Warriors land a rush end
UH’s football defense is getting more athletic.
Jahlani Tavai of California’s Mira Costa High has pledged to accept a UH football scholarship and compete at rush end.
Tavai said he is 6-3, 235 pounds and can run 40 yards in 4.65 seconds.
Tavai also is a skilled volleyball and rugby player.
Tavai played tight end and nose tackle at Mira Costa. But with his first-step quickness, agility and strength, Tavai projects as a stand-up end/linebacker for the Rainbow Warriors.
One of his brothers plays for USC, another for Kansas.
Here are his highlights: Tavai videos
* * * * * *
The volleyball Rainbow Warriors opened training camp this morning.
Here’s Siki Zarkovic:
Former UH setter Curt Vaughan is serving as a volunteer coach:
* * * * *
Every year, there are glaring omissions to UH’s Circle of Honor.
What’s missing this year is the entire 2013 class.
The Circle will not have any inductees in 2013.
UH had wanted to follow the plan of the past three years in which inductees would be introduced during a Rainbow Wahine volleyball match one night and the homecoming football game the next night. But the Wahine were not in town during UH’s homecoming weekend.
A UH spokesman said the selection committee will meet in January, with the hope of introducing the new class during the 2014 spring semester.
First!
1st?
Shucks.
But, good morning, anyhow!
ppj2 . . .
When are you going to Costco?
Bwah-ha-ha-ha-ha!
Not a fan of the SA’s hard copy this morning, advertisement on the front. Times change. In the old days, the paperboys on the street corner would show the headlines as they sell their papers. There are still paperboys on the corner though, but in today’s world, I guess advertisement sells papers.
wafan, are you home now?
Off to golf.
Will the Nogas ever will be in “The Circle”.
Some committee is still being formed to investigate the feasibility of commissioning a preliminary study to form an investigative committee of non-interested and over paid minions . . .
ppj2 . . .
Yes. Been waiting at Costco!
Good morning Tsaikos!
Happy last Aloha Friday of 2013!
Papajoe:
Not sure if anybody else will be admitted.
It costs money to make the plaques, fly in the inductees, hold a luncheon. As we know, UH has no money.
Ok. I can do the plaques for free. How about we make a potluck at the Sherrif. For this year we induct former players who happen to live on the island. Lets star Noga… Can?
A-Joe:
Sounds good.
AL NOGA SHOULD HAVE BEEN INDUCTED INTO THE CIRCLE OF HONOR LONG AGO. There really is no excuse for him not being included as he was a FIRST TEAM AP ALL-AMERICAN for the UH football team and yet, there are others inducted before him that really is a joke. UH is bias and discriminatory and I find no reason they could use for not including him in their circle of honor. CAN ANYONE FROM THE UH or from the general public tell me or give me one good excuse why he was not included in the first or second year inductees in the Circle of Honor. The UH and the organizations that comprise this Circle of Honor is a joke….nothing more and nothing less. Oh, I am asian american so i have no connection to any Samoan or Al Noga, in particular, except that I admired his play on the football field which I find lacking in today’s players.
Lets have our own election here. Can someone write a press release? ST, can you handle the media coverage? Lets invite Ben Jay, key dignitaries, elected officials and big donors, all of which to thank them for their continued support of the program.
Al doesnt count for Niko too, eh? Lets get Niko in there.
Hossana- how about we as fans take over the COH and instill pride and dignity into it. Can?
Niko was a great player.
We need to find footage of the opening for the Dick Tomey Show.
Who was No. 40 for UH in 1982?
I was watching an old Dick Tomey Show video, and No. 40 was a kick-butt blocker.
I go try ask Kekaula fo ask whats his name at KHON fo dig through their archives. Or Kekaula can ask da kine for check his stash at K5. Somebody gotta have that photage of Niko sprinting the 40 during practice towards the camera in slow motion. That braddah was a specimen in that clip.
18. David Toloumu.
Sometimes it feels like we are witnessing the slow and agonizing death of UH athletics. I imagine that lack of funds is what precludes ceremonies like the Circle of Honor inductions. But all human systems, be they families, cultures or athletic departments, need their rituals and ceremonies. Without them they begin to wither and die.
If the vision of our slow demise has truth to it then it is easy to blame those who currently are involved. And of course they do hold responsibility. But I think it is much more complicated and systemic. College athletics is now a very big money business with very big influences involved. Even if we had the will to compete (business wise) at that level I’m not sure how successful we could be. From my distant perspective I don’t think we have the will to compete and that lack of commitment will reflect itself on the playing field in whichever sport we are talking about.
Perhaps I am just being a “debbie downer” about this but paradoxically it gives me more appreciation for the people who are involved in UH athletics and their willingness to try and make it work despite the obstacles. Texas will have no problem recruiting a great new head coach as they have the resources to do it. We will, of necessity, be looking for a great new DC at bargain rates. We may be able to find one and I hope we do. But I don’t think it is an easy task.
For me all this boils down to the urgent need for the football team to have a resurgence next year. Without this I think we are toast.
From past experience.
Nominations can be submitted by anyone to the Athletic Director for consideration of induction to the Circle of Honor
Nominations must have a 1-2 page ‘background’ on qualifications/rationale for induction
Nominations are give to the Circle of Honor committee for vetting (I never could find out who served on this committee)
Suddenly names are given out to the media as concerns recipients
#18 st
Are you sure it wasnt 1981? 40 was david toloumu.
A-Joe:
can give some financial support for your idea!
A Joe et al,
I can request the use of the Letterwinners Club facility to hold a fundraiser for
Circle of Honor logistical costs.
Donated food and beverage is OK; if alcohol is served then Letterwinners will need to contact food service on campus and hire a bartender. I will take care of the paperwork on this if it is a viable option
Ideas? Coordination?
21. Fan. Can we count on you to write bios on players nominated? You have great writings skills that can be used.
My child went to a college in the midwest. Their football team was terrible all of her years there and beyond. They have an on campus stadium and their practice field is surrounded by a high fence with drapes that are pulled when practice is closed. Their athletic complex is huge.
How do they get the dollars to support their athletics, win or in this case, lose, lose, lose? I believe that from the president on down, they work on donors to the school and it shows. There are names of companies/individuals on buildings and just about everything.
This school is not in a metropolis but out there is a fairly small community. Oh, and it is a land grant school, just like UH.
The community must embrace the institution. The institution must embrace its community. If this does not happen, even winning football teams will not bring donors. In my opinion, UH has done little to embrace the community and thus, the lack of financial support.
#22:
why so secret on who are the members of the COH selection committee? maybe they don’t want to bombarded by people for their lack of initiative!
also, finally put 2 + 2 and figured out who sent me the “coupons” from Kailua – always first to arrive at my office – thanks!!!
Don- Awesome! Simply awesome!
A-House dubbo awesomes!!!
#27:
you have a very valid point – unfortunately, you would be hard pressed to find some “top executive” who is willing to kick start and continue to fuel this idea – they, upper campus, may not acknowledge the community as a strong supporter of UH and its state wide system and may not even has the “knoxies” to do such a ground roots support system.
they are looking for the “big” donations to get the publicity – they may not cherish the concept of “all for one and one for all”
27. Buffoman- great story and insights. How do you envision we as fans implementing your ideas at UH. Admin not going do um. But with you taking the lead, I know we can do it!
GOOD MORNING HAWAII!
#25…if this gets done, please put a shout out ahead of time so can cook up some grinds.
We all can make a difference. Rather sit back, complain and wait for change to happen, lets step up and do something about it.
We’ve got awesome fans here on this blog that, given the chance, would kick some serious ass support for UH. Already the few that have posted here I’ve seen your bodies of work in support for UH first hand. I know your words are Golden.
Well now time to pound mochi tomorrow…..my back sore already just thinking about 700+ pounds of that white gooey stuff to make but….
34. NSF- yeeeeeeehaww!! Mahalo, my friend! Most definitely!
the administration?….fo get about them…dey all scade take da lead…too much paper, time and kala fo dem to do dis….da peeps can do cause no need rules…and no mo attitude..
700! Dayum!!! Thats some serious poundage!!
Incredible morning, tommui!!
26. A-joe…..thanks for the compliment…..my writing might be too depressing!
Morning Tsaikos.
I know half this board loves Maple Garden–Today’s Groupon special has 50% off voucher available for purchase.
happy birthday to my right hand guy, lefty!
700#’s is two tsaikos or three skinny ones.
No circle this year, so sad. Priorities all hemajang.
Lots of Al Noga talk this morning. I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s hired as a UH defensive coach shortly. Looks like he was auditioning for it last year. Not sure what his coaching background is but I’m sure someone will post it.
Happy Birthday to chawan’s almost twin, Lefty!
The new HPD recruit class graduates tonight and includes 2 former UH football players. Anybody know who they are?
A-Joe, A-House, Don Weir, ST, et. al. – you guys are totally awesome for trying to put this together and to keep the COH going. A few people can make a big difference. I’m only sad that it’s come to this. I think it’s pathetic that the state can accumulate a surplus of $844 million on the backs of state employees and they claim to have no money to support UH Athletics. Many of those that work in the UH Athletic Department sacrificed their pay. I think that some of that surplus should go back to the Athletic Department. Everyone is so short sighted in this state. You either pay today, or pay tomorrow.
A-Joe, A-House, Don Weir, ST, et. al. – you guys are totally awesome for trying to put this together and to keep the COH going. A few people can make a big difference. I’m only sad that it’s come to this. I think it’s pathetic that the state can accumulate a surplus of $844 million on the backs of state employees and they claim to have no money to support UH Athletics. Many of those that work in the UH Athletic Department sacrificed their pay. I think that some of that surplus should go back to the Athletic Department. Everyone is so short sighted in this state. You either pay today, or pay tomorrow.
Glock’s rule.
Good morning everyone!
Happy Birthday Lefty !!!
a.k.a. Lakerj32.
Good Morning Gangeez! 😉
Jimmmmyyyy! Long time no see. How’s The Lock doin’?
Too bad about the Circle of Honor. Nuff said.
Happy Birthday Lefty!
I am a UH athletic fan and alum. I believe that the UH’s problem goes beyond the woes we are all close to in the athletic department.
The years of neglect when it comes to ongoing maintenance of existing facilities has created a monster of an issue with the bill to pay for the accumulated deferred maintenance bill, that is coming due. Over 1/2 billion and counting. People at upper campus have been asleep at the wheel when it comes to the proper management of the entire institution.
Donors do not ante up for decaying structures, they support ongoing entities. The athletic department woes are simply a by-product of the lack of management of the overall institution.
When an institution is well managed, all aspects of it are embraced. The UH athletic department is, at time looked upon as a bastard child; something that is draining dollars from the system. Athletics is a part of the overall student experience and needs to be supported as such, not just financially. You don’t get that at UH. When was the last time you say the President regularly attend athletic events and mingle with the students? There is little if any connection.
There may be a time when the distance could be okay, but when the institution is struggling for an identity and place in the community as it appears UH may currently be experiencing, it may be wise to see the upper administration more as a “we” and less as an “I”, if they want more support for their community. Leadership is more than a title, it is an ongoing action.
#18-ST David Toloumu was a beast, opening holes for tailback Gary Allen. I think gobows is right, it may have been ’81. In ’82 Toloumu was with the Atlanta Falcons. Drafted in the 7th round #176 overall.
Da Punchbowl Kid, the lock is fine.
Trying to get in shape, I’d be perfect height/weight if I was 9 ft. tall.
Also took an IQ test and the results were negative.
UH is the biggest catalyst for diversifying Hawaii’s economy. Investment in UH should be a priority.
MY WILD GUESS IS THAT THE UPPER ADMIN PULLED A “BERNIE MADOFF”.
How can UH not have any money? I thought Ben Jay went ax all his friends fo send him money? What? Nobody went respond? Yikes times 10.
You know who should be inducted into the Hall of Honor? Sumting Wong, because something is wrong with this whole process.
Yes agree Al Noga should be in there. Our only AP All America and a good person. What else you like? I did injury reports for UH Sports Information as a student assistant when Al was playing and he would always make a great play, then go to one knee, and we would think he was injured.
Then he’d get up, run off the field, go back in and then make another great play, then do the same thing again…lol.
I still remember the first time I saw Niko in the office – brother was chiseled from granite.
Back then, Stan Sheriff was the AD, Dick Tomey was the coach and these guys were men’s men, fair and tough. And UH could hang with anybody.
But today, Sumting Wong.
In other news, Boise State announced that assistant head coach/linebackers coach Bob Gregory will not be retained. Also, offensive coordinator and receivers coach Robert Prince will not be part of coaching staff.
http://blogs.idahostatesman.com/source-prince-gregory-wont-be-part-of-bryan-harsins-boise-state-football-staff/
There must be some folks who are responsible for inducting former players in the UH COH must have some personal issues against the Nogas. That’s the only thing I can think of as being the reason.
#59 – Well said. This whole demise started when Stan Sheriff passed away.
Good morning, gang!
Sad state of affairs when the Circle of Honor tradition is not supported.
ST, is there truly nothing being done, or is it that the UHAD office is behind on organizing this? It is probably true, as people are speculating, that the lack of funds may be affecting this expenditure.
Don Weir: Do you think the UHAD would allow you guys to organize the fund raising?
Have a Happy Aloha Friday, all.
Fan- bwahahahahaaa! I’m sure you can do it! Most definitely!
Biggestuhfan- with your help we can make this effort moa awesome!!
Buffoman- I’m digging your insight n vision. Let us know how together, we all can turn things around and make this happen. We’ve got some really good fans here that are passionate about UH and would love to have a hand at making a positive difference.
DPK- how you Hawaiian! I going in your braddah’s neighborhood tmrw pounding mochi.
SteveM- howzit bull!
Aloha Slugger!!
Manoa Mist- awesome recollection about Noga. You gotta share more of these stories. Its these little moments of history that never get documented.
Thought it was interesting…..Hawaii Bowl gives out $150,000 to NPO’s….
UH Womens Basketball team, Na Koa, UH Alumni, Koa Anuenue and other UH
organizations were in line Wednesday to get their cheques….REALLY???…don’t
think I ever saw that before in previous years…..Ben Jay must have submitted paper
work…..You hire a BEAN COUNTER and he is counting beans….that’s for sure….LOL
#44 jtl
if a skinny tsaiko is around 230, what is st? he doesn’t look anywhere near 200.
A-joe –
Stop by da farm and say howzit if you like!
gobows, buff? fit? big-boned? long distance runner? triathlete? zumba master? yoga yogi? blessed with good genes? tsaiborg?
😯
60…how ironic that they are just what we need.
#22 Don Weir. What are the criteria for someone to be nominated for the COH? It would seem that it be about our former athletes, coaches, ADs and the like , but what about others who have made some kind of impact to our sports program? Currently I am thinking about Jim Becker, a former columnist for the SB. My story here is that for many years Hawaii’s fight song was played top the tune of “Minnesota Hats off to Thee”! It was Becker however who wrote a scathing criticism of that and I’m sure it embarrassed the UH Band and Cheering squad to no end…..and also our students in the cheering section. Changes had to be made and I don’t know just what they went through. Today you will not hear that being played when we score at our football games or at any of our other events as well. In another matter, he wrote about attending a football game and noticed many local fans going there to cheer BYU the visiting team. Obviously they were local Mormons. He questioned some of them as to why they were rooting for the other team and not the Rainbows? So the reply was “don’t make a religious issue out of it”. That remark ticked him off so in his next column he wrote about that incident in saying “WHO was making a religious issue out of it”? Now as for me I can never forget that. Local Mormons will still cheer their beloved BYU but you will never ever hear “Minnesota …..what the hell was that song again”? Today its our own Rainbow fight song at the sporting events. Buffoman just previously wrote something about an identity struggle. This makes me thing more deeply about the past in UH football. I don’t know anything else about Becker. I never met the man and wouldn’t know whether he is still alive today or not. Well anyway I wouldn’t know how to write a 1-2 page nomination. Who the hell am I do jus that? Well anyway GO RAINBOW WARRIORS!
Again… mr. john burns… mr frank fasi…if these guys were around..it would get done…for sure..
We got a abercrombie n a caldwell..no support…. and a us president…wonder if he can scrounge sum kala for this wonderful endeavor… invite him he hev he pot luck.. wonder what he bring…with a few phone calls ..he can get a million.. where is our governor…he can n should put this into the presidents ear before he leaves…do nothing abercrombie…oops..do nothing for uh sports…maybe he will have the rotc bldg toasted.. for sum kala.. n like nero.. watch.. maybe even sell tickets..ton a fund raising bon fire huh???
IMUA
ST and 55, if I recall correctly, in 1982 Reggie Young was the fullback for AE (anthony edgar), and, I think, was # 40.
I believe that the responses on this blog to A-Joe’s suggestion is reflective of “upper campus” and Hawaii nei in general – lots of wha ha , but no ‘beef”
criticism? or fact/truth?
does it hurt? perhaps, depending on which side of the fence you’re on
In general, the UH system is not in great financial health. While recently, there has been significant growth in funded research activities, that has been offset by only minimal growth in tuition revenues and a basic flat line of legislative appropriations. Summarily, the total share of state funding, via appropriation, has declined profoundly over the years.
This assertion is supported by the findings of UHERO. So, while federal funding has become a boon for research dollars. Furthermore, between 1993 and 2007 there was an approximate increase of 78% in tuition, however the major funding source, state appropriations, increased only 7% or a nominal growth rate of 0.9 annually. To place this in the appropriate context, a similar growth rate for federal contracts was closer to 8%.
In fact, during this time period, something historic occurred–state appropriations were always the biggest source of funding–they were taken over by federal contracts/grants 36-33%. Also, systemically, UH use to chronically over-fund for its activities, however starting in the mid 2000s, they started to underfund, in the tens of millions of dollars, those same activities. This is important, as peer universities in the same level of UH, never underfunded there institutions.
In short, either the state ante up much larger dollars, or tuition needs to be on a significant incline path–there are no other feasible options.
ME NOT AGREE WITH ST.. DOES NOT take much plane fare.. just the cost of a limo to pick up al n niko… start with those two.. then go from there next year… ne one here think they are not deserving…to be in that circle ???
maybe sum one will donate the limo..
what about ms. hanabusa.. don’t u think she would give 1,000.00..to this endeavor..or her opponent..ne one know her..or her chairman for her campaign…. n that other dude.. work the phones there..ne one know riley in vegas.. give him a call n see if he give 100 bucks..or rich miano.. maybe 50 4 him he he he..see how it works..if all the saikos get on the phone n make one or two calls..it be a done deal…
Slugger,
We can put on a fundraiser. Prior to this I would want to see the account, either in UH Athletics or UH Foundation (without their % taken out), so we would know where the $$ reside.
1. Create a circle of honor account.
2. Deposit all $$ from fundraiser to this account
3. Now the big question ‘who controls disbursements from his account?’
Inexcusable, there are a bunch of incompetent people up there making these decisions, or should I say indecisions.
My take, the longer you wait to fill staff openings the pickings will be very slim, unless the selected people are still working on teams still on bowl teams.
So, where’s the quarterback that we need?
boolakanaka should be uh president. one smart buggah. came all da way from da bottom.
maybe he too smart.
auwe, we wasn’t talking about one new president. sorry.
kifi…kind of you to say, but halawa is god’s time share in Hawai’i–lol. Plus, the only president I want to have, are dead presidents…
Al Noga suffers from mild dementia. If he is not recognized soon SHAME ON UH!
Effects of concussions?
84–Mos def. Football is modern day gladiators, that until recently, most in the professional ranks, e.g. the NFL, denied the presence of an alarming and persuasive presence of long-term impaired cognitive function for many of its ex-players. For a guy, like Al, who played fiercely in the trenches, there is no doubt, those thousands of hit, have taken their toll.
With all due respect to Al who was awesome, I think Niko was even better! I’m all for both Nogas to be inducted together.
wafan 7: hehehe
Say Aloha to the last Aloha Friday in 2013! Who’s Tirsty!!!
Niko is disabled also. Both are long overdue.
#85…so sad that a big organization like the NFL was complicit in covering up the research into the condition. The thousands of great NFL players were suffering so much and instead of helping they tried to cover up.
Now as I watch a game I really see the injuries to the players in a different light.
As you say they are gladiators.
Let’s throw in Petelo just for being an all around fun guy!
Not sure what he was like in the past, but Al Noga today is a humble man appreciative of the opportunities he received from Dick Tomey.
The modern day “Gladiators” of the NFL also make 2, 3, …times more money than most people make in a life time. They also are allowed to retire within 5 years or thereabouts.
I’m sure they were aware of the risks of possible injury when their multi-million dollar contracts were signed. I believe the team also covers injuries incurred.
So…who is to blame for injuries? The NFL who pays millions of dollars to the player…or…the player who chose money over knowing the possible risk of serious injury?
This is debatable.
Imua Rainbow Warriors!!!
#92-Yes , it’s debatable. My only concern is that the Nogas be recognized for their contribution to UH football.
Please welcome … Jahlani Tavai
Welcome to the Warrior ohana Mr.Tavai
Was being looked by SC…..but was never offered…..and then apparently got lost in the shuffle with the coaching change there.
Mira Costa (Manhattan Beach) HS definitely better known for its volleyball…..than its football.
Good to see that……UH recruiting ties to the South Bay area (Coach’s backyard) still active.
Jahlani, a big welcome to the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors!
We look forward to seeing you play in Aoha Stadium!
Quite a few DE commits already.
That is ALOHA STADIUM.
Is it just me or is each successive DLine commit getting quicker (based on their videos)?
This DLine could be wicked in a couple years… Hopefully there’s a quality guy pressing the buttons starting this spring.
One guy who’s gonna have some fun this next year is S&C coach Beemer. He’s got way better athletes to work with now.
Good to see commits on the D side even though we don’t have a DC and after a one win season.
I wonder if this latest commit is tied to the coach who could be our next DC?
#92…yes a very debatable subject. Although some players get paid millions each year, the average stay would be like about 5 years.
Sadly, many end up broke or bankrupt because of a serious lack of good money management skills or advice…but a spot on a NFL roster is the dream of many a young man.
As a coach stated….”we want to recruit players who want to play at the next level”….
The NFL is no different from any large ENTERTAINMENT corporation.
At the end of the day, its only and has only been about business.
The corporation has their “products” i.e players and they must push those products accordingly to the consumer.
It really is as simple as that.
“Hall of Fame”
“Conference Championships”
“Super Bowl”
All props to give their products substance.
Welcome to the Warrior ohana, Mr. Tavai.
Volleyball! I can’t wait. First game is Thursday vs Thompson Rivers U of Canada.
#96,
Could Tavai’s commit mean that……Coach O might actually be in the mix for DC?
92–Sorry, as both a former player and an attorney I have to respectfully disagree. First, some of your information is a tad off base. One, players are eligible for a minimum NFL pension only after 3.9 year season of being on a active roster. There are a number of factors that make it more difficult for our Footballer to retire. Sports Illustrated estimates that almost 80% of NFL Players are broke three years after retirement. How can such a lucrative career end in bankruptcy?
NFL players, on average, make the least out of any professional sports organization. Your average NBA player makes a cool 5 Million dollars per year while your average NFL player makes 1.9 Million dollars per year. These numbers are generous in that the highest earners skew the average. A more indicative number is the median salary for an NFL player: $770,000.
Part of the problem that NFL players face is that their careers are very short compared to the average desk job worker. They might have a retirement that’s 50 years long. When you combine this with the average 3.5 year career of a player, you can see the problem they’re facing.
The NFL is an organization that rewards the number of active seasons in both their pension and 401k plan. The pension, which players become eligible for at age 55, gives them $470/month for each season they played. A player with 4 seasons would get $1880/month starting at age 55, for the rest of their life. However, each year inflation is eating away the value of those pension dollars.
The 401k is structured more generously. After their second season, players can receive 2:1 matching up to $24,000 until 2014, and $28,000 after that until 2020. Without careful management, they still might come up short of the goal.
To have a bit more narrative on the recent lawsuit for brain injuries, one needs to understand a couple of points, first:
On what grounds did the former players sue?
The case against the NFL alleged that it had willfully misled its players over the long-term impact of head injuries. The former players’ argument was founded in part on the actions of the MTBI, whose representatives had continued to reject the evidence linking brain trauma to CTE.
What was the league’s defence?
In the first instance, the league simply argued that these lawsuits did not belong in court. Its lawyers contended that the matter should instead be settled through private arbitration, claiming that the process for resolving such grievances was laid out in the collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) that the plaintiffs had signed up to during their playing careers.
The argument was layered. Players had signed different agreements, depending on the years of their employment. There was also a case to be made that the various CBAs covered some grievances, but not others.
How does the settlement break down?
The fine details are yet to be worked out, but broadly speaking, the settlement breaks down as follows:
• $675m will be paid out to former players who have suffered cognitive injuries, as well as in some cases their families. The exact pay-outs will vary for each individual, and be determined by independent doctors and fund administrators agreed upon by both sides. Any compensation will not affect the existing benefits to which they are entitled under the CBA.
• Up to $75m will be provided for baseline medical exams; $10m will go into a research and education fund; Up to $4m will be used to cover plaintiffs’ costs of notice; Up to $2m will be used to cover costs of the Settlement Administrator; The plaintiffs’ legal fees will be covered, once determined by the court.
So, who won?
That depends who you ask. The NFL will certainly be delighted with this deal because it states clearly that, despite making these payments, they are not accepting liability or admitting that the plaintiffs’ injuries were caused by football. Effectively they have been able to make the problem go away without formally conceding any guilt. Crucially, they have also avoided the airing of any private documents that might have emerged in an open court case.
In the end, $765m is also a manageable hit for the league to take. The NFL had revenue of more than $9bn last year, and is able to spread some of the costs associated with this trial out over the next 17.
On the other hand, the former players will know that any lawsuit would likely have dragged out over several years – delaying them access to these funds and without any guarantee of a positive outcome. Furthermore, they have scored a victory for those friends and team-mates who were reluctant to file lawsuits of their own. It is not only named plaintiffs who will have access to the fund for players who have suffered cognitive injuries.
Next big Q–is this the end of it?
Not necessarily. The settlement is still pending formal court approval, and there may well be objections and appeals raised by some plaintiffs. This case, furthermore, only covers grievances against the NFL. A separate case involving former college students suing the NCAA over its handling of brain injuries will continue to play out over the coming months. Bottom line to all of this, is what is the degree of knowledge that the NFL was privy to in the last 30 years; it appears like a whole bunch….
O-line, QB, and a middle linebacker. We need a few strong young men to fill these roles.
110, the NFL panel of so called “experts” who set about to refute the research that was and is being done on CTE were a bunch of “highly unqualified” or biased individuals. I refuse to acknowledge them as “doctors”. (doctors is supposed to work to remedy illness and not cover up/deny facts).
To hide behind a CBA on something as critical as this issue, imho, is inhumane. A good thing is that hopefully, new research will not be stifled and maybe the NFL could even get on board and help with the research.
We owe it to a lot of NFL greats to see this through. Seau, Webster, etc…
Amazing how Chow and his staff finds these guys. Jahlani’s hi-lights are pretty damn impressive. Hope he sticks come signing day! He will contribute for many years to come. One of the tv stations had an interview with Kaumeyer when he was released and interestingly he said one of the goals of this staff was to make sure the program’s demise would not be so swift when they left because they would make every effort to stock the cupboards so the program wouldn’t fall so quickly. It seems they are doing just that. Good job coaches. The Chow haters better hope he losses a bunch next year because if not I can see him being here for the next five to ten years. I for one see a definite change in the type of recruits being pursued and if Chow’s vision is what I think it is I suspect he hopes to someday field a team that can indeed compete at a high level.
Welcome, Mr. Tavai!!
Boise State’s linebackers coach Bob Gregory will not be retained by new HC Brian Harsin. Gregory has DC experience at Cal from 2002 – 2009 when the Bears had a decent teams.
http://broncosports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/bob_gregory_843436.html
#113 turfwar~ I really hope you are right on Chow finding these guys, but every year, we all get excited about the new recruits, thinking that next year we will kick ass. Yet, there are some players that don’t even qualify academically or it just doesn’t pan out. It’s great that we are getting these guys but only time will tell.
#110- Very interesting and informative!
Always remember most all the other D1 programs r thinking the same hopeful thoughts regarding their recruits…
#110…By taking the median figure of $770,000 per year, the NFL player would be making $3,465,000 in 3.5 years.
In comparison, the median paid worker makes $50,000 per year or $175,000 in 3.5 years. If the median worker continued to work for 50 years, he/she would only make $2,310,000, still $1,155,000 shy of the NFL player’s 3.5 years playing time.
How much more income would the NFL player make in 46.5 more years of employment in equaling the time of employment of the median worker?
If 80% of NFL players are broke 3 years after retirement as you’ve stated, then it’s nobodies fault but their own. All of us have to budget our money to survive. We have to live within our means.
The debate continues with the NFL but Although I believe the NCAA and High School Sports Associations are responsible for the usage and protection of safety equipment, the debate continues with the NFL.
Welcome Mr. Tavai to the warrior ohana.
Imua Rainbow Warriors!!!
#118 sorry…5th paragraph/remove, “The debate continues with the NFL but”
#118-Many would say professional athletes are way, way over compensated!
Hope we have a JC QB in the mix…
Great looking recruit. Welcome to Warrior Nation. Today is the first day I’m getting excited about speculations about the DC position. The wait is killing me. My mind is following a lead deep in the rabbit hole. First Trinity High (happy players lead to referrals and future players), a former Navy Seal, now some PAC-12 “evaluated” talent coming to play. Our D is loading up. Football season is really 365 days a year.
Yes, would love to see a JC QB recruited to make sure we are covered. QB is the biggest factor in football.
118….A couple of add on points in regards to NFL players and their plight. Now, when you factor in that while white men in the United States on average live to age 78 and African-American men to about 70, “it appears that professional football players in both the United States and Canada have life expectancies in the mid- to late-50s,” Harvard researchers wrote in a summary of their project.
So, even if one were to play the requisite amount of years (4) to obtain a pension, most will only receive a couple of years of benefit. What we are actually talking about, is that these men, who do not have any secured contracts (btw, these contracts are very different from those in MLB and NBA) pay the way for the huge revenues that league makes, which is now in the billions. Despite that, there has been obvious duplicity on the part of the league to one, acknowledge the existence of chronic brain injury, and two, a conscription not to pay for those injuries.
When you stack those facts that most players will not make it to receive their benefits, which they have paid into, with blood and treasure, their situation reminds me of the Newport tobacco case and the black community. The internal documents revealed previously inaccessible evidence about the ways Big Tobacco marketed cigarettes, targeted specific populations, and sought to deny the dangers of smoking. Big Tobacco’s targeting of Black populations reveals much about how these companies perceived African Americans and the strategies they used to create and maintain Black smokers. Tobacco marketing has of course always targeted different demographic groups, and used a variety of strategies.
While Blacks had the freedom to either smoke and/or not smoke, when there is a covert and sustained effort to gain their market share, via both advertisements and addictive chemicals, it makes it an uneven and moreover unethical playing field.
Again, players are rewarded while they play, but lest us not forget that after taxes and agents fees, they make about just have that amount in net. If they are to take great risk for our viewing pleasure, they should at least know ALL of the risks, and those risks should be appropriately compensated for in way of sufficient and sustained healthcare.
Nice to see some size and speed added to the D with Mr. Tavai….also according to one blog Will Gregory interested in a return…..hope it occurs…pretty good stock of developing RB’s, Iosefa, Lakalaka, Wily, St. Juste….this would be a plus along with Riggins….Good News…Go Warriors
Good morning!
Dave Shoji Returning…..Let’s Go Bows!
Happy Tavai picked the Warriors. Be happy people!
Aloha kakahiaka.
Good to hear the possibility of Will Gregory returning.
Imua Rainbow Warriors!!!
Will Gregory is now enrolled in classes at Mt. San Antonio College in Walnut, Calif. Gregory was expelled from UH after the fall, 2012 semester for repeatedly breaking campus housing rules.
He initially had hopes to return to school at UH and rejoin the football team, but in a phone interview last week said that is no longer the case.
“No, I don’t see that happening,” said Gregory, who rushed for 691 yards and three touchdowns last year as a second-year freshman for the Warriors.
Gregory said he doesn’t know yet if he will remain at Mt. SAC to play football this fall. His uncle, former UH assistant coach George Lumpkin, said he’s looking at other options for Gregory.
“We’re not sure right now,” Lumpkin said today. “We’re looking at some other (junior colleges), too. “Possibly Mt. SAC, possibly somewhere else.”
If Gregory earns an associate’s degree he could play Division I football again.
When I asked Lumpkin if he thought Gregory might return to UH at some point in his college football career, he echoed his nephew.
“No,” Lumpkin said. “Not at all.”
http://quickreads.staradvertiserblogs.com/2013/07/08/will-gregory-says-he-wont-be-back/
#130 Doesn’t appear WG will return. Mahalo for the info.
Imua Rainbow Warriors!!!
That’s a very old article written before Gregory played at Mt. Sac. I think Reardon’s article is more current and accurate. It’s a long haul as to whether Gregory will regain admittance to the UH, but its nice to know he wants to come back and make amends.
So if Huskie coach is found guilty will it affect what their program? Some say it may be a reason why the Sark is going after Orgeron.
http://www.latimes.com/sports/college/usc/la-sp-1219-usc-washington-recruit-20131219,0,2217807.story#axzz2onUEVAZb