Kaepernick isn't just better than you at football. He's a better person too.

By now, you've heard of, or know of who Colin Kaepernick is, what he has done, and the situation he finds himself in with the National Football League. Perception is that Kaepernick is an awful quarterback and that is the sole reason, or the main reason why he has not found himself a position on a roster heading into the 2017 season. This perception, is likely due to the lack of respect to the message of his protest gesture and the pure disdain for the method of his protest. As a United States Army veteran, I am not offended by his act but I do care to see him blackballed out of the NFL. With NFL executives stating Kaepernick would hurt a teams “brand” or it would “upset people” to sign him, proved it's about more than football.

People are STILL upset.... outraged even! But as a nation, we should care more and pay better attention to the message that was being conveyed and not the visual of a silent, albeit public, protest. He wasn't even the only one who knelt... just the one who had started it. If he would have been outspoken in his efforts, he'd have been ridiculed. If he had incited riots, he would have been ridiculed, but he stayed silent in his efforts and invoked conversations that made the majority uncomfortable. Uncomfortable to the point where he can no longer find employment within the NFL.

He did opt out of his contract with the 49ers, which is understandable with the new leadership of the franchise and new coaches coming on board. The team itself is vastly different. Perhaps the 49ers should have kept him to see how he would flourish or falter in a new system and new scheme. The team has made strides to improve in multiple areas, but it is difficult to see where Kaepernick would have been a worse option than Brian Hoyer (disregarding his comfortability with the new offensive system), or worse than Matt Barkley (current number 2 and at risk of losing out back up duties to drafted rookie C.J. Beathard).

But for the argument in which Kaepernick “sucks anyway”.... his stats for this last season show something different. He has appeared in 12 games, starting 11, for an offense that ranked 31st in the NFL. He and Blaine Gabbert (current back up in Arizona) had the fortunes of playing behind the number 28 ranked offensive line. Only better than Minnesota, Miami. San Diego and Seattle. In those 12 games for Kaepernick- his rating was 90.7. His rating was better than Tyrod Taylor (starter in Buffalo), Phillip Rivers (starter in LA), Carson Palmer (starter in Arizona), Jameis Winston (starter in Tampa Bay), Eli Manning (starter in NY), Joe Flacco (starter in Baltimore), Carson Wentz (starter in Philadelphia) to name a few. Kaepernick was 17^th in the league in rating while also throwing for 16 touchdowns (25^th) and 4 interceptions (less than 25 other quarterbacks). The 16 touchdowns Kaepernick threw was more than both current quarterbacks for the 49ers, which combined for 14 touchdowns and 14 interceptions.

The supporting cast for the 49ers was also abysmal. Awful. Terrible. Aside from an offensive line ranking 28^th, the leading receiver for the 49ers was Jeremy Kerley with 667 yards on 64 receptions. Other receivers depended on last season was Quinton Patton (no longer with the team), Torrey Smith (no longer with the team), Vance McDonald (TE), Shaun Draughn (RB), and Rod Streater. Starting running back Carlos Hyde appeared in 13 games and rushed for 988 yards. He has yet to be able to stay healthy for a full season since entering the league in 2014. Kaepernick was 2^nd on the team in rushing with 468 (also 2^nd amongst quarterbacks in the league). Shaun Draughn and DuJuan Harris also saw workloads late in the year, both amassing under 200 yards each on 74 and 38 carries respectively.

Kaepernick, and even Gabbert, had an uphill battle last season trying to quarterback a team with holes to fill in every area. No team should depend on the likes of Kerley, Streater, McDonald, Draughn or Harris. Kaepernick was able to find success, even mild success on a team ranked at or near the bottom in all categories. Meanwhile, his individual rank among quarterbacks remain better than half the league in touchdowns and interceptions with a cast of misfits.

The matter at hand, the protest.... was not because Kaepernick hates the troops or hates the military. He knelt during the National Anthem, in which he felt, in the anthem for a nation which turns its back on the black community. It was a hot topic of discussion regarding the mistreatment of african americans by law enforcement and by a society as a whole. That cannot be disputed. To say his protest, his efforts to raise awareness, were something other than the need for a nation to realize its own faults in unfairly treating a populous, is irresponsible. Those ignoring the message and pointing to the act directly are also ignoring the conversation. Ignorance is bliss.

But he has put his efforts beyond trying to invoke conversation on a national level to donating his own money and time to charitable efforts. Amongst his donations are contributions to healing and strategic planning retreat for California families who have lost loved ones to police violence, Urban Underground in Milwaukee, WI, Mothers Against Police Brutality, Black Youth Project, Gathering for Justice and Appetite for Change to name a few. He spent some of his first days of the off season donating clothes and books to shelters. He has donated money to Meals on Wheels and has worked directly with Love Army for Somalia to raise the money to deliver food and water to Somalia.

While Kaepernick is being denied the privilege of playing in the NFL and might not find himself on the winning side of another football game. He is winning at life by being selfless and helping those in need. His legacy in life will far surpass his legacy on the field. The efforts of Malcolm X, Muhammed Ali, and Martin Luther King Jr. weren't praised or appreciated during the times in which they were prevalent either. Yes, that comparison will draw ire... but yes.... that comparison is relevant.

For more on his efforts, and to assist in aiding his efforts for a better world, head to http://kaepernick7.com

Mobility Solutions- Discussion 2

Futbol, or soccer, is the most widely played and most popular sport in the world. For the US however, it is the youngest in regards to the fans and supporters (Broughton, 2014). In study done by Catalyst, an IMG Consulting Company, conducted a Sports Fan Engagement Study and found avid soccer fans in the United States are more likely to engage with brands aligned with their sport more than the other major leagues (Broughton, 2014). The study found that 84% of soccer fans had connected and taken action with a brand involved in the sport with 36% indicating they had actually purchased the product or service (Broughton, 2014). Having the youngest following might make it easier for the MLS to market and grow in the United States. Having a generation of fans that are growing up with social media, makes it clear that MLS must use social media in its marketing plans. The 2014 season saw a 220% increase in digital content consumption with Facebook and Twitter having their audience double (Broughton, 2014). Adidas has continued a “24 Under 24” digital campaign that has been embraced by fans over the last 5 years.

The 2014 FIFA World Cup also saw a large increase in use of mobile sports applications. ESPN, BBC sports and Eurosport saw a 300% increase in activity during game times (M2 Communications, 2014). These analytics showed a 200% increase in Facebook, Facebook Messenger, Instagram, Twitter, WhatsApp, Skype Chat and Viber during game time (M2 Communications, 2014). Network peak times changed from what they typically were, say during the evening times, to the times of the game. Yaniv Sulkes, AVP marketing at Allot Communications stated, “Our analysis of mobile traffic surrounding the World Cup games definitely showed us that it's all about the online experience...”. That is largely similar to the finding of the Catalyst study which found that social media was found as the primary source for sports information more often than newspapers, radio and magazines for a third straight year (Broughton, 2014).

Broughton, D. (2014). Soccer fans follow sponsors to social media. Retrieved from http://www.sportsbusinessdaily.com/Journal/Issues/2014/10/13/Research-and-Ratings/Sports -Fan-Engagement-Study.aspx

M2 Communications. (2014). Fan engagement via mobile sports apps up 300% during FIFA World Cup. Telecomworldwire (M2)

Mobility Technology and Marketing: Discussion 1

Smart phones have had the greatest single impact on mobility technology of the 21^st century. Cell phones grew and certainly changed the way people communicate with one another but once these devices became 'smart', it changed the way businesses and companies market and function. Smart phones have gone from having a 3G connection to an industry current best, 4G LTE (Long-Term Evolution) infrastructure (Kickham, 2012). The stronger and more dependable the network, the greater the capabilities are for consumers to be able to experience content while away from home. It seems to be that just about any commercial break on television is including at least one commercial for a cellular service provider claiming to have the best and most dependable network. The effort is warranted as cell phones are being produced with as much anticipation each year as there has been for any other product.

With the expanding LTE coverage across the nation, businesses need to begin to exercise mobile campaigns to reach the market of smart phone users. Social media is experienced via mobile devices and video content is streamed as well. Sports organizations live stream their content for mobile devices as well as deliver customized news alerts to users. While television contracts remain to be most important revenue source for sports leagues, mobile solutions are a growing need. While mobile capabilities might not over take television needs, there is a clear dissent for the raising prices of cable subscriptions due largely in part to the expensive sports subscription rates. Mobile devices allow for cable providers to be able to provide live content via a cable service subscription. This allows fans and consumers to view live content at work, on the road, at a party or anywhere else outside of their home.

Kickham, V. F. (2012). SMART PHONES AND TABLETS STILL DRIVE GROWTH. Electronic Design, 60(1), 90.

Questionnaire with Nick Hart of the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins

I would like to thank Nick Hart of the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins for his participation in this assignment. It is great insight on a new level from someone who is young and in the sports industry. 

What are your responsibilities and how do these responsibilities integrate with marketing and business objectives for the organization?

My responsibilities include: Providing game names, bios, and statistics to coaches, players, team and league officials, and media that attend Wilkes-Barre/Scranton home games. I am the primary point of contact for game credential requests and interview requests. I build relationships with our local reporters and serve as a liaison between the team and the media. Press releases and post-game recaps come through me. I am also the primary content provider for our game program, team website, and blog.

What methods of communications does the organization use to reach their publics and how they are effective?

Our team uses a wide distribution list for out press releases, game recaps, and media advisories to control the message surrounding our team. We also have a very strong social media presence, in addition to an active base of players dedicated to community outreach.

What are some examples of communications strategies you have used to achieve success and what were the results?

The communication strategy we have used most effectively is social media. We try and provide a bevy of content to our fans on Twitter, Facebook, and a team blog that covers news surrounding the Penguins organization at both the National and American Hockey League levels. On all of these platforms, we try and make our content as visible as possible and always inform readers/listeners where and how they can purchase tickets and team merchandise.

How has your public relations practice affected the reputation of the organization?

Our PR and New Media department has won awards as the American Hockey League’s best as recently as 2014-15. Since I have taken over, my goal has been to uphold the high standard set by my PR predecessors as well as the players on the ice for the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. While we are a minor league hockey team, we do not work to be “minor league”. We are big time, and we want the perception around the sports world to reflect that attitude.

How did you get to where you are today?

After studying journalism for four years in the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism at Ohio University, I got in contact with several minor league and junior hockey teams about filling potential broadcast positions within their organizations. After a series of close-but-no-cigar situations, an opportunity opened up with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins shortly before the season began. I believe building my résumé as much as possible in college with real-life experiences in broadcasting and print journalism buoyed my chances amid a quick interview process as the team tried to fill the position before the season began.

What advice would you give someone wanting to follow a similar path?

1. No experience is bad experience. Build your résumé as much as possible. Journalists and public relations professionals are expected to have a number of tools in their utility belt and cannot be one trick ponies, no matter how good that one trick might be. Do as many internships as possible, and if there is no professional organization at school for you to join to gain experience, do not be afraid to go off on your own and put in the work to build that résumé.

2. Network. Network as much as possible. The biggest reason I was able to get an interview with my current employer had NOTHING to do with how good or bad I was at my job. I was fortunate enough to know the General Manager of the team from previous work experience and he got me in the door for an interview. Do not be afraid to reach out to as many current professionals in your field of choice as much as you can, either. You may not get responses on 19-of-20 inquiries or so, but that one connection made could provide valuable insight or even build a professional relationship for the future.

3. Proof read more than you already do. I’ve been stunned by the number of intern applicants that submit writing samples to professional organizations that are littered with typos. Much of the PR field requires a laser-focus to detail, and a quick way to end up in the discard pile is with typos.

Which professional or organization would you recommend connecting with?

All of them. Like I said, you may not get responses on even half of your attempted connections, but those communications can never, ever hurt you.

What do you know now that you wish you would have known earlier in your career?

You think that you are prepared for the late nights and long hours, but can never ever truly be ready for the grind of a profession in pro sports and the toll it can take on your sleeping schedule and social life. It’s an adjustment that some can make easier than others, but no matter how much you convince yourself you can handle it, there will be times when you feel overwhelmed as you get used to life as a professional and the schedule and workload that comes with it.

Brief Video

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TO on FOX

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Get your POPCORN READY!!

TO IS BACK! I am back and around the sport I LOVE. I dominated on the field and I will dominate on the set as I am the newest member of the Fox Sports 1 NFL broadcast crew. My time in the NFL is well noted with my time I spent in the end zone. TO WITH THE TD!! But now it is TO ON THE TV. I know you're all as excited as I am. But maybe not, because I do love me some me.

But for real, TO is going to be revolutionizing the game of analyzing the game. I've been in the league and not only did I perform... I dominated! Fox Sports has always had a way of dominating with its studio shows and their expert analysis of the game. I couldn't be happier to join fellow Hall Of Fame members Michael Strahan and Jerome Bettis. Mike has tons of experience he can share and it will be invaluable. The BUS is an all time great and will definitely add to our expert panel of personalities.

There is no personality though, like that of TO! Except this... Regis Philbin is also going to be anchoring our crew!! How much fun is this going to be!! We are going to entertain and energize stuido analysis of the NFL. Everyone better be on notice for when TO is on! And all I can say is make sure you GET YOUR POPCORN READY!

UFC - Reebok turmoil

The UFC signed six-year deal with Reebok to be uniform provider for the sport. This would eliminate fighters have their own individual sponsors and partners. Fighters used to be paid by their own self promotion and self sponsoring efforts. Now, under Reebok, fighters do not have the ability to wear their own sponsorships on their trunks as they used to. Their pay as well is based off of a tier structure of experience and championship status. It is meant to benefit the best of the sport but makes it increasingly difficult for fighters just getting started that cannot make the money they were once able to because of their own personal sponsorships. The new pay scale isn't the only issue with Reebok's deal. Upon announcement of the deal, new replica kits were made available for purchase with many mistakes to them. Misspelled names and wrong nicknames were abundant. Fighters also had their birth names on the kits and not the names in which they fight under. UFC returned to Ireland for an event in October and Reebok released a shirt of a Map of Ireland that cut off Northern Ireland and caused an uproar over fans. Ireland has been one of the more demanding fan bases in part to the rise of Ireland star and champion Conner McGregor.

The deal has seemingly had more downs than ups. The fighters are limited to wearing only white or black kits for their fights. There is no individuality or unique nature to being a fighter anymore. Most fighters would have had to have seen losses financially due to the new pay structure implemented. I understand the reasoning behind having a uniform provider much like any other major sport has. But the UFC is different and was different. I'd still have made the deal with Reebok, but without the specifics it has now. Reebok could have provided the uniforms/kits, apparel and merchandise but keeping it unique to the fighter. Individual sponsorships that the fighters had could have been kept as long as it wasn't with a direct competitor to Reebok. Fighters wouldn't be seen with Reebok kits sporting Under Armour, Nike or Adidas branding. The trunks should have came with more variety options. The kits for fans should never have had the mistakes they did. Each fighter should have had a say in their name and design. The UFC was so coveted due to its one-of-a-kind nature. That nature was changed with Reebok but could have easily been avoided. More customization and variety between the roster and Reebok would make a big difference in the perception of the deal. Damage as been done, and Reebok needs to utilize the fighters in making a turn around.

The pay scale isn't the worst part of the deal even though it might be the most glaring. Fighters could have taken in as much money as sponsors could have wanted them to have. Instead, they are delegated to a pay scale for the first time. For the sacrifice and hard work that UFC fighters go through leading up to a fight. To walk out with a $2,500 payout after an event in embarrassing and an unneeded kick to the gut that they don't need. 17 of 22 fighters during an event in South Korea walked away with the minimum ($2,500). Fighter could easily come up with more sponsorship money other than that of which Reebok is paying. Reebok awards fighters when they fight. Sponsors would pay fighters to train and for social media promotion. Now fighters have to undertake other responsibilities away from training to earn a living since they can't fight every month. So taking away from their training, takes away from how well the fight, which takes away their income and hurts the potential of what the UFC should be.