The AP's Doug Ferguson noted the PGA Tour's new ''Integrity Program'' took effect Monday and included an online tutorial for players on the "dangers of gambling in golf." The Tour "previously had a policy that banned players from betting at tour events." The new program "comes with a mandatory tutorial" and "covers all six tours under the PGA Tour umbrella." London-based data tech firm Genius Sports was hired to "help with the program and illustrate some of the far-reaching effects of big-time gaming." It "wants players to be aware of inside information that would be distributed for purposes of gambling" (AP, 1/3).
CALLING FOR CHANGE: In N.Y., Stephen Smith notes Hockey HOFer Ken Dryden’s focus is "locked on hockey’s response to concussions and their devastating effects on the lives of its players." Dryden believes that the NHL for too long has "failed to act decisively." Dryden said one change that is needed is "no hits to the head." Dryden: "No excuses. At the core of the problem of brain injuries is hits to the head. ... The increased speed of the game generates more collisions and more forceful collisions." He added, "Five years from now, the game will be extremely different. How much in advance of that the change happens is really up to [NHL Commissioner] Gary Bettman" (N.Y. TIMES, 1/4).
UNCAPPED COMMISSION: In N.Y., Josh Kosman notes lawyers representing many former NFLers yesterday "pushed back hard" against a "suggestion they cap their total fees" at 30% when pursuing a payout from the roughly $1B concussion settlement. Harvard professor William Rubenstein, a court-appointed expert, last month said that the 191 players who have had their concussion claims approved "risked paying out" as much as 67% of their settlement in "legal fees." In six separate briefs filed yesterday, lawyers asked U.S. District Judge Anita Brody "not to cap their fees" (N.Y. POST, 1/4).
