EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsMEMPHIS -- FedEx on Friday pledged $25 million over the next five years to be used in sponsorship deals with University of Memphis athletes, a huge boost for the school's name, image and likeness compensation efforts.The Memphis-based shipping giant said the program will initially focus on football, men's and women's basketball and other women's sports. The deal was…

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsWhen Pat Tillman was killed in Afghanistan on April 22, 2004, the news stunned his fellow Americans. He was one of the most famous soldiers since Elvis Presley and perhaps the most famous American killed in combat since legendary war correspondent Ernie Pyle in World War II.The story of Tillman's death at age 27 -- and of the…

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsNew federal regulations released Friday will prevent colleges and coaches from suspending athletes accused of sexual misconduct while school officials investigate complaints against them.The due process provision is one of several outlined in the U.S. Department of Education's final version of regulations governing how K-12 schools, colleges and universities respond to complaints of sexual harassment and violence under…

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsTrading up in the NFL draft for a non-quarterback is a temptation general managers should almost always resist. Like candy while on a diet or an NBA midrange 2, passing on immediate satisfaction will lead to better long-term results.The value of trading down -- and not trading up -- has been an enduring refrain of analytics disciples ever…