International American Football: Yes, College Football in Ireland

On Saturday, the Penn State Nittany Lions kicked off their 2014-2015 football season with a game against the University of Central Florida Knights. It wasn't in front of 105,000 fans at Beaver Stadium, or in sunny Florida, but rather in Dublin, Ireland at Croke Park. The American football international revolution continues.

The problem with winning

Weeks ago, the NCAA settled a class-action lawsuit regarding their responses and handling of concussion issues in contact sports. Basically, the NCAA agreed to set up a $70 million fund to test thousands of current and former athletes for brain trauma, in addition to funding $5 million more in research.

This settlement was a great 'public relations' move for the NCAA, as it made it seem like they were willing to work with plaintiffs to better  the experiences of student-athletes. Some underlining agreements and provisions could actually harm athletes that do suffer brain trauma.

The Current State of the NCAA

Last week, the largest and most influential ruling since NCAA vs. Board of Regents of the University of Oklahoma was handed down from federal court. U.S. District Judge Claudia Wilken found in favor of former UCLA basketball star Ed O'Bannon, lead complainant, who sued the NCAA over claims of antitrust law violation.

More trouble for the Redskins

Last week, I talked a lot about the large potential for financial gain for the Washington Redskins if they change the name. The early conversation around this issue was that this name is inappropriate and disparaging to Native Americans, and it is, but the conversation has developed. Us "business types" have gotten hold of this issue and have begun to analyze it on the bottom line.

This week, the Redskins bottom line got another warning letter, this time from the University of Minnesota.

The Cost to Change the Mascot

I was reading ESPN.com a few wees ago, a section I traditionally avoid called "NFL Nation", and a writer asked a very interesting question. Kevin Seifert asked, "Why would a capitalist such as Washington Redskins owner Dan Snyder oppose changing his team's name when he could make a ton of money from merchandise sales adorned with the new brand?"

Fair question, Mr. Seifert.