The NBA is defending its quest to receive part of the money that states or gambling companies take in as part of legal sports betting.
On Wednesday
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In a statement late Wednesday night, the NBA defended its position, saying its games are the foundation of what will be bet on.
”We will continue to collaborate with states on a regulated framework that ensures the protection of our fans and the integrity of our games,” NBA spokesman Mike Bass told The Associated Press. ”As the intellectual property creators for this content, our games serve as the foundation for legalized sports betting, providing casinos the ability to earn revenue off our games, while we bear all of the risk that accompanies sports betting and will incur additional expenses to expand our existing compliance and enforcement programs.
”As a result
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Many states vehemently oppose such payments, but some have shown a willingness to negotiate with the leagues.
Major League Baseball said in a statement Wednesday it will focus on ”developing meaningful partnerships” with state governments and betting operators. Representatives of the NHL and the NFL did not respond to requests for comment.
The NFL wants Congress to pass federal legislation regulating sports betting, which could include a determination on whether the leagues should get such payments.
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Follow Wayne Parry at The roster overhaul of the two-time defending AFC West champions began in earnest weeks ago, when the Kansas City Chiefs agreed to trade quarterback Alex Smith to the Washington Redskins.
It began for real on Wednesday.
That’s when the new league year ushered in a flurry of moves that could finally become official, including the blockbuster deal that sent Smith to the Redskins – where he had already agreed to a new contract – for cornerback Kendall Fuller and a third-round pick in this year’s draft.
”I have a tremendous amount of respect for Alex and what he was able to accomplish with us these past five seasons,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said. ”He put every ounce of energy into making our team better and I appreciate his leadership and how he came to work with the right attitude every day.”
The Chiefs also made official a trade of two-time Pro Bowl cornerback Marcus Peters to the Los Angeles Rams for a fourth-round pick this year and a second-round pick next year
http://www.dolphinsauthorizedshops.com/authentic-jason-sanders-jersey , and the signings of wide receiver Sammy Watkins and linebacker Anthony Hitchens to fill two of their biggest holes.
Among their own free agents, the Chiefs are bringing back fullback and special-teams standout Anthony Sherman and defensive tackle Jarvis Jenkins. They also put a sixth-rounder tender on defensive tackle Rakeem Nunez-Roches and non-tendered linebacker Ramik Wilson and cornerback Keith Baxter.
The 24-year-old Watkins agreed to a $48 million, three-year deal Tuesday that includes $30 million in guarantees. Watkins spent four injury-filled years with Buffalo before spending last season with the Rams, where he managed to stay healthy enough for the Chiefs to feel comfortable signing him.
At his best, Watkins is a potent playmaker with blazing downfield speed, and he should pair nicely with Tyreek Hill to give new quarterback Patrick Mahomes II plenty of options.
Throw in the emergence of running back Kareem Hunt, who led the NFL in rushing as a rookie last season
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The 25-year-old Hitchens, who likewise agreed to a $45 million, five-year deal on Tuesday, should fill Derrick Johnson’s old spot at middle linebacker alongside Reggie Ragland. Hitchens was a fourth-round pick who exceeded all expectations in Dallas, earning a contract in his first free agency.
Earlier this offseason, the Chiefs parted ways with franchise tackles leader Johnson and Tamba Hali
http://www.ravensauthorizedshops.com/authentic-lamar-jackson-jersey , who ranks second only to Derrick Thomas in career sacks. The veteran linebackers were let go along with safety Ron Parker, who had become a critical part of the defensive backfield – especially when star safety Eric Berry went down with a season-ending injury last year.
All of the offseason decisions, including the aggressive trades of Smith and Peters, have served two purposes for new general manager Brett Veach: get younger and save money.
The Chiefs’ rapidly aging defense was a particular concern last season, and bringing Hitchens and Fuller into the mix immediately lowers their average age. Throw in the potential rookies that they net with their new draft picks and the pieces are in place for a massively revamped unit.
”After a thorough evaluation of our roster we decided it was in the best interest for us and for Marcus to move in different directions,” Veach said of the embattled cornerback, whose immature antics rubbed many the wrong way. ”We appreciate Marcus’ contributions and wish him the best of luck.”
Veach also inherited a salary cap mess from former GM John Dorsey
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The money the Chiefs freed up allowed them to aggressively target Watkins and Hitchens, and thus filled two of their most pressing needs the moment free agency began.
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