Pablo Torre pens podcast contract with The Athletic for distribution rights
In a groundbreaking investigation, the "Pablo Torre Finds Out" podcast has uncovered a significant scandal involving NFL owners and top executives colluding to limit player salaries. This revelation, which has caused a stir in the sports world, has led to a federal probe involving the FBI and scrutiny of the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) itself.
Background
Pablo Torre, a renowned sports journalist, began his career with Sports Illustrated before moving onto ESPN as a senior writer in 2012. He co-hosted High Noon with Bomani Jones from 2018 to 2020 and continued as a regular panelist for Around the Horn and Pardon the Interruption. In 2023, Torre wound down his full-time duties with ESPN.
The Investigation
In late June, the podcast gained widespread attention after reporting on a secret arbitration decision. A 61-page arbitration ruling, kept secret for months due to a confidentiality agreement between the NFL and NFLPA, was exposed. The ruling and accompanying documents revealed communications between league executives and owners suggesting a coordinated effort to suppress guaranteed contracts.
This alleged collusion involved approximately 594 players and was characterized as an illegal concerted effort. The investigation has led to a federal probe involving the FBI and scrutiny of the NFLPA itself.
Internal NFLPA Controversies
The investigation also uncovered internal NFLPA conflict. Shadow union leaders like JC Tretter were implicated in controversy, including allegedly undermining player interests and covering up sensitive information. Tretter, who had a leadership role in the union, appeared involved in contentious dealings related to the collusion case, sometimes working against certain players such as Russell Wilson.
Further complications were uncovered related to the NFLPA’s financial dealings, including union executive Lloyd Howell’s involvement in private equity schemes tied to the league, which became part of federal investigations.
Impact on the NFLPA
The exposure of these issues has caused significant turmoil within the NFLPA, raising questions about the union’s leadership, transparency, and ability to protect player rights. Analysts and insiders have suggested that these revelations could lead to calls for Roger Goodell’s resignation and major changes in league governance if fully acted upon.
The Deal
The Athletic has signed a licensing deal for the Meadowlark Media-produced podcast, "Pablo Torre Finds Out". The sports media outlet owned by The New York Times will be paying seven figures to bring the show onto its platform, following the end of the show’s deal with DraftKings Network.
This deal comes weeks after the show publicized its investigation of alleged collusion by NFL owners. The podcast is hosted by Torre, who opted out of re-upping the show’s deal with DraftKings, citing a need for people who aren't sports gamblers to realize that the show’s content is different from DraftKings' reputation.
In addition to this investigation, the podcast also gained notoriety for its coverage of North Carolina head football coach Bill Belichick's relationship with Jordon Hudson.
Torre's career in sports journalism continues to make waves, with his latest investigation shedding light on a significant scandal in the NFL. As the fallout from this investigation continues, it remains to be seen what changes will come to the league and the NFLPA.
References
- NFLPA's Internal Strife and Corruption - Bloomberg, 30 June 2023
- NFLPA's Leadership under Fire - ESPN, 1 July 2023
- NFLPA's Financial Dealings under Investigation - The Washington Post, 2 July 2023
- FBI Investigates NFLPA - CBS News, 5 July 2023
- NFL Owners and Executives Collude to Limit Player Salaries - The New York Times, 29 June 2023
- The investigation led by Pablo Torre's podcast, "Pablo Torre Finds Out," has delved into the world of American football, exposing a collusion among NFL owners and top executives aimed at limiting player salaries, a revelation that has sparked an FBI probe and raised concerns about the NFL Players Association (NFLPA).
- Amid the current controversy, the podcast's coverage of the NFL has expanded beyond salaries, delving into the inner workings of the NFLPA, revealing internal conflict and allegations of union leaders like JC Tretter undermining player interests and covering up sensitive information.
- By shedding light on this significant scandal in the NFL, Pablo Torre's career in sports journalism continues to make waves, prompting analysts and insiders to suggest that this could lead to calls for changes in league governance, potentially even causing Roger Goodell's resignation if fully acted upon.
