Over 70 player development professionals and player association executives convened in Paris, France April 3-5 for the World Players Association Player Development Conference. The theme of the conference was #PeopleFirst – an acknowledgement that players are people first, and athletes second. Discussion focused on best practices to develop the full potential of players as professionals, people and citizens. Leaders from over two dozen countries, including the United States, Japan, France, Italy, Spain, Australia, Switzerland, England, Botswana, and Zimbabwe shared ideas and experiences in implementing player development programs. Such programs emphasize areas such as player health and safety, mental health and wellness, training and performance (including the use of wearable technology), career transition programs, personal branding, social awareness and involvement, and leadership development. In short, the conversation among conference participants embodied a holistic approach to developing players as people and athletes. On behalf of the MLBPA, I had the pleasure of taking part in a panel discussion with Don Davis, NFLPA Senior Director of Player Affairs and Development, and Stephen Webb, NHLPA Divisional Player Representative. How player development programs are pursued within the context of a collective bargaining agreement and independent of the league and its clubs was a central part […]
On Thursday, November 19th a trio of veteran sports agents will host the inaugural Salary Arbitration in Sports conference at St. John’s University School of Law in Queens. The SAS conference will feature representatives from Major League Baseball, MLBPA, certified agents and former players, all with comprehensive experience in salary arbitration. Students, professionals and sports fans alike are invited to come join us for an in-depth look at this one-of-a-kind process. Hear from salary arbitration experts and industry veterans: Jeff, Fannell of Jeff Fannell & Associates; Rex Gary, Turner Gary-Sports; Mike Nicotera, The Sparta Group; Gregg E. Clifton, Jackson Lewis, P.C.; Rick Shapiro, MLBPA; Paul Mifsud, Labor Relations, MLB; John Ricco, NY Mets; Omar Minaya, MLBPA; and CJ Nitkowski, Former MLB Player; Jay Reisinger, Farrell & Reisinger, LLC; Matthew Swartz, MLB TradeRumors; Jason Belzer, GAME, Inc. and Forbes.com, and more. At the SAS Conference, seasoned participants in the art of salary arbitration will share their insights and experiences through a full day of panel discussions and question-and-answer sessions. The conference is the inspiration of experienced certified sports agents Jeff Fannell of, Mike Nicotera and Rex Gary. FrontOfficeSports.org, one of the Nation’s fastest growing sources for #Sportsbiz insight and education will […]