Mixed Bag: The Hits & Misses Of Sports Business In '17

The end of ’17 offers some the chance to celebrate their accomplishments over the past year. But for others, it can serve as a stark reminder of the missteps encountered during the year and an opportunity to move forward. Here is a look at some of sports business’ biggest hits and misses of the year.

Group celebrations, previously prohibited by the NFL, were once again allowed in '17

HITS: CELEBRATE GOOD TIMES
Criticism of the NFL’s policing of players’ celebrations after touchdowns and big plays reached new heights in ’16. So over the offseason, the league relaxed several of its strict rules prohibiting said celebrations. Positive reviews poured in from players, fans and media praising the NFL for allowing a little more spontaneous fun. Some speculated the league made the move to try and help improve its image after TV ratings declined; others suggested owners wanted to foster a better relationship with players. Nevertheless, it was a successful PR move that helped ditch the “No Fun League” mantra and did not cost the league anything to make.

Also:

• Players praise MLB for allowing nicknames to be worn on the back of the jerseys for a weekend.
• Gas chain RaceTrac’s “Beat The Freeze” promotion at Braves games goes viral.
• MiLB teams gain recognition, see merchandise sales spike after rebrands to non-traditional nicknames.
• Barcelona, Madrid bring El Clásico to Miami for an intense match in front of a sold out Hard Rock Stadium.

MISSES: BETTER THAN BROADWAY
With the Clippers visiting the Big Apple on Feb. 8, Knicks legend Charles Oakley was escorted out of MSG by security before being handcuffed and taken to jail in front of a stunned crowd just a few feet from Owner James Dolan. Conflicting accounts surfaced as to whether Oakley provoked Dolan by yelling at him, with Oakley saying he was asked to leave because Dolan did not want him there. When Oakley refused to go and was confronted by security, he forcefully shoved one guard and appeared to strike another before being removed. It was an ugly chapter in a lost Knicks season, all on full display in front of a nationally televised audience and NBA Commissioner Adam Silver.

Also:

• The Browns drop the ball on a midseason trade for Bengals QB A.J. McCarron after not sending in their signed paperwork to the league before the deadline.
• ESPN cancels “Barstool Van Talk” after just one episode after President John Skipper received emails from employees who were upset at the net’s partnership with Barstool Sports.
• The crowd at Staples Center boos a new Chargers logo when it is presented on the video board during Lakers-Clippers, causing the team to drop the much-criticized logo.
• Bleacher Report bows to Mavericks Owner Mark Cuban and deletes a Dirk Nowitzki social media post that offended him after Cuban emailed Turner President David Levy to complain.