Press Release
NFL Lockout and CBA Negotiations
As everyone is coming down off the weekend high of Super Bowl XLV (Go Greenbay), many are noticing a sudden rise of questions and concerns regarding the future of the NFL. Fans all over, much like myself, are left with a head-scratching uncertainty concerning the CBA dispute between the league and its players' union.
One would think that a wildly successful league whose ratings last year alone were the highest in twenty years and brought in a recorded $7.6 Billion in 2008 would be able to compromise reasonably with all of its subsidiary partners. However, this very real and very fast approaching contract deadline says otherwise. The players’ union and the owners seem to be unable to reach a compromise surrounding the escalating salaries and squeezed profits.
The possibility of moving in the fall of 2011 without a NFL season to look forward to is frighteningly possible; even more frightening for the indirect supporters who would be hit the hardest. The local business owners who thrive off of the patronage of the fans of these enormous sporting events and stadiums would struggle to stay in business. The fantasy football leagues that so many Americans find entertainment and recreation in with fellow fans would come to an immediate halt. Where does that leave the avid Monday night football watchers? The NFL season television package subscribers? The NFL Sunday Ticket holders? It sounds to me like it’s time to for "the replacements" to suit up.
But before we strap on our shoulder pads and helmets, let’s try to brainstorm and come up with a solution. The owners seem to be asking for about an 18% salary cut back from the players. The players seem to want some type of proof stating that the cut back is absolutely needed and that the NFL is struggling without their measly 18%. My solution to bring to the table is as follows: Owners- open up the books and clearly explain why 18% is necessary. If that’s not possible, bring a smaller percentage to the table. Players – take concern in the health and well-being of your league and your careers. You may never see the books, but if a financial struggle is present in your field and cannot be fixed without your help, at least offer a piece of the pie that they are requesting to the table. This seems like nothing more than simple a "give a little, get a little" resolution.
Rebuilding Faith: Walker and Associates Partners with ASCAP and Dr. Jones to Salute Stars of Gospel
The industry's leading law firm, Walker & Associates, recently brokered a deal to have Dr. Bobby Jones, of BET fame, host a tribute to ASCAP writers J. Moss, Karen Clark-Sheard, and other notable figures in gospel music. The reception, titled "Rebuilding Faith," will serve as a prelude to the 26th Annual Stellar Awards. Both events honor today's most seminal contributors to gospel music. Attorney Walker, founding partner of Walker & Associates, says he is pleased to bring together "some of the great superpowers in the industry for a celebration." Dr. Bobby Jones has hosted Bobby Jones Gospel since 1980--it is the longest-running and highest-rated program in BET's history, and has showcased the talents of such superstars as Yolanda Adams and Kirk Franklin. A legend of the industry himself, Dr. Jones says, "Walker & Associates and ASCAP have done a great thing by arranging a tribute to gospel's greatest. I'm looking forward to being a part of it," Jennifer Drake, Director of the Rhythm & Soul division at ASCAP, described the event as "a wonderful opportunity to honor contributors to a genre that has endured and inspired." Referring to Walker & Associates and Dr. Jones' role in the planning of the event, she says, "We couldn't have done this without Dr. Jones or Attorney Walker's creativity and diplomacy." Walker & Associates is a leading entertainment law firm based in Monroe, Connecticut. Attorney Walker negotiates agreements and business opportunities for a number of high-profile clients, including Dr. Jones, Shirley Caesar and Twinkie Clark. He regularly appears on CNN and BET. "Rebuilding Faith" will take place at the Gaylord Opryland Resort in January 2011.
NFL Lockout and CBA Negotiations
As everyone is coming down off the weekend high of Super Bowl XLV (Go Greenbay), many are noticing a sudden rise of questions and concerns regarding the future of the NFL. Fans all over, much like myself, are left with a head-scratching uncertainty concerning the CBA dispute between the league and its players' union.
One would think that a wildly successful league whose ratings last year alone were the highest in twenty years and brought in a recorded $7.6 Billion in 2008 would be able to compromise reasonably with all of its subsidiary partners. However, this very real and very fast approaching contract deadline says otherwise. The players’ union and the owners seem to be unable to reach a compromise surrounding the escalating salaries and squeezed profits.
The possibility of moving in the fall of 2011 without a NFL season to look forward to is frighteningly possible; even more frightening for the indirect supporters who would be hit the hardest. The local business owners who thrive off of the patronage of the fans of these enormous sporting events and stadiums would struggle to stay in business. The fantasy football leagues that so many Americans find entertainment and recreation in with fellow fans would come to an immediate halt. Where does that leave the avid Monday night football watchers? The NFL season television package subscribers? The NFL Sunday Ticket holders? It sounds to me like it’s time to for "the replacements" to suit up.
But before we strap on our shoulder pads and helmets, let’s try to brainstorm and come up with a solution. The owners seem to be asking for about an 18% salary cut back from the players. The players seem to want some type of proof stating that the cut back is absolutely needed and that the NFL is struggling without their measly 18%. My solution to bring to the table is as follows: Owners- open up the books and clearly explain why 18% is necessary. If that’s not possible, bring a smaller percentage to the table. Players – take concern in the health and well-being of your league and your careers. You may never see the books, but if a financial struggle is present in your field and cannot be fixed without your help, at least offer a piece of the pie that they are requesting to the table. This seems like nothing more than simple a "give a little, get a little" resolution.
Rebuilding Faith: Walker and Associates Partners with ASCAP and Dr. Jones to Salute Stars of Gospel
The industry's leading law firm, Walker & Associates, recently brokered a deal to have Dr. Bobby Jones, of BET fame, host a tribute to ASCAP writers J. Moss, Karen Clark-Sheard, and other notable figures in gospel music. The reception, titled "Rebuilding Faith," will serve as a prelude to the 26th Annual Stellar Awards. Both events honor today's most seminal contributors to gospel music. Attorney Walker, founding partner of Walker & Associates, says he is pleased to bring together "some of the great superpowers in the industry for a celebration." Dr. Bobby Jones has hosted Bobby Jones Gospel since 1980--it is the longest-running and highest-rated program in BET's history, and has showcased the talents of such superstars as Yolanda Adams and Kirk Franklin. A legend of the industry himself, Dr. Jones says, "Walker & Associates and ASCAP have done a great thing by arranging a tribute to gospel's greatest. I'm looking forward to being a part of it," Jennifer Drake, Director of the Rhythm & Soul division at ASCAP, described the event as "a wonderful opportunity to honor contributors to a genre that has endured and inspired." Referring to Walker & Associates and Dr. Jones' role in the planning of the event, she says, "We couldn't have done this without Dr. Jones or Attorney Walker's creativity and diplomacy." Walker & Associates is a leading entertainment law firm based in Monroe, Connecticut. Attorney Walker negotiates agreements and business opportunities for a number of high-profile clients, including Dr. Jones, Shirley Caesar and Twinkie Clark. He regularly appears on CNN and BET. "Rebuilding Faith" will take place at the Gaylord Opryland Resort in January 2011.