STATEMENT REGARDING ANTONIO BROWN: heitnerlegal.com/wp-content/…

My mom rang the bell today! 🥹❤️ Love you @gloria218! 🛎️ It’s a great day!

Missed opportunity for an eyesore pun.

The Stanley Cup woke up at Elbo Room, took quick rinse in the Atlantic Ocean, went for a stroll on Las Olas, and is now feasting at Greek Islands Taverna. Next it will buy property in Fort Lauderdale and wonder why it ever lived in the north.

BREAKING: Florida @GovRonDeSantis is signing the college athlete name, image & likeness bill. Effective July 1, 2021, college athletes in Florida can sign paid endorsement deals. FL jumps CA as 1st state to give athletes these rights. Honored to have been part of this effort.

Breaking on @SportsAgentBlog: Nerlens Noel has sued NBA agent Rich Paul, claiming Paul is responsible for $58 million in lost earnings. sportsagentblog.com/2021/08/…

Sources: Employees of Nike's EYBL grassroots division, along with documents, have been subpoenaed by FBI in furtherance of investigation

1. Hong Kong is going through much more than a “difficult week.” 2. A tweet can empower others as well, which #LeBronJames should know by now. 3. What happened was exposing China’s power over U.S. biz interests. 4. “Could have waited” is weak. Not how leaders speak.

BREAKING: March Madness will take on a new meaning for us in 2022 😁😭

Masai Ujiri has now filed a motion in federal court to countersue the sheriff's deputy who "perpetrated a fraud" by falsely claiming he was injuried during 11 second encounter. Countersuit claims excessive force, assault, battery & intentional infliction of emotional distress.

Just heard 5-star linebacker Harold Perkins de-committed from Texas A&M.

Traditional broadcast is dead. Traditional sponsorship is dead. You can hate on the Arizona Bowl's deal with @barstoolsports to stream the game exclusively but, as @EKANardini stated, this is a watershed moment for rethinking where and how games are broadcast.

I’m in for the @MiamiDolphins going Miami Vice a la @MiamiHEAT, as mocked up by @UltimateEffects. I’d immediately purchase a jersey.

Athletic departments earn payouts for bowl games, coaches can negotiate bonuses for bowl game wins, broadcasters receive ad revenue, sponsors open their wallets. But the NCAA says athletes can’t be paid to participate. There’s your fix. People want to say it shouldn’t be about money for athletes when the whole damn system is based on economic gain.

Marco Wilson just committed 1 of the worst penalties I’ve ever seen. #Gators

Every time I read WFT my eyes see WTF.

History in the making: Jon Scheyer (Duke), Bruce Pearl (Auburn), and Todd Golden (Florida) are a trio of Jewish head coaches to lead No. 1 seeds in the same NCAA Tournament. A mazel-filled mishpocha affair! #MarchMeshuggeneh

Lawyer wanted to stay up late & watch the #Nats with his son + attend next day's game, so he filed a motion with the court for a short extension to a deadline. Opposing counsel didn't object & court approved it. This is justice at its finest.

Sources: Free agent Jarvis Landry has terminated his representation agreement with Damarius Bilbo of Klutch Sports.

And even if you did, Nick Saban should be praising you instead of targeting you. Just a bad look on his part.

JUST IN: Top NFL Draft prospect Rashan Gary of Michigan is forming his own sports agency - Rashan Gary Sports. NFL agent Ian Clarke is joining company & will be Gary’s primary agent. Gary will train at Michael Johnson Performance in Texas.

BREAKING: Florida House has passed bill allowing college athletes to earn $ from name, image & likeness beginning July 2021. Also passed by Florida Senate. The bill goes to Florida Governor DeSantis for approval. Effective date earlier than CA by 2 years. Great job @ChipLaMarca!

In neither instance were the activities illegal. NCAA rules aren’t the law.

Sucks that the Gators lost but at least I don’t have to listen to Brock Osweiler anymore. Goodnight.

I'm now happy to announce the establishment of the Gator Guard. This new, exclusive, very influential group of high-net-worth Gators is being run by @HughHathcock and has raised $3 million in 24-hours. Hathcock recently made a $12.6 million pledge to Gator Boosters as well.

“No end in sight.” “Flawed system!!!!” Unless you’re receiving millions in a buyout, right?

Wild turn of events. Jake Retzlaff is accused of sexual assault. BYU suspends Retzlaff because engaging in premarital sex (even if consensual) violates the Honor Code. Retzlaff's life is upended and he decides to transfer. And after all of that, the woman drops her case.

The Whiff at Ben Griff!

Antonio Brown will leave no stone unturned and will aggressively defend himself, including exercising all of his rights in countersuits.

The Patriots stayed away from Xavien Howard all day, and he still made the biggest play of the day for the Dolphins. X is the best!

Agreed. As a moderate Independent, this was an easy decision. Believe that’s true for many like us.

NEWS: The NCAA Division I Board of Directors has granted a waiver to permit athletes who attended and competed at a non-NCAA school for 1 or more years to remain eligible and compete in 2025-26 if those athletes would have otherwise used their final season of competition during the 2024-25 academic year, and meet all other eligibility requirements (e.g., progress toward degree, five-year period of eligibility).

Sources: Basketball agency ASM Sports was raided today. FBI had warrant, took Andy Miller's computer.

NFL can now exercise an option to exit from NFL Sunday Ticket deal with DirecTV. I’m predicting Amazon is in the driver’s seat. Bezos was very present around #SBLIII. Would be major disruptor move by @PrimeVideo.

Confirmed that UF is looking at Chip Kelly as next head coach. Decision could be as soon as this week. Also heard that Florida was becoming very frustrated with Jimmy Sexton, who represents many other potential candidates. Chip is represented by David Dunn.

I'm hearing that some #NIL agents are trying to charge college athletes a fee of 30% on deals. Before South Carolina's NIL law was suspended (July 1), it capped such fees at 10%. 20% on pro athletes has become an industry norm. If an agent is pushing 30%, then let's expose it.

My man @AB84 led all wide receivers in sales of officially licensed NFL player merchandise this past season. #Boomin

Dan Mullen said he wasn’t focused on recruiting in season. Billy Napier out here dropping 😎 two days before a matchup with LSU. I prefer Billy’s approach. #GoGators

There may be a big thing happening behind the scenes to make the University of Florida a much greater powerhouse when it comes to #NIL. I may have knowledge of such a thing.

There are many issues with Wisconsin's statement: 1. It cites a "binding two-year NIL agreement," but current NCAA rules do not currently allow institutions to provide compensation in exchange for an athlete's NIL, and the agreement says it is subservient to NCAA rules. 2. Wisconsin is treating an NIL agreement as an employment contract while concurrently seeking to establish that the agreement doesn't create a fiduciary relationship between the parties. 3. Wisconsin has still failed to justify preventing Xavier Lucas from entering the transfer portal under NCAA rules. Under NCAA rules, which the MOU is subservient to, Wisconsin is not permitted to refuse to enter a player into the portal within two business days of a player's request. 4. Wisconsin has now admitted in writing that it attempted to restrict player movement rights protected under NCAA rules and antitrust law. 5. Wisconsin has sent mixed messages, claiming that Xavier Lucas is a "valued member" while impliedly threatening legal action. Similarly, it has claimed to care about Xavier Lucas' growth when its prior act of restricting his ability to transfer shows otherwise. 6. Wisconsin has made serious allegations about "impermissible contact" without providing any evidence. It is speculating in the same way that many have publicly speculated that Wisconsin communicated with other players before they entered the transfer portal. 7. Wisconsin claims that this is a "significant moment in college athletics" while it is the bad actor that sought to restrict a player's movement under a contract completely contingent on a settlement agreement that has not yet been finalized and before any consideration has been paid to Xavier Lucas. It seems to miss that its approach is part of the problem. Overall, Wisconsin's statement, which may subject it to a FERPA violation, is legally and ethically concerning. Separately, the Big Ten's statement ironically calls for "governance reform" while attempting to exercise control over an athlete's choices. The Big Ten is petrified that it is losing institutional control and that its template contract, which Wisconsin and other schools are using, will be deemed unenforceable and illegal. All of this shows why it is so important for athletes to gain more rights and escape the grip of institutional control.

Good morning to everyone except for Brock Osweiler.

They’re literally selling a t shirt that says “THE” on it. This is the specimen from the filing..

Anthony Richardson’s 1st 3 starts: Georgia #1 Utah #7 Kentucky #20 His 1st start against an unranked team comes this Saturday against USF. I give him a lot of credit for staying composed and taking ownership for last week. Sky’s the limit.

Xavier Lucas is happy and that’s what matters! Go be great, young man!

NIKE co-founder Phil Knight and other prominent Oregon alumni have formed Division Street, Inc. to supercharge #NIL opportunities for Oregon athletes. It seeks to help athletes create/monetize their brands. @sabrina_i20 will serve as Chief Athlete Officer.

The NFLPA has sent all players a fact sheet that covers the highlights on the current proposal for a new Collective Bargaining Agreement. A lot to go through here..

The father of Clemson football player K.J. Henry required a kidney transplant. Thanks in part to #NIL money, K.J. was able to cover the medical expenses and his dad watched him play in the Orange Bowl. This side of NIL needs more promotion. espn.com/college-football/st…

I’m told University of South Carolina WR @juicew3lls is leading the SEC in #NIL deals. All deals were procured by @parkavesports_, so Juice isn’t charged any agent fees.

It’s ridiculous and won’t get anywhere near registration.

Wrapping up my first #NIL negotiation with Indiana University. It is 1 of the most athlete-friendly institutions I've dealt with. Great athletic department.

XAVIER LUCAS IS A FREE MAN

Based on some things I’m hearing, this Gators FB 2023 class is 📈

Billy Napier’s time at Florida appears to be over. Gators boosters have set their sights on Lane Kiffin and are prepared to offer whatever it takes financially. What will it take to seal the deal and is Lane listening?

Anthony Richardson hangs around after the win to sign autographs for every kid. All around great person. #GoGators

Florida has 2 of the best QBs in the nation committed for 2023 and 2024. You can hate us now. But we won’t stop now.

#UFuture #GoGators

Eye understand.

Masai Ujiri's counterclaim against the sheriff's deputy says that 3 eyewitnesses, all of whom were within mere feet of the encounter, have declared under penalty of perjury that Ujiri didn't punch the deputy. 1 declaration is from Greg Weiner, who is pictured here.

Billy Napier is a super nice guy. Genuinely, a very good person. But we have seen enough. The Florida Gators need to make a change. Truly wish him well. Time for someone new.

Sources: Chip verbally agreed to Florida before South Carolina game & Florida has been vetting dozens of assistant candidates. Chip signed an agreement with Florida on Sunday. Agreement includes window for Chip to back out of deal. Hence UCLA talks. Reporting w/@biggamejames36

Great points. You can and should be thrilled that Griner was released while being concerned and upset with the terms of the deal.

Let’s clear something up. Xavier Lucas owes Wisconsin NOTHING. The school is holding him hostage. It’s disgusting, illegal, and will be crushing for recruiting. Wisconsin can easily do the right thing and place him in the transfer portal. The silence on their end is deafening.

NBC should have a RedZone styled channel for the Olympics. It should also be televising all live events, no matter the time. Not a fan of #Tokyo2020 broadcasting decisions.

For anyone who knew my dad, sports was our bond but it was more than that. He would tell me what I needed to hear and not just what I wanted to hear. My dad was so damn proud of me. I will try to show my son Maxx the same amount of love that he shared. RIP dad 💙

Athletes, please resist signing any #NIL contracts without understanding the terms. Don’t jump at a $20 deal. If you have questions, ask a lawyer for guidance. You shouldn’t be granting perpetual, royalty-free, irrevocable rights to any company without substantial compensation.

Division Street, Inc., founded by Phil Knight, has unveiled an "athlete storytelling home" on Airbnb benefitting Oregon athletes as an income property + hub for #NIL deal content creation. LB Noah Sewell is the 1st athlete to host the property., which is available thru Jan. 31.

Not sure what company is sponsoring this pre-game show..

Rahsul Faison submitted his waiver request to the NCAA. I will be urging the NCAA to prioritize providing a decision on his request for an additional year of eligibility.

Anthony Richardson 🤝 Fanatics #NIL ✍️

Think your job was tough today? Imagine being Chris Wallace. #Debates2020

A lawsuit has been filed against the New York Giants and Jets on the basis that NFL fans have been damaged by the use of "New York" even those the teams play in New Jersey. A lawyer actually drafted and signed his name on this Complaint. heitnerlegal.com/wp-content/…

The NCAA is petitioning to cancel a urology center's registered trademark for VASECTOMY MAYHEM, claiming that it's confusingly similar to NCAA marks like MARCH MAYHEM. You have to be a pretty cocky lawyer to attach your name to something like this. (h/t @Bill__Donahue)

No. 1 overall pick Cam Ward doesn’t have an agent. He’s relied on the guidance from his father, Calvin Ward, who was an agent years ago. Cam also has some outside assistance with marketing deals. Rare for a top pick to not be signed with a big agency.

Saturday night: Gators beat Utah with a huge performance by Anthony Richardson. Sunday morning: Prominent brand reaches out to me with #NIL inquiry. Monday: Labor Day. Tuesday: Agree on terms and move to long form agreement, while Anthony remains focused on Kentucky. Let’s go!

Florida update: Stricklin wants to move quick. Chip won’t last long on the market. Stricklin is good with Chip. Chip is good with UF. Spurrier wants Frost. Frost not looking at opps til Dec. Big moment for Stricklin here.

It looks like @stoolathletics has a plan after @stoolpresidente said no thought was put into it. Barstool Sports, Inc. has filed intent-to-use trademark applications to register the Barstool Athletics brand for managing athletes/entertainers and creating podcasts.

The #NIL group licensing biz is ripe for disruption. Fanatics sells a replica college athlete jersey for $140. Athlete earns a 4% royalty rate ($5.60). But wait! Then, OneTeam takes its cut of 30% for organizing the group licensing deal. The athlete is left with $3.92. Crazy.

QB1 #GoGators

Indiana 🏀 player @anthonyl3al is paying off his sister’s student-loan debt with #NIL $. Yet another example of the good derived from athletes monetizing their fame.

I’m 99.99% sure Gatorade will survive.

I’m still waiting for an athlete to announce he will attend a college in Florida or Texas after speaking with his advisors about the tax benefits over a state like California. It’s coming. #NIL

Remember the lawsuit Michael Rapaport filed against Barstool & @stoolpresidente? The Stoolies picked up some pre-trial wins today. Rapaport's claims of fraud & defamation have been shot down. This is my favorite part of the 64-page opinion.

Brock Osweiler has no business commentating an ABC primetime college football game. He shouldn’t even be in the booth for a Pop Warner game. He yelled at us all night, was wrong about pretty much everything he said, and was terribly biased. I had nightmares. Do something, Iger.

We are told not to live in fear, but it's hard when someone is shot while giving a speech in broad daylight or stabbed while peacefully sitting on a train.

He wakes up before you on a daily basis. Works out relentlessly at dusk & dawn. Keeps his body in amazing shape during the offseason. Outworks his opponents. Has shown consistency & brilliance throughout his career. I’d want that guy on my team. That man is @AB84.

NFLPA has sent out a Work Stoppage Worksheet, asking NFL players to set aside half of each paycheck with a work stoppage “on the horizon.” Also suggests not starting new biz ventures & cutting all non-mortgage debt by end of 2020 season.

I spent 7 years in Gainesville, during some of the most successful football seasons, & I can’t remember the fans showing up like they did today. @CoachDanMullen has not only gotten his team to buy in, but also every Gator in the stands. Electric atmosphere at The Swamp. #GOGATORS

Nike is closing all of its retail stores in the U.S., Canada, Western Europe, Australia & New Zealand through March 27. The good news: Workers will still be paid in full during time off. #Coronavirus cnbc.com/2020/03/15/nike-is-…

My boy is ready for his offer, @coach_bnapier.

Adidas just opened the door to big brand #NIL wars. It is offering all athletes at each of its sponsored schools to be paid affiliate ambassadors. Roughly 50,000 athletes. This will put pressure on Nike, Coca-Cola, Pepsi, and other major brands to offer nationwide deals.

Very happy for my friend @leighsteinberg who beat alcoholism and bankruptcy, left the biz of sports agency, and battled his way back to negotiate the richest contract in NFL history for Mahomes. It’s a more compelling story than Jerry Maguire. And it’s real life.

Dear Florda State fans, This can’t be real. Right? Because if it is.. 🤦‍♂️

It has been a pleasure providing legal counsel for Boogie and Xaivian on their revenue share and @Fl_Victorious contracts. Great additions to @GatorsMBK. Everyone at Florida was wonderful to work with. The 🏀 staff is A+.

Day 1 of teaching #NIL at Miami Law was a slam dunk! #Twinning

Today, Dan Mullen showed responsibility, loyalty, and humility. Florida remains a powerhouse for athletics and academics. In all kinds of weather...

Happy Cormani McClain Day for those who follow college football recruiting. #GoGators

.@TheRock to @CNBC: The XFL is not looking to challenge the NFL. Instead, the XFL is looking for ways to create opportunities for those who are on the cusp of making it into the NFL. Johnson says "no one will outwork us. We will always be the hardest workers in the room."

Antonio Brown has reviewed the sexual misconduct allegations made by an unnamed artist included in a recently published Sports Illustrated article and denies that he ever engaged in such activities. There will be no further comment at this time.