This article was originally published on May 22nd, 2020.
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.
Baseball article I am reading -
MLB if it begins the season is "likely to halt revenue sharing among the clubs," and while the decision is not final, it is the "expectation of owners and other top executives in the sport," according to Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) & Evan Drellich (@EvanDrellich) of THE ATHLETIC.
Normally, teams share 48% of "net local revenue." All MLB teams "will hurt this year, but from one perspective, certain big-market teams might hurt the most." Those clubs "typically generate huge numbers in attendance, and subsequently, huge dollars in gate-related income." That money might "barely exist in 2020, as teams at least open the season with no paying customers." The big-market payrolls, however, will "remain large, and ultimately, baseball's richest will not have the cash flow to share the way they have in the past." One exec said, "It's not happening, because there are no revenues. That's why everyone's losses are the same. You look at the Marlins, they get $70 million in revenue sharing. That's gone"
Motorsport story I am keeping an eye on -
Italian Formula One giants Ferrari is exploring the possibility of entering the IndyCar Series, according to team principal Mattia Binotto. This comes are Ferrari continue their war of words with the Liberty Media-owned Formula One over the global motorsport series’ budget cap plans.
Good news story I am enjoying -
England soccer captain Harry Kane (@HKane) has joined forces with Leyton Orient by sponsoring their shirts next season and donating the space to three good causes. The striker made his senior debut while on loan at Orient in 2011.
The club's home strip will carry a message of thanks to frontline workers tackling the coronavirus pandemic. Mental health charity Mind and Haven House Children's Hospice will have their logos on Orient's two change shirts as part of the deal. Orient have said 10% of the proceeds from each replica shirt sold will go to the cause featured on the front.
NFL rule I am learning about -
NFL teams will be required to interview more female and ethnic minority candidates for business positions as part of a series of changes to its Rooney Rule diversity statutes.
Franchise owners approved changes to the rule, established in 2003, which initially required teams to interview minority candidates for head coaching and senior football operation jobs. Now, they will have to speak to at least two external minority candidates for the head coaching positions, double the prior requirement, as well as a minimum of one minority candidate for operation jobs.
Notably, the Rooney Rule shakeup extends to business positions, meaning NFL teams will have to interview minority or female candidates for a number of high-profile roles, including team president, as well as top jobs across finance, legal, marketing, and sales.
“While we have seen positive strides in our coaching ranks over the years aided by the Rooney Rule, we recognize, after the last two seasons, that we can and must do more,” said NFL commissioner Roger Goodell.
“The policy changes made today are bold and demonstrate the commitment of our ownership to increase diversity in leadership positions throughout the league.”
Quarantine sports news I am following -
As live sports have been on hiatus recently, sports fans have been hunting for their sports fix. On the latest episode of 'Last Week Tonight', host John Oliver (@iamjohnoliver) made the case for the competitive marble-racing league, Jelle’s Marble Runs, adding “to put it mildly, absolutely fantastic.”
The league's youtube channel which has millions of views will now be sponsored by 'Last Week Tonight'.
“Nobody to whom we showed this, including non-sports fans, has not ended up wanting to watch more,” Oliver said. “This isn’t just a YouTube distraction. It’s a beautiful, competitive event, and the world needs those more than ever right now.”
Have a wonderful weekend, all! Jonathan