NFL players and others accused of scalping tickets
Yankees get their McMahon. What in the name of the Brooklyn Dodgers?
Good morning, all! I hope your weekend is off to a terrific start!
From you can’t-make-this-up department comes word the NFL has fined several players for scalping tickets to the Super Bowl. What else do you call selling a ticket for more than face value?
According to the report, at minimum 100 players from about half the NFL’s 32 teams have been fined for selling their allotted Super Bowl tickets for more than they are worth. What penalties will those who were caught face? Good question:
The fine is 1 1/2 times the face value of the ticket
Players lose their ticket allotment to the next two Super Bowls
What happens if that player’s team makes the Super Bowl? Another good question.
Said player will be given opportunity to purchase tickets
What happens if a punished player refuses to pony up the fine money?
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell could impose a suspension on that player
The Super Bowl in question is the latest one between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs. You remember that one? The Super Bowl the Chiefs were supposed to three-peat? Wait a minute! Is three-peat a copyright description? Where’s Pat Riley when you need him?
According to the report, employees of some teams, along with a good number of players, contrived with ticket bundlers and ticket resellers. Yesh! Aren’t they making enough money? And what about the government? Wouldn’t they want to know? Aren’t there taxes involved?
Our initial investigation has determined that a number of NFL players and coaches, employed by several NFL Clubs, sold Super Bowl tickets for more than the ticket’s face value in violation of policy.
-Sabrina Perel, NFL chief compliance officer
The NFL claims it will enforce mandatory training on players, regarding ticket policy. This latest Super Bowl is what drew the NFL’s scrutiny. My question is: how many previous Super Bowls has this occurred? Inquiring minds want to know. Don’t expect an answer anytime soon. If anything, this ticket scalping story - and that’s what this is - is generating more questions than answers.
Yankees get their McMahon
Well, I’ve been writing all along in this newsletter the Yankees should acquire third baseman Ryan McMahon from the Colorado Rockies and they did just that on Friday. With the trade deadline six days away, the Bombers dealt two minor league pitchers for the former Gold Glove winner.
McMahon checks a lot of boxes for New York. He is only 30, is an upgrade defensively, brings power to a corner infield position (He has hit at least 20 homers in each full season since 2019) and is under contract through 2027. Broadcasting Hartford Yard Goats games, I remember Ryan being not only a solid all around player but a great person. I still recall a walk-off homer Ryan hit at Dunkin’ Park, before a packed house on a Friday night. He always had a flare for the dramatic.
Believe me, the Bronx is going to like McMahon. Defensively he is solid, and don’t let his .217 batting average fool you. Yes, “RyMac” got off to a slow start with the bat this season, but over his last 39 games, he has 10 home runs and an OPS of .817. He should also have more impact in the Yankees deeper lineup.
The Yankees still have work to do before Thursday’s trade deadline, and as I wrote on Friday, there are several players in their system who should be deemed “untouchable,” but the trade for McMahon is a major move that upgrades a position that needed it.
Here are some other stories that have caught my eye for Saturday, July 26, 2025:
The NFLPA is now under federal investigation. What in the name of Johnny Unitas is going on here? From the NFLPA head and number two person resigning, to the ticket scalping to now the story of this investigation into possible criminal activity, you shake your head with what’s happening. It doesn’t matter though. Fans love the NFL and it’s going to take a lot more than corruption to bring down this league with the fans.
I know they and MLB share the trademark, but there was something wrong about the Dodgers wearing Brooklyn Dodgers hats in Friday night’s game against the Red Sox at Fenway.
If you told me pitcher Luis Severino of the Athletics, might reunite with the Yankees, before the deadline, I might believe you.
Let’s have some fun. The Athletic writers posted on X Friday morning, one player from each organization who will be wearing a different uniform, after Thursday’s trade deadline. Here’s your scorecard:
It seems these days a stadium’s lifespan is less than three decades. The defending champion Philadelphia Eagles have been playing at Lincoln Financial Field since 2003, but now they are surveying fans on whether a new stadium for the team should be constructed. Why? What do you think? Money. Stadiums (or is it stadia?) built even two decades ago are out of date, when it comes to maximizing revenue. Whether you are talking football, baseball, pick your sport, it’s not just about attending the game, it’s about the experience of attending the game. If anything, the game is secondary. It’s all about drawing bodies to the ballpark to have a great time, which means getting those bodies to part with their disposable income. If a game breaks out in the process, so be it. That’s why the Eagles are looking at building a new stadium, even though the paint on the old one has yet to start peeling.
The Browns and Saints are 300-1 to win the Super Bowl. The Giants, Jets and Titans are 200-1 to win it, in case you’re thinking of placing a bet. Here are the odds for the Super Bowl at this much-too-early date.
Reading where the Rockies may call up Warming Bernabel today to replace McMahon. He is a great story. Once on the Rockies 40-man roster, Bernabel was dropped but stayed with the organization, after making it through waivers. Rather than sulk, Bernabel worked his butt off to hone his skills and become big league-ready. I know, because I saw him do it with the Yard Goats. Here is hoping for nothing but success for Warming.
Thank you for subscribing and have a terrific Saturday!
DAN