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Bombshell Report Sent To US Senate Accuses Ticketmaster & Live Nation Of Negotiating Increased Rates With Vendors To Decrease Artist Payouts

Ticketmaster

In case you didn't know, all my homies hate Ticketmaster. The ticketing giant has come under a lot of fire over the last year or so after botched onsales for major tours like Taylor Swift, Tyler Childers and Beyonce, with accusations that Ticketmaster and parent company Live Nation hold a monopoly in the entertainment industry that's unreasonably increasing prices for fans. The controversy over Ticketmaster’s fees and business practices led to executives being dragged in front of Congress last year for a contentious hearing that may have been the only time in recent memory that both Democrats and Republicans were truly united. It's safe to say that everybody hates Ticketmaster. And a recently-released report may shed more light on why. Congressman Bill Pascrell of New Jersey recently sent a report to Senator Richard Blumenthal, who is the chair of the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, which lays out what the report alleges are some pretty shady business practices on the part of Ticketmaster and Live Nation - business practices that help to line their own pockets at the expense of artists and, ultimately, fans. The report was filed in 2019 in a lawsuit between Live Nation Entertainment and New Jersey-based promoter Juice Entertainment, LLC, and was written by Richard Barnet, a professor emeritus at MTSU who formerly served as chairman of the university's Department of Recording Industry. His resume also includes time spent as a festival manager for a music festival, and a booking agent. Barnet served as an expert witness in the case in which the promoter accused Live Nation of anti-competitive business practices, which ultimately resulted in their being fired as the promoter of the New Jersey State Fair. And his report contains some eye-opening allegations into the business practices of Ticketmaster and Live Nation. In the report, which Live Nation fought to keep from being admitted as evidence, Barnet alleges that Live Nation and Ticketmaster would negotiate third-party expenses directly with vendors, such as venues, in exchange for "rebates" that went not to artists or promoters, but directly back to Ticketmaster/Live Nation. The result of these negotiations would mean higher costs to promote and produce an event - which means that when it came time for an artist to "settle up" after a show, it would look like the event actually brought in less profit than it did, meaning a smaller payout to artists, agents or promoters. Essentially, an artist would agree to perform a show for a certain amount of the profit, minus the cost of putting on the show. Ticketmaster and Live Nation would then artificially inflate the cost of putting on the show by negotiating higher contracts with vendors. This means the artists were making less money, because more was coming out of their pay for the expense of these contracts negotiated by Live Nation. Then, once everything was paid up with the artist, Ticketmaster would get a "rebate" on the costs of the contracts, unbeknownst to the artist, their agents or promoters. According to the report: "Higher third-party expense means an event may be more expensive to produce and promote for all involved including agents, artists, and co-independent promoters within the contingency contracts that Live Nation/Ticketmaster uses... Some shows indicate a “loss” or “very low profit” on public statements presented to artists, agents, managers and co-independent promoters, but a “profit” after factoring in the “rebates” in the internal accounting documents of Live Nation/Ticketmaster." To put that in language that everybody can understand: It's shady as hell. Several bills have already been introduced in Congress that take aim at Ticketmaster and Live Nation's business practices, including the BOSS and SWIFT Act, which would, among other things, require ticket sellers to disclose the full price of tickets upfront and prevent them from changing the price of tickets during the sale process without notifying the buyer. And another, the Unlock Ticketing Markets Act, would prevent Ticketmaster and Live Nation from locking venues into restrictive, multi-year contracts that eliminate competition in the marketplace. I don't think anyone would argue that something doesn't need to be done. At this point, the only question is what, and whether it actually gets done. But if the allegations made in this new report are true, it only makes the need for action that much stronger. You can read the full report here if you're interested.
@whiskeyriff On the street with Whiskey Riff: Do all the homies hate Ticketmaster? // whiskeyriff.com #whiskeyriff ♬ original sound - Whiskey Riff

Yellowstone’s Forrie J. Smith Clarifies Being Kicked Off Of Flight: “I’m Not Comfortable Sitting Next To Someone In A Mask”

lloyd yellowstone

This story surrounding Yellowstone actor Forrie J. Smith is the mask controversy heard around the world. Smith, who plays Dutton Ranch ranch hand Lloyd Pierce, claimed just a few days ago that he was removed from a flight in Texas after he informed the flight attendants that he wasn't comfortable sitting next to someone with a mask on. The Yellowstone actor posted a video explaining the situation shortly after it happened: “You know my social media people tell me that you like me face to face. But you know what, I can’t say face to face what I want. I just got kicked off a plane in, uh, where the hell am I at? Houston, Texas. Because I told them I didn’t feel comfortable sitting next to somebody with a mask on.” https://www.instagram.com/reel/C44RF2Nq3eh/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=f0402a0d-b631-4b5f-93f4-7a2de35a25cd Obviously, that story made its rounds on social media. Many online were in disbelief that the story, at least how he told it, would warrant Smith being removed from his flight. And as we waited for more information on everything that happened, that finally came in the form of another update straight from the horse's mouth... Forrie J. Smith is the horse, in case there was any confusion. In a video posted by the actor, he first stated that he was working on another movie in Cave City, Kentucky, and after his shooting day was rained out, he took some time to speak more on the mask incident: "Thought I'd catch up with you all. Man this is getting so crazy. I don't read the media and stuff so all I'm getting is through what my friends are telling me. This is what went down." Smith then went on to give a detailed anecdote about what exactly went down that led him to be kicked off the plane in Texas: "I get on the plane, sit down and the lady sits down next to me with a mask on. I said, 'M'am, why do you feel like you need a mask?' (She said) 'Oh, to stay safe.' I giggled and said, 'Are you scared of American germs? I believe in herd immunity.' There was a break in the line so I got up and went to the bathroom and on the way there I mentioned to the flight attendant, 'I'm not comfortable (sitting) next to someone in a mask.' That seemed to be the first step in Smith getting kicked off the plane, because things apparently (and obviously) didn't go well for him after he said that. Even though he tried to defend his stance as he continued: "And I'm not (comfortable). When I see people in masks, I'm like, 'What's up?' You know? Are they gonna rob me? Are they sick? Are they scared of me and my germs? It was all innocent. So I come back, I sit down in my chair, on my way to Raleigh, North Carolina..." I'm not pausing for dramatic effect there. That's where the video cuts off. In fact, this post below is actually attempt number two at Forrie J. Smith's "full story," because when he posted it yesterday, the clip cut off even earlier. But I think we can all imagine how it went down after he complained about the mask-wearing passenger, and we already know that he was at one point escorted off the plane. Ironically, you can view a portion of his "full story" below: https://www.instagram.com/reel/C5Eg7y9PcwW/?igsh=MXA2Z216cWl0Y2F4bw%3D%3D

Monstrous Alligator Strolls Across Florida Golf Course

Monster alligator on golf course

Yeah, better just let that alligator play on through. There's a simple rule in golf. If you are out there with a group of friends and you're holding up play, you let faster golfers play through. Or in this case, a slower alligator. Funny enough, alligator habitats and golf courses (especially in the "Sunshine State") have a lot in common. Green grass? Open areas? Ponds and banks for lounging? Yeah, that's an alligator's dream. That's why this golf course near Rotanda West, Florida, and countless others, have as many alligators roaming their fairways as they do golfers. The video of 7-foot-long dinosaur gator was posted by Matt Devitt, who has been a go-to source as of late for wild videos out of Florida. Someone on a golf cart driving by captured the footage, and it didn't look like the alligator could care any less that the small vehicle was nearby. It was too busy menacingly walking across the golf course's fairway like it owned the place. Take a look: https://twitter.com/MattDevittWX/status/1773054355538596174?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1773054355538596174%7Ctwgr%5E07b5171c21a3a7066173dd7b8555037f68428ca2%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fbrobible.com%2Fculture%2Farticle%2Fhuge-alligator-walking-golf-course-rotonda%2F Now I've just got to figure out what golf course that is so I can make sure to never book a round of golf there. Then again, if I want to avoid gators, I probably should just avoid Florida in general. Everyone that viewed the scary footage of the alligator was just as concerned as I was, except for one guy that appeared to be "Florida tough," or at least "Florida tougher" than everyone else:

Michael Penix Jr. Further Proves He “Ain’t No Bum” With Speedy 40-Yard Dash & Strong Pro Day Throwing Session

Penix Jr.

Michael Penix Jr. might deserve a little more respect as a top-flight quarterback prospect entering the 2024 NFL Draft. The emerging consensus is that the Washington Huskies star is QB6 behind Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels, Drake Maye, JJ McCarthy and even Bo Nix. Not that a pro day is going to do much to change the overall evaluation of Penix, but for someone with his injury history (two torn ACLs) and overall concerns about mobility, it certainly helps to see him go through basic athletic testing. Given his medical red flags —all of which checked out fine at the Combine — the fact that Penix can still run a sub-4.5-second 40-yard dash by some scouts' watches blew a lot of folks away on Thursday. His jumps also beat back the "lacking athleticism" narrative. https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1773419128537092568 https://twitter.com/JimNagy_SB/status/1773417087240745133 We're talking about a guy who is at least in the conversation with Williams as the best pure pocket passer in the '24 class, and is pushing the presumed No. 1 overall pick for the best straight-line speed other than Daniels. Asked why he wanted to open up the wheels at the Huskies' pro day, Penix echoed something he posted to his X account less than 24 hours prior. https://twitter.com/MollyAMcGrath/status/1773389581330923619 https://twitter.com/themikepenix/status/1773112396703244559 Then, Penix went out and flexed that Big Penix Energy for the throwing session that everyone knew he'd excel at. Here's a mere sample of some of the lasers he slung around the yard. https://twitter.com/mikevorel/status/1773427364149747800 https://twitter.com/ANYamashita/status/1773427204963340412 https://twitter.com/gbellseattle/status/1773445261790196215 Mind you, he didn't have to throw since he already lit it up at the Combine. Still chose to compete all the same. How about we check out a couple of Penix's actual, on-tape throws for a refresher, shall we? https://twitter.com/nfl_dougfarrar/status/1773356137808834748 https://twitter.com/TheMarcJohnNFL/status/1773371904167944580 ...So why, exactly, is Penix the consensus QB6? Is it really just the injuries? Maybe his mechanics go a little sideways when he's knocked off his spot. OK, but I've seen him break the pocket plenty enough and deliver the ball accurately downfield far more often than he's off-target. If he's such an immobile statue in the pocket, too, how is it that Penix managed to average 10.7 air yards per pass attempt with only a 7.6% pressure to sack rate? Because he's a damn good, nimble athlete, that's how! I think we easily fall in love nowadays with the guys who can extend plays and make highlight-reel throws. Everyone wants the next Patrick Mahomes. There is only one Patrick Mahomes. Penix can do some of that playmaking out of structure. Is he in the same class as Williams and Daniels in that regard? Not particularly. But what does the NFL come down to in the end? Winning from the pocket. I'm as confident in Penix as anyone from this class that he can stand in there and deliver with the best of them. His performance against Texas in the College Football Playoff semifinal is one of the most impressive displays of passing I've ever seen at the collegiate level. https://twitter.com/theqbschool/status/1767957509082669543 Daniels' upside as a runner and some evidence of anticipation throws has him as my QB2 behind Williams, yet Penix, to me, is a solid QB3 in the '24 rookie class ahead of McCarthy, Maye and Nix respectively. McCarthy doesn't do a good enough job of varying his speeds on a consistent basis. Damn near everything he throws is a missile. Maye is a mechanical mess with pocket presence that isn't in the same galaxy as that of Penix's. As for Nix, I like his skill set, but his average depth of target was only 6.8 yards this past season. What are you supposed to do with that, especially since his physical tool box isn't as tantalizing (at least to me) as McCarthy or Maye? All told, bet against Michael Penix Jr. as a successful starting QB in the NFL at your own risk. His pro day was just another emphatic point proven. https://twitter.com/SiriusXMNFL/status/1773371971931103723

Andy Reid Double Fists Super Bowl Trophy & Royals’ First Pitch Baseball On MLB Opening Day

Andy Reid

Big Red in Royal blue! Look at Andy Reid strutting out to the mound and spreading love in Kansas City. The beloved Chiefs head coach made his way onto the field for the Royals' MLB Opening day duel with the Minnesota Twins, and got to toss out the ceremonial first pitch to franchise legend George Brett. https://twitter.com/BallySportsKC/status/1773441766512828623 Looks to me like Reid threw it right down the middle. Hard to see from the angle shown on TV, but I'll give him the benefit of the doubt and say it was a strike. https://twitter.com/SamMcDowell11/status/1773440111587262590 Who am I to doubt Big Red's throwing abilities in the first place? You ever see how much of an absolute unit Reid was back in the day during that punt, pass and kick competition? No wonder he had such a smooth delivery on the bump on Thursday. Despite the Chiefs just trading away star cornerback L'Jarius Sneed, with Reid at the helm of the offense, a three-peat is still very much within realistic range. Good thing Kansas City sports fans have their hats to hang on Reid, Patrick Mahomes and Taylor Swift's boyfriend Travis Kelce, because the Royals haven't delivered much joy of late. Ever since their World Series triumph in 2015, they've had exactly zero trips to the playoffs, zero winning seasons, and are coming off a 106-loss 2023 campaign. Forgive me for not being up to speed on KC's free-agent acquisitions over the winter or their farm system, but something tells me the Royals have a long way to go before they're considered a real threat in the American League again. At least for a fleeting moment on Opening Day, all fan bases around MLB can feel a little bit of optimism. Who knows, maybe the Royals get off to a hot start, inspired by Reid and the example the Chiefs have set as the golden sports standard in Kansas City. Not holding my breath on that one, though. Can't say I feel bad giving the Royals a bit of grief. Their fans probably don't care. They have Reid, Mahomes, Kelce and a kick-ass front office who drafts circles around most other organizations every single year. Kansas City can take a joke or some prodding at the Royals' expense. Isn't MLB Opening Day usually in April, though? Why they decided to begin the season in earnest — post-Seoul Series/Shohei Ohtani scandal — on the same day as the men's NCAA Tournament Sweet Sixteen is beyond my comprehension of sports business acumen.