cuban.

This excerpt speaks to a situation where the SEC decided to be more hush-hush about certain circumstances:

McCain's Finance Mgr. is a Felon!
By Steve Duskin - Unexcited - Mar 20th, 2008 at 10:13 pm EDT
The Bribee just got sentenced yesterday. Malek settled with the SEC (which has become a toothless lapdog under Christopher Cox, who WROTE the law that keeps you from suing corporate wrongdoers, by the way) a couple of years ago, admitting to acts which are clear Class 1 felonies. But, did Gonzales' DOJ investigate or prosecute? Of course not! Why not? Because Freddie Malek was a partner with George W. Bush in the Texas Rangers, and is the fixer who brought in Tom Hicks' money and got the Arlington City Council to assume ALL the risk of a new stadium!

All quite interesting tidbits. I am still looking for a curious connections and conspiracies, so let me know if you have some insight.

Want to give Jeffrey Norris an earful? Email Him!

Mark Cuban Charged, but not guilty

mark murrell — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 03:52:09 -0500

Wow...speculation is running rampant. Hundreds if outlets are pushing a variety of stories around the SECs charge against Mark Cuban, so who's to know what is fact. We do know he has been charged, but we do not know if he is guilty. In order to be fair, always get a broad scope of data so that you are well-informed, and don't jump to conclusion; charge does not mean guilty. With that, I offer a link to Brian Cuban's perspective on the allegations against his brother...My Brother is not Martha Stewart.

More links of interest

The Wall Street Journal announced today that Mark Cuban has been charged by the SEC for insider trading related to the sales of mamma.com...DETAILS

Cuban's response at BlogMaverick.com; “I am disappointed that the Commission chose to bring this case based upon its Enforcement staff’s win-at-any-cost ambitions. The staff’s process was result-oriented, facts be damned. The government’s claims are false and they will be proven to be so.” READ MORE

Tribune Desperate To Sell the Chicago Cubs

mark murrell — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 12:38:27 -0500

It was reported yesterday that the Tribune has set a deadline (Nov. 26) on the final bidding for the unlucky Chicago Cubs. After losing $121M in the third quarter, Zell is looking to unload the Cubs to help with the dramatic loss in revenue. What does this mean for Mark Cuban?

Despite rumors that Mark Cuban has no chance at buying the club, Cuban will most likely be the highest bidder again, but perhaps well short of the previous bid of $1.3B considering the decrease in value over the past couple of months.

Seems Zell’s risk of waiting to see if the Cubs would win the World Series backfired, and instead is currently swimming in an economy that weakens daily.

What should we expect?

Who knows!? We do know that the incestuous MLB organization is rooted in old school politics, and a flamboyant, progressive Mark Cuban is considered a threat to the even-keel league.

However, the league is in jeopardy with its lopsided support, and Mark Cuban may just have the innovative ideas to help broaden the success of the league.

With that, we may be able to assume that the next owner will be Tom Ricketts’, if he bids. Or, Selig’s boy Canning may try to short bid again knowing that Selig will get the MLB owners to vote against Cuban (if he is the highest bidder). Either way, Zell is not going to get his $1.3B for the Cubs. Time will tell folks.

Special Note: if you remember back in September, I wrote a letter to Senator George Mitchell and he responded in kind, expressing that we would keep an eye on how things progressed. I recently emailed the Senator and identified the media rumors that the MLB would stunt Cuban’s bid. His administrative assistant (per George) thanked me for the note and ensured me that he was still following the progress.

Wouldn’t that be something if the Senator stepped in and mediated in Cuban’s defense? Stranger things have happened; Jesse Ventura was a governor!

Chicago Cubs: Tribune Desperate to Sell

mark murrell — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 04:46:11 -0500

It was reported yesterday that the Tribune has set a deadline of Nov. 26 for the final bidding on the unlucky Chicago Cubs.

After losing $121M in the 3rd quarter, Zell is looking to unload the Cubs to help with the dramatic loss in revenue. What does this mean for Mark Cuban?

Despite rumors that Mark Cuban has no chance at buying the club, Cuban will most likely be the highest bidder again. Perhaps his bid will be a short of the previous bid of $1.3B, considering the decrease in value over the past couple of months.

It seems Zell’s risk of waiting to see if the Cubs would win the World Series backfired. Instead he finds himself trying to sell in a buyer's market with an economy that weakens daily.

What should we expect?

Who knows!? We do know that the incestuous MLB organization is rooted in old school politics, and a flamboyant, progressive Mark Cuban is considered a threat to the even-keel league. However, the league is in jeopardy with its lopsided support, and Mark Cuban may just have the innovative ideas to help broaden the success of the league.

With that, we may be able to assume that the next owner will be Tom Ricketts, if he bids. Or, Selig’s boy Canning may try to short bid again knowing that Selig will get the MLB owners to vote against Cuban. Either way, Zell is not going to get his $1.3B for the Cubs. Time will tell folks.

Special Note

If you remember back in September, I wrote a letter to Senator George Mitchell and he responded in kind, expressing that he would keep an eye on how things progressed. I recently emailed the Senator and identified the media rumors that the MLB would stunt Cuban’s bid. His administrative assistant (per George) thanked me for the note and ensured me that he was still following the progress.

Wouldn’t that be something if the Senator stepped in and mediated in Cuban’s defense? Stranger things have happened: Jesse Ventura was a governor!

No Mark Cuban for the Cubs, Source Says

mark murrell — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 00:30:25 -0500

Just when you thought the rumor mill was closed, Chris De Luca of the Chicago Sun-Times claims to have sources that support September’s claim (Chi-Ball) that Mark Cuban never had a chance to buy the Cubs, but, rather, was simply a pawn. Once again, however, they fail to name names.

What’s the Truth?

Only Sam Zell, and perhaps a select few, really know the truth about the bidding process. Let’s say the claims are fact. Zell still is not going to get what he wants unless he actually sells to Cuban. So, if his goal was to raise the bidding amount by getting Cuban involved, it worked, but it backfired because he will not get the $1 billion he is looking for without him...especially in this economy.

If not Cuban, then Who?

Tom Ricketts, of course! Unfortunately, Ricketts is not stable anymore as a buyer. The funny thing is in an economy like this one Cuban is the most viable option, through his net worth and real assets. Plus he has the popular vote; the electoral (Selig and his cronies) vote will have major influence, however.

In the End

If the Cubs sell this year, I bet it is Mark Cuban as the buyer. What started as a business tactic to raise the value (sound familiar, Wall Street?) of the Cubs will most likely turn into the sale of the Cubs directly to the pawn. Zell wants cash, Zell needs cash, Zell will go to the highest bidder, whomever that may be.

Sit and wait...Chis De Luca, name your sources! Email me.

Chicago Mayor Afraid of Wrigley Riot, Proposes Bars Cut Booze After Seventh

mark murrell — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 05:33:19 -0400

Breaking news for Cubs fans: Mayor Richard Daley wants to cut liquor sales (voluntarily) in bars after the seventh inning until the end of the game. Why?

I find it difficult how curbing two innings of drinking will quiet the storming pack of Cubs fans. Of course, alcohol is not needed to enjoy the playoffs, but understand this, Daley, it is a big part of pro sports and Wrigley.

As mentioned earlier, the two-inning “booze cut” is voluntary, but there are threats that liquor licenses could be snatched if Wrigley bars do not cooperate. Daley sure has a great way of putting a huge shadow over the brightness of the Cubs clinching the division, and seemingly on track for the World Series.

Resourceful Links

Tribune coverage of the story
Daley's definition of voluntary (Chicagoist)
What Cubs fans think
Cuban and the Cubs

In the end, bars and fans will find loopholes and the police will not be able to control the chaos that is Wrigley during the playoffs and World Series.

Good luck with that, Daley.

Going to Wrigley? Why look like everyone else? Get your Cuban and the Cubs Tee!

Selig Says Sale of Chicago Cubs Up to Sam Zell—Really?

mark murrell — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 07:09:31 -0400

Ken Rosenthal (Fox Sports) recently had a Q & A with Bud Selig about the ensuing Cubs deal. Here is how it went;

Rosenthal: Mark Cuban, the owner of the NBA's Dallas Mavericks, reportedly is one of five finalists to buy the Cubs. Some, including myself, believe that the baseball owners never would approve a nonconformist such as Cuban to be a member of their club.

Selig: I've read that 1,000 times. None of that is true. People don't understand the ownership process. The ball is in the hands of the Tribune Company. They've got to vet a lot of people, as we do, then go through the bidding process. Then they will present anyone they want to us for approval.

(Tribune Co. CEO) Sam (Zell) knows what our economic rules are. We have a lot of 'em. We need 30 owners to approve it. We have had debates in the last 25 years about owners. Baseball has the authority to do that.

But it's a process. And (the Cuban talk) is way ahead of the process.

Ok, not bad, very diplomatic/democratic, but not really in line with some interesting facts that I was able to discover.

THE FACTS
Selig says the ball is in the hands of the Tribune. Really? Hmmm, how come the Tribune reported (link to article) this;

"If everybody's close in the bidding process, then people with the most inside connections will get it," said one potential buyer who spoke on the condition of anonymity because MLB does not want groups talking publicly about the sale of the Cubs.

An unbiased process? The Tribune also had this to report about the recent Red Sox deal;

"Major League Baseball was calling the shots here," Atty. Gen. Thomas Reilly said at the time at a news conference. "It's a club that you're dealing with here. It was very clear that certain people would not be accepted, and one would."

League officials said neither the league or Selig pressured the Red Sox to take Henry's bid. The Red Sox said the higher bid was unacceptable because, among other things, the partners in the group had not finalized a financing agreement. The attorney general later dropped his review of the sale.

Three deals after the Red Sox sale also involved well-connected individuals. California real estate developer Lewis Wolff, who bought the Oakland Athletics in 2005, went to the University of Wisconsin with Selig where they were fraternity brothers.

Nothing new here, but Selig needs to just come out and say the incest is rampant in the MLB. We all know it to be true, Bud, just admit. I guess we will learn in due time. But, for now, this is how I think it would have gone if Selig was telling the truth;

Rosenthal: Mark Cuban, the owner of the NBA's Dallas Mavericks, reportedly is one of five finalists to buy the Cubs. Some, including myself, believe that the baseball owners never would approve a nonconformist such as Cuban to be a member of their club.

Selig: Huh? Ha, just kidding. Yes, I am going to do everything in my power to ensure that Cuban stays far away from Chicago. But, the media and fans are making it difficult for me. People don't understand anything about how the MLB really works; I run this thing, me, that's who. The ball is in my hands and all I have to do is snap my fingers and the MLB owners jump. Don't believe me? Ask Jerry R.

(Tribune Co. CEO) Sam (Zell) knows what our economic rules are. We have a lot of 'em. We need 30 owners to approve it and I have them all in my pocket. I, I mean we, put whomever we want in the owner's box.

But it's a process and I need to spin it in such a way that the fans do not know that I orchestrated the whole thing. Unless there is a sudden mutiny amongst the owners, Canning is going to be the next owner and for half of what Zell wants. Why? Because I can make it happen.

Chicago Cubs' Owner Is Being Over-ZELL-Ous

mark murrell — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 14:57:08 -0400

It seems only fair, since last weekend’s spew about Zell using Cuban as a pawn to raise the value of the Cubs, to offer a glimpse into Zell’s history as a business person. I feel it was too easy to distribute the Zell-Cuban-Cubs rumor as true because the guy appears to be in the practice of some suspect business practices. Let's take a look, shall we?

Core Facts

According to Wikipedia, Sam Zell is ranked 52nd amongst the richest men in America, starting his enterprise in real estate and then recently dabbling into the media industry with his acquisition of the Tribune company (he has prior media investments as well). A Chicago native, Zell came from modest beginnings and used education and connections to slowly build his empire.

It appears that his thirst for capitalism was the driving force in his un-quenching quest for monetary dominance. Along the way, it seems he has forgotten about his roots (and his business-ethics class) and manifested into a self-inclusive entrepreneurial speedball.

This can be assumed by his philanthropic ventures which include primarily higher-education institutions and Middle Eastern economic trusts (Zell is Jewish/Poland; Cuban is Russian Jew. Would Zell really screw over a fellow Jew?), and through his disinterest in the L.A. Times.

Zell in the Media

Zell is not often painted in a positive light in the media. In fact, a recent article in the WSJ reports that he is being sued by a number of L.A. Times writers. Check out this illustration to see why, or read article; both will give you a good image of how he is perceived by his employees.

Most importantly, it appears that Zell is not at all concerned with how he is perceived by anyone other than himself. But, I do not know the man.

The list goes on about Zell and his business dealings, but what I care about most is the upcoming sale of the Chicago Cubs; most importantly, to Mark Cuban.

Why the Zell-Cuban-Cubs Rumor is False

Not that I would put it past Zell to pull something like this (READ ARTICLE), but it just does not make sense. Zell could care less whom he sells to. Why else would he sell the field separately from the franchise?

As well, I doubt he puts any time into the MLB incestuous drama; Selig, Reisendorf, and Canning in a circle jerk, fantasizing about monopolizing pro sports in the Midwest.

Beyond Zell, and beyond Cuban, even beyond the Cubs, the Internet has a plethora of news sources; all slanted, some true facts, most are BS.

When it comes to business dealings, we cannot rely on the media to produce valid progress. The only thing we can do is wait it out until the pen hits the paper. Until that time, everything else we see in the media/Internet is meaningless, including this website.

Of course, I had grand delusions that this effort would be an influencer in the process, and maybe it has had some influence; some influencers have been to the site, and I have corresponded with others.

But, in the end the decision is made behind closed doors, leaving us salivating at the end result. Until then, I continue my effort to appease those who have a true vested interest in the future of this historic franchise we call the Chicago Cubs.

Is Mark Cuban Out of the Race To Buy the Chicago Cubs?

mark murrell — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 04:30:21 -0400

Chi-Ball is speculating that Mark Cuban was never in the running to buy the Cubs. Furthermore, they claim that Zell and the MLB supposedly used Cuban to increase the value of the franchise.

It is a believed by these sources that Zell has used Cuban all along to increase the bidding. The orchestration could have gone as far as inviting Cuban to sit next to Sam Zell’s right-hand man Gerry Spector at a Cubs game in the Tribune seats. A source is quoted as saying "If Mark Cuban didn’t exist, Sam Zell would have made someone like him up, he was a dream come true." "Cuban is not only out of it, he was never in it.”

Supposedly Ricketts is now the leader of the pack, with Canning as the MLB owners' favorite. Something smells fishy about this whole thing.

PROBLEM
Cuban is a business man and would not invest time and money to hunt after a venture he did not honestly feel he could acquire. Therefore, Zell (if the aobve speculation is true) must have pulled another unethicl business move to fatten his wallet, Bravo, Zell, Bravo; how does it feel to be a snake?

THE REALITY
Until I hear from Mark himself, I view this claim as utter bulls*#%. I need to know Chi-ball's sources.

P.S. Send me your address, I want to send you a Cuban and the Cubs Tee Shirt!

New School For NFL Players

mark murrell — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 04:07:33 -0400

Look at the news on any given day and you will most likely find a headline that includes an NFL players name and the word “arrested;” this is getting boring. As a professional, I ensure that I do not get tangled up in the law. I make deliberate decisions on a daily basis that keep me from doing anything that could jeopardize my career, or my personal life. NFL players need to do the same.

THE PROBLEM
Below is a list of facts pertaining to NFL players and their relationship with the law.

NFL Players Arrested This Year, article in the Washington Post last year
NFL Betting – Most Arrested NFL Players, article on BetUs.com
1759 Google News results when you query “nfl players arrested”

I understand that going from a little cash to cash overflowing out of you pockets can mess with your head, but there is this thing called freedom and responsibility. I do not feel that the NFL does a good enough job of teaching young athletes how to be responsible with this new-found freedom.

I must point out that I do not believe that NFL players need to be “responsible” simply because they are “role models.” I do feel, however that they need to take their job seriously and let go of any bad habits that could affect their career. But, this responsibility does not solely rest on the shoulders of the athlete, the NFL needs to step in.

Take a look at any smart corporation and you will see that they have a vested interest in their assets, their workers/players. Their highest producing workers/players get all the support they need, and they are groomed through mentorship, education of the industry, and consistent progress reviews. The NFL should instill this same ideology for its organization, as the benefits will far outweigh the cost, leading to a return on investment.

THE SOLUTION
The NFL will need to be intentional and deploy a well-thought out program that will groom new players in the NFL to take ownership for their new found freedom and responsibility. The program should include, but not be limited by, the following;

Each rookie gets assigned a mentor: Think of parole officer-type of relationship.
Mandatory reading assignments: Get some books in their hands that will empower them teach themselves what freedom and responsibility means. Each player will have to submit a book report as well.
Community action: Every rookie and player must participate in a community action effort above and beyond what their team expectation is.
Bi-annual progress reports: Twice a year rookies must submit personal evaluations to their coaches that measure the following; contribution to the team, the community, to myself, and to my family, and what expectations can my team have of me at this point in my career.
Vision board: Each rookie needs to create a vision board that represents their personal and professional goals and it needs to be placed in their locker room.

I strongly believe that the NFL needs to take responsibility of the actions of its athletes. Instilling a program like this can help their effort to maintain a positive image in community. Any effort on behalf of the league would greatly impact the current trend we are reading about daily. Step up and do something about it.

A New Cubs Owner Is Right Around the Corner: Where Does Mark Cuban Stand?

mark murrell — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 04:38:54 -0400

Recent news suggests that the second and perhaps final round of bidding for the Chicago Cubs is just around the corner.

Can Mark Cuban come out in front? Most likely. Will Sam Zell accept his bid? Most Likely.

Will Bud Selig and the MLB owners vote for Cuban as the next Cubs owner? It is not looking good, but I would not count him out. Here is why:

Courting the Cubs: Cuban has done a great job of showing his support for the Cubs players, the team as a whole, and the city of Chicago. KERRY WOOD'S CHARITY EVENT
Endorsements: Mark has received some endorsements for a variety of high-profile persons (owners, commissioners, players, sportswriters) directly involved in professional sports. SEE ENDORSEMENTS
Player and Fan support: A number of Chicago Cubs players and thousands of fans like the idea of Mark Cuban as the next owner of the Chicago Cubs. CHECK OUT VIDEO

While insiders seem to feel that Mark Cuban is a long shot, I have a feeling he is not as much of a long shot that some believe.

Cuban is a smart businessman—look at his resume. It would be a waste of time and money for him to pursue something that he did not feel is well worth the investment or out of his reach (politically or financially). And, if I am not mistaken, he does not appear to be the type of guy that likes wasting time and money.

SPECIAL NOTE

I want to address a recent article (Ricketts, Canning lead this race) by Barry Rozner of the Daily Herald (a Chicago suburb paper). This is the first slanted article I have read about the Cubs deal this year.

Rozner seems to have some beef with Cuban, as he portrays him in an unflattering light, commenting on Cuban’s PR efforts. Perhaps Rozner does not understand business, but PR (especially in Cuban’s case) is essential to leverage yourself against the competition.

As well, note the title of his article: Canning? Didn’t Zell laugh at John Canning’s original bid? Furthermore, do we really want a Brewers owner taking over the Cubs?

Ricketts, I agree, is a formidable opponent, but Canning, despite his hand-holding with Selig, is highly doubtful. I predict that it will be Ricketts and Cuban as the two finalists.

Barry, I offer this: Call Cuban, set up an interview, and then write a 1.5 version of this article. Your disdain for Cuban’s strategy is prominent, and you need to do some more research.

RECENT ARTICLES OF INTEREST

WEAR your support for Mark Cuban as the next owner of the Chicago Cubs; GET YOUR CUBAN AND THE CUBS TEE

George Mitchell Is Keeping an Eye on the Chicago Cubs' Potential Deal

mark murrell — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 02:56:52 -0400

THE POWER OF THE PEN

A while back I sent a letter to George Mitchell (READ HERE). Well, George responded and said that he would follow the Cuban and the Cubs matter closely. SEE LETTER

Do you truly want to see Cuban as the next Cubs owner? Simply having the highest bid is not going to make Marck Cuban the next Chicago Cubs owner. Yes, he has received some high-quality endorsements, but he still has to get past Selig and the owners.

If you want to block any backroom shenanigans, put your pen to the paper and have your voice be heard!

Bartman's Box Seats and a Bisexual Relationship Are Actually Quite Similar

mark murrell — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 03:47:26 -0400

By Scotty D

This past Saturday, I had the good fortune to attend a Cubs game. You don't turn down free box seats to the Cubbies on any day, especially a Saturday. After the obligatory pregame Old Styles outside the park, we found our way to our section, and the usher showed us to our seats with a wink. "Congratulations, you've got the Bartman seat," he told me.

Congratulations?

Hearing the news that you are sitting in the Bartman seat was surprisingly similar to finding out the girl you are dating is bisexual. Stay with me on this:

Bisexual girl: You are initially ecstatic about the potential threesomes.
Bartman Seat: You are initially ecstatic and text everyone you know about your seat.
Bisexual girl: You are convinced life is joyous bliss.
Bartman Seat: You are convinced you are going to catch a foul ball.
Bisexual girl: Worry creeps in as you fear she won't be faithful.
Bartman Seat: Worry creeps in as you fear you might lean over the railing for a ball still in play.
Bisexual girl: By mid-relationship, the paranoia of her having a threesome behind your back is taking away the joy of a bisexual girl
Bartman Seat: By mid-game, the paranoia of getting screamed at by fans if you catch a ball that is still in play is taking away the joy of your great seats
Bisexual girl: Your anxiety and fear cause the relationship to go to hell.
Bartman Seat: Your anxiety and fear cause you to move seats.

Wearing my Cuban and the Cubs t-shirt, I channeled all the site's good vibes into the seat. If this site can help influence the purchase of the Cubs, it can reverse the bad mojo of the Bartman seat.

Mark Cuban Gains the Red Eye's Support

mark murrell — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 03:54:54 -0400

This morning, the Red Eye (arguable the most popular publication in Chicago) featured Mark Cuban on the cover, Dancing with the Cubs, with the other bidders aligned at the bottom.

Let’s take a symbolic look at this.

There are a number of hints that the Red Eye is in favor of Mark Cuban.

The cover: Mark Cuban gets 90 percent of the cover, while the other bidders are aligned on the bottom.
Lopsided commentary: Mark Cuban was the only one interviewed in the article.
Article page: Once again, Cuban gets the most real estate (75 percent) and the use of vibrant graphics brings the eye to his data.

Interesting, no? The media has great influence today, and articles like this can only support the Cuban cause; Mark Cuban, the next owner of the Chicago Cubs.

Special Note: While in Wrigley on Tuesday with the Cubanandthecubs.com girls, Cubs fans were dazzled by this grassroots team and commenced to horde our Cuban throng. If buzz is the defining variable for whom should be the owner of the Cubs, Mark Cuban is far ahead of the competition.

Letter to Bud Selig: Let Mark Cuban Buy the Chicago Cubs

mark murrell — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 05:33:30 -0400

Allan H. Selig

Commissioner of Baseball

Major League Baseball

777 E. Wisconsin Avenue | Suite 3060

Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202

Dear Bud:

I want to address the upcoming acquisition of the Chicago Cubs.

As you know, Mark Cuban is currently the highest bidder. If he remains the highest bidder and the Tribune Company decides to go with him, leave it alone and let it happen. We Chicagoans want Cuban.

I know how you like to influence owners to vote accordingly to your vision.

Just know that if Mark Cuban wins the bid, and you influence the owners to negate the acquisition, I will no longer be a fan of Major League Baseball.

So don’t pull another Red Sox deal. Allow Mark Cuban into the league. The Cuban factor will bring sizeable growth to baseball.

Sincerely,

Mark Murrell
Still a Baseball Fan

P.S. I am sending a similar letter to all of the MLB owners (and George Mitchell, too).

P.P.S. To ensure the integrity of American Business, send this letter to Bud Selig.