What Happens When the Cheering Stops? Organizing Nostalgic Groups of Athletes and Examining Rights of Publicity of Retired Athletes

This course is a continuation of the program entitled "What Happens When the Cheering Stops? Rights of Publicity Issues and Other Practical and Legal Considerations for Retired Athletes" and expands upon the foundation of the issues discussed. 

The program features a discussion of the significance of the landmark case Shamsky vs. Garan with special guest and the named plaintiff in the case, Art Shamsky, a member of the 1969 Miracle Mets. 

If you are a baby boomer and a sports fan, who can forget Curt Gowdy’s call of the last out of the 1969 World Series: “The Mets are the World Champions! Jerry Koosman is being mobbed. Look at this scene.” Similarly, which sports fan doesn’t get goose bumps when they hear Al Michael's call of the last few seconds of The Miracle on Ice? “Do You Believe in Miracles? Yes!”

Besides the “David vs. Goliath” angle and overcoming tremendous odds to achieve the unimaginable and reach the pinnacle of their respective sports, what else do these two iconic teams have in common? The answer is that both teams, over a decade after their respective heroic group efforts, were organized into legal marketing entities by our presenter. Against a backdrop of a significant anniversary of their unforgettable championships, both of these teams were legally incorporated and in the process took control of their collective marketing, licensing, sponsorships, appearances, memorabilia and other opportunities.

Presented almost 45 years to the day after the Miracle Mets shocked the baseball world and became a part of baseball immortality by winning the World Series, this program discusses the legal issues and practical considerations involved in organizing retired athletes. With the help of a special appearance by his close friend Art Shamsky,  a member of the 1969 Miracle Mets, Sports Law attorney Edward Schauder examines the significance of the Shamsky vs. Garan decision.

Learning Objectives: 

 I. Grasp, through a discussion with Art Shamsky, the significance of Shamsky vs. Garan and why this decision is so important twenty years later

II. Recognize practical considerations, legal issues and challenges in organizing retired groups of athletes