This article was originally published on August 16th, 2019.
Here is this week's dose of “5-Point Friday”. A weekly round-up of the sports news and stories that I find most interesting and enjoyable.
Article I have been reading -
'A graphic design history of the NBA' by Anthony Morell (@anthonymorell_). Morell does a great job of breaking down teams' logos and how they have evolved over the years. This breakdown identifies patterns and has been able to highlight interesting hidden symbols found within some teams' logos.
Basketball news that I am interested by -
The NBA announced an expanded set of mental health policies for 2019-20. Each team is required to adhere to the following measures for the upcoming season.
All teams must have at least one mental health professional on retainer. Each professional must have "experience in assessing and treating clinical mental health issues."
Each organization must "identify a licensed psychiatrist" available to help manage any mental health concerns. All teams must, "enact a written action plan for mental health emergencies."
All 30 teams need to attend a "health and wellness meeting" in Chicago in September.
The NBA's changes come after a slate of players revealed their battles with mental health both before and during their time in the league.
Soccer news that concerns me -
Mediation talks between the USSF and the USWNT broke down after only their first day of discussions.
A representative from the women's team stated "Today we must conclude these meetings sorely disappointed in the Federation's determination to perpetuate fundamentally discriminatory workplace conditions and behavior," according to the team's statement. "It is clear that USSF, including its board of directors and president Carlos Cordeiro, fully intend to continue to compensate women players less than men."
Soccer apparel news that I am following -
Raheem Sterling (@sterling7) is contemplating an offer to be one of the first soccer players to sign a personal endorsement to wear Air Jordan cleats, in what could be one of the most lucrative cleat deals in history, with Sterling set to receive $120 million from the deal.
What I've been listening to -
Ramble Meets... Paul Watson on the Football Ramble podcast. The interview delves into Watson's experience of building a soccer league on the tiny Pacific island of Pohnpei, managing a professional soccer club in Mongolia, and also take responsibility for organizing the CONIFA World Football Cup, a tournament for states, minorities, stateless peoples and regions unrecognized by FIFA.
Have a wonderful weekend, all!
Jonathan