Dein erstes Forum » a Bay BuccaneersNo

Dennis Widemans hit on a linesman in January was haunting. The NHL had never seen one of its players steamroll a ref like that. Seven days after the incident, the league punished the?Calgary Flames?defenseman with a rare 20-game suspension.But on March 10, arbitrator James Oldham downgraded that suspension to just 10 games after being swayed by Widemans novel -- and medically questionable -- argument: Wideman claimed he was in a concussed state that kept him from knowing his actions would hurt the official. Call it the concussion defense.The arbitrator agreed. Oldham wrote, I do not believe that in his concussed state, Wideman could or should have anticipated that his push would cause [the linesman] to fall and bang his head against the boards ...On June 8, the NHL filed a lawsuit to reverse the arbitrators decision. According to the NHL, the decision cannot stand because the arbitrator exceeded his authority. Its currently awaiting the NHLPAs response on Widemans behalf, which is due by Friday.?But the arbitrators decision raises an important question that goes beyond the NHLs argument: Is the concussion defense legitimate?For those unfamiliar with Widemans case, the hit was pretty brutal. During the second period of Calgarys Jan. 27 game against the?Nashville Predators, Wideman took a nasty -- yet legal -- check into the?boards, which left him holding his head as he headed for his bench.On his way, the six-foot, 202-pound Flames defenseman came upon linesman Dennis Henderson, who was skating backward along the boards in Widemans direction. Suddenly, Wideman raised his stick, cross-checking the official in the back and violently sending him face-first to the ice, knocking him unconscious.Henderson suffered a concussion. As of the date the NHL filed its lawsuit, he still hadnt been cleared to return to work.Wideman later denied any recollection or intention. He said things were hazy after he was checked and blamed his actions on a concussion.Wideman isnt the first athlete to blame violence on head trauma. The defense is popping up in criminal courts across the country, albeit in cases where defendants are claiming long-term brain trauma and are accused of committing grave crimes.In January 2012, for example, Jordan Clemons, a 26-year-old former high school football star argued to a Pennsylvania jury that a decade of hard hits caused him to lose control and slit his ex-girlfriends throat. Clemons blamed his violence in part on the numerous head collisions hed suffered both on and off the field.The jury wasnt moved, however. He was sentenced to death.Blaming head trauma didnt fare well for Nathaniel Fujita either. A Massachusetts jury convicted the 20-year-old former high school wideout in March 2013 for strangling his high school sweetheart. A doctor retained by Fujitas trial team couldnt convince the jury that repeated on-field brain injuries contributed to his violent behavior.Massachusetts doesnt have the death penalty; Fujita got a life sentence.Just this month, former Arkansas and NFL running back Cedric Cobbs used brain trauma as a defense in federal court. He faced a maximum of four years in prison for his involvement in an OxyContin drug ring, but Cobbs received three years probation after convincing the court that repetitive brain trauma played a roll in his criminality and that hed fare better with continued treatment.Cobbs case didnt involve violence. And Clemons and Fujitas cases are different from Widemans in many ways, from the type of violence committed to the authority dolling out punishment. But most notably, unlike in those two cases, Wideman claimed his violence came on the heels of a single concussion rather than after years of repeated head trauma.According to Dr. Wayne A. Gordon, chief of rehabilitation psychology and neuropsychology at the Mount Sinai Brain Injury Research Center in New York, the notion that a concussion could immediately spark a violent attack is simply wrong. Violent behavior is not a common short-term consequence of a concussion, he said.I see individuals who are months post- or years post-injury, and, yes, some become agitated for no reason. They lash out at people. They become more angry, Dr. Gordon said over the phone from his Manhattan offices. But those are long-term issues. Theyre not things that emerge immediately.In fact, peer-reviewed medical research backs Dr. Gordon. The research indicates that agitation, poor emotional regulation, difficulty exercising physical control -- some of the factors that could produce violent behavior -- are long-term consequences of concussions. Nothing indicates that these consequences appear moments after a concussion.The two neurologists the NHLPA hired for Widemans case -- who had examined Wideman via FaceTime four days after the hit -- argued otherwise.One of the doctors testified at Widemans arbitration hearing that the concussed often suffer impulse-control difficulties in the immediate postconcussion phase. He believed Wideman couldnt have intended to harm the official because somebody whose brain is not forming cohesive plans is unable to suppress inappropriate behaviors. The other neurologist echoed those sentiments, adding little.If widely adopted, this theory posited by Widemans neurologists -- that bad behavior is an immediate postconcussion symptom -- could create a slippery slope for athletes.Widemans defense hinged on the notion that there is a cause-and-effect relationship between concussions and craze -- that head trauma converts players from being rational beings with self-restraint into lethal animals without self-control. If that were the case, concussed players could have to prove that they are not ticking time bombs post-impact.The concussed could have to persuade their teams that they wouldnt need to be quarantined, sway their spouses to believe its safe for them to be alone with their children, or even convince health insurers that they wouldnt pose a danger to themselves or others such that higher premiums would be necessary.The concussion defense also could be subject to abuse. A hockey or perhaps football player could use it as a convenient excuse should they lash out violently during a game. And such abuse could effectively undermine the rules of organized sports -- rules that are in place to keep players safe, encouraging participation.Many potential dangers could come from allowing concussions to excuse violent behavior like in Widemans case. The arbitrators decision endorsing the concussion defense could be that catalyst. Yes, it is just one decision by one arbitrator (who the NHL has since dismissed for undisclosed reasons). But the decision could be persuasive in other sports arbitration hearings, which often rely on prior arbitration rulings as guidance.If the decision stands, it might be just a matter of time before the defense that helped Wideman avoid a 20-game suspension begins to work to his detriment and that of other players.Adrienne Lawrence is an attorney with a B.S. and M.A. in criminal justice, as well as a J.D. from The George Washington University Law School. She practiced law from 2008 to 2015 before joining ESPN in August 2015. Pablo Sandoval Red Sox Jersey . The Court of Arbitration for Sport ruling "puts an end to my dreams of being a top player," the 27-year-old Troicki said in a statement. "I worked my entire life for it, and it has been taken away from me in one afternoon by a doctor I didnt know," said Troicki, whose ranking peaked at No. Marco Hernandez Jersey . James, who turned 29 on Monday, injured his groin Friday during the Heats overtime loss at Sacramento. He sat out the following game, a 108-107 win Saturday in Portland, before coming back to help send the Nuggets to their seventh consecutive loss. https://www.cheapredsox.com/361z-andrew-cashner-jersey-red-sox.html . - Derek Wolfe says hes finally healthy after suffering a seizure in November that doctors now believe was related to the spinal cord injury he suffered in the preseason. Denyi Reyes Jersey . However, he did make them miss him a little less. Cundiff, who had the unenviable job of replacing Dawson last season, agreed Thursday to a one-year, $1. Craig Kimbrel Red Sox Jersey . President of baseball operations Larry Beinfest was fired Friday after 12 years with the Marlins. The move came as the team neared the end of its third consecutive last-place season in the NL East. For 14 years now, weve asked you to rate your favorite team in the categories that matter most to fans, from championships to cheap seats. Then, based on your feedback, weve ranked every pro franchise. Whos No. 1 this time? The Tampa Bay Lightning, who learned that to build a fanbase from scratch, youve got to put in the work.For more information on how the Ultimate Standings were compiled, see below.Rankings: MLB | NBA | NFL | NHL?|?2015No. 1: Tampa Bay LightningLove -- offered and justified, frustrated or spurned -- has been at the heart of our Ultimate Standings for 14 years as weve used fan surveys and financial analysis to rank MLB, NBA, NFL and NHL teams by how they reward fans for the time, money and emotion they invest in them. So when Lightning captain Steven Stamkos answers a question about his teams fans, players and staff with You can feel that love -- well, that says it all about his teams place at the top.No. 2: San Antonio Spurs Last years champs, the Spurs, ranked first in the players category -- for the sixth year in a row. Thats in large part thanks to a No. 1 ranking in the category fans say is most important to them: players who always give their best effort. Almost across the board, the teams rankings are up from 2015 (theyre also No. 1 in coaching and ownership and rank no lower than 11th in any category), but the Lightnings conference finals run moved them ahead of the four-time Standings topper.No. 3: Carolina Panthers The Panthers are No. 1 in bang for the buck: They won more games than any team in the NFL last season while charging the ninth-lowest average ticket price in the league ($78.22).No. 4: Green Bay PackersNo. 5: Arizona CardinalsNo. 6: Nashville PredatorsNo. 7: Florida PanthersNo. 8: Dallas StarsNo. 9: Kansas City RoyalsNo. 10: Texas RangersNo. 11: Pittsburgh PenguinsNo. 12: Seattle SeahawksNo. 13: Cleveland CavaliersNo. 14: Memphis GrizzliesNo. 15: Baltimore OriolesNo. 16: St. Louis CardinalsNo. 17: New England PatriotsNo. 18: San Francisco Giants The Giants are known for AT&T Parks gorgeous view, so its no surprise that their stadium is second overall (behind only MLBs other famous waterfront property: Pittsburghs PNC Park). But its not just the Bay: AT&T Park is also No. 2 in providing a fan-friendly environment and No. 1 in making it enjoyable for fans to catch games on TV, the radio or online.No. 19: Denver BroncosNo. 20: Kansas City ChiefsNo. 21: Cleveland IndiansNo. 22: Pittsburgh SteelersNo. 23: Anaheim DucksNo. 24: Dallas MavericksNo. 25: Oklahoma City ThunderNo. 26: Baltimore RavensNo. 27: Charlotte HornetsNo. 28: Boston CelticsNo. 29: St. Louis BluesNo. 30: San Jose Sharks After missing the playoffs in 2015, the Sharks made it all the way to the Stanley Cup finals in 2016 -- and the fans responded by jumping them 58 spots in the rankings, the biggest leap by any team this year.No. 31: Detroit PistonsNo. 32: Jacksonville JaguarsNo. 33: Golden State Warriors In 2014-15, the Warriors offered fans a rare blend of success and affordability. Then they jacked up prices by more than 40 percent and missed out on a second straight title (did you hear they had a 3-1 lead?). Were not saying Warriors tickets arent worth it, but at an average price of $79.84, they have become a luxury good.No. 34: Washington NationalsNo. 35: Chicago BlackhawksNo. 36: Indiana PacersNo. 37: Atlanta HawksNo. 38: Los Angeles KingsNo. 39: Houston TexansNo. 40: New Orleans SaintsNo. 41: Arizona CoyotesNo. 42: Indianapolis ColtsNo. 43: Utah JazzNo. 44: Detroit Red WingsNo. 45: Pittsburgh PiratesNo. 46: Portland Trail BlazersNo. 47: Washington CapitalsNo. 48: Chicago Cubs The Cubs were tabbed the team most willing to pay to attract quality players and coaches. Sure enough, the Ricketts family opened the purse strings in recent years to sign Jon Lester, Jason Heyward and, on Sept. 28, Theo Epstein, for a reported $50 million-plus.No. 49: Detroit TigersNo. 50: Minnesota VikingsNo. 51: New Jersey DevilsNo. 52: Toronto RaptorsNo. 53: Miami HeatNo. 54: Atlanta Falcons The Falcons will have the lowest concession prices in sports in 2017: $2 for a hot dog, pretzel or soda (with unlimited refills) and $3 for nachos, waffle fries or a slice of pizza -- all including sales tax! What that means: You can feed a family of four twice at Mercedes-Benz Stadium for less than it costs to park at a Cowboys game.No. 55: Arizona DiamondbacksNo. 56: Los Angeles AngelsNo. 57: Houston AstrosNo. 58: Philadelphia FlyersNo. 59: Cincinnati BengalsNo. 60: Buffalo SabresNo. 61: Carolina HurricanesNo. 62: Minnesota WildNo. 63: Columbus Blue JacketsNo. 64: Los Angeles DodgersNo. 65: Orlando Magic Orlandos Amway Center was this years top NBA stadium ... at 225th, behind 11 MLB, seven NFL and six NHL venues.dddddddddddd Yikes.No. 66: New Orleans PelicansNo. 67: Toronto Blue JaysNo. 68: Boston Red SoxNo. 69: LA ClippersNo. 70: Milwaukee BrewersNo. 71: Winnipeg JetsNo. 72: Milwaukee BucksNo. 73: Tampa Bay BuccaneersNo. 74: Colorado RockiesNo. 75: New York GiantsNo. 76: Buffalo BillsNo. 77: Colorado AvalancheNo. 78: Seattle MarinersNo. 79: Minnesota TimberwolvesNo. 80: Houston RocketsNo. 81: Cincinnati RedsNo. 82: New York Mets The Jacob deGrom Hair Hat was the best swag handed out this year. But because this is the Mets: They gave it away on the same day they announced deGrom likely needed nerve surgery and would be out for the season.No. 83: Calgary FlamesNo. 84: New York IslandersNo. 85: Oakland RaidersNo. 86: Philadelphia EaglesNo. 87: Minnesota TwinsNo. 88: Philadelphia PhilliesNo. 89: Dallas CowboysNo. 90: Tampa Bay RaysNo. 91: Miami Marlins From the high of Ozzie Guillen in 2012 to the looooow of Mike Redmond and GM-weirdly-turned-manager Dan Jennings in 2015, the Marlins have had some coaching drama. But this year, with Don Mattingly signed on as skipper, Miami jumped 84 spots in that category.No. 92: New York RangersNo. 93: Washington WizardsNo. 94: New York JetsNo. 95: Ottawa SenatorsNo. 96: Chicago White SoxNo. 97: Chicago BullsNo. 98: Montreal CanadiensNo. 99: Boston BruinsNo. 100: New York YankeesNo. 101: Denver NuggetsNo. 102: Philadelphia 76ersNo. 103: Chicago BearsNo. 104: Atlanta Braves Who needs to root for the home team? Not Braves fans: Atlanta offers sports most extreme combination of poor performance and cheap prices. The good guys might have won only 31 home games, but at least supporters paid less than $20 a ticket.No. 105: Tennessee TitansNo. 106: Miami DolphinsNo. 107: San Diego PadresNo. 108: Washington RedskinsNo. 109: Los Angeles LakersNo. 110: Brooklyn NetsNo. 111: Edmonton OilersNo. 112: Detroit LionsNo. 113: Sacramento KingsNo. 114: New York Knicks Yet again the Knicks had the worst combination of failure and high ticket prices of any team in sports. And they look likely to keep the title in 2017: The Knicks havent been to a conference finals in 17 years but still charge 25 percent more than any team in the NBA (an average of $129.38, $99 more than the Pelicans average).No. 115: Oakland AthleticsNo. 116: Vancouver CanucksNo. 117: San Diego ChargersNo. 118: Toronto Maple LeafsNo. 119: Cleveland BrownsNo. 120: Phoenix SunsNo. 121: Los Angeles RamsNo. 122: San Francisco 49ers The 49ers have created quite the perfect storm: Fans see San Franciscos owners as the NFLs most dishonest and its players as the least available in sports, while the front office has raised prices by more than 60 percent over the past five years (the NFL average is just 12 percent). Meanwhile, the 49ers won just five games in 2015 -- which helps explain why they were named the leagues worst in paying to attract quality players and coaches.The method to our ultimate madnessIt takes four steps for us to rank the 122 franchises in North America.First: Consulting firm Maddock Douglas surveyed 1,031 fans to form 25 criteria for the things most desired in return for the emotion, money and time they invest.Second: Teaming with NetReflector, an opinion research firm, ESPN.com asked fans to rate their home teams in each area; more than 72,000 of you did! We grouped grades into seven categories.Third: Our final measure, bang for the buck, uses calculations developed with Oregons Warsaw Sports Marketing Center to figure how well teams turn fans money into wins.Finally: We combined each teams scores across all categories into a weighted average. The result? Rankings that combine fan opinions and how well teams turn your dollars into wins. Ultimately, it all counts.Affordability (12.2%): Price of tickets, parking and concessions ??Coaching (2.8%): Strength of on-field leadership?Fan relations (27.2%): Courtesy by players, coaches and front office toward fans, plus how well a team uses technology to reach fansOwnership (12.8%): Honesty; loyalty to core players and the local communityPlayers (14.7%): Effort on the field, likability off itStadium experience (11.7%): Quality of arena; fan-friendliness of environment; frequency of game-day promotionsTitle track (3.9%): Championships won or expected within the lifetime of current fansBang for the buck (14.7%): Wins in the past two years per fan dollar, adjusted for league schedulesRankings: MLB | NBA | NFL | NHL?|?2015Thanks for financial analysis to Paul Swangard and the Warsaw Sports Marketing Center at the University of Oregon. ' ' '