What's up, everyone? Check out this blog every Friday as I sort through all of the news and events of the week into a couple newsworthy links. It'll be relevant info for athletes to keep in mind as they move through their athletic careers.

We've all been watching it; waiting for the centerpiece of the Rams offense to finally end his lengthy holdout of training camp and exhibition games. Well, it's finally over and he's back practicing. But what I want to draw attention to is the amount of money he was fined for holding out. Although, Jackson signed a large contract, he now owes the Rams $400,000 in fines for his absence.

He signed a $49.3 million contract, with $21 million guaranteed over the next three years, $11 million of which comes in the form of a signing bonus. While $400,000 is not that big of a deal in Jackson's case with the guaranteed money in his contract, holdouts could be quite costly for other players who aren't able to secure guaranteed money.

Just keep in mind when you go through situations such as these that there are always financial consequences and make sure you're able to absorb those consequences before you make your decision.

MLB to Use Instant Replay

After constant bombardment and several untimely, blown calls the World Umpires Association has agreed to use instant replay during MLB games. As of now, replay will only be used for boundary calls, but it's another line in the sand against the umpire fallibility aspect of Major League Baseball.

NFLPA Head Gene Upshaw Passes

With the passing of NFLPA Director, Gene Upshaw, we will see something we have not seen in 25 years, a new director. As with all regime changes, we will see a change in direction and style as to the leadership in the union that represents all NFL players. Upshaw had personal principles and preferences that led to changes and some non-changes. It will be interesting to see what direction the new director will take the NFLPA and subsequently the NFL. No salary cap? Guaranteed contracts?

Study Suggests Less Brain Activity After Concussions

As reported by the Associated Press, more evidence is coming out about the hazardous effects of sports concussions. This study is elaborating on the concept that sports concussions are more dangerous than previously thought and recovery should not be cut short or taken lightly. Most notably is the possibility of death or permanent death if a second concussion occurs before the first is healed, as well as the increased recovery time for females over males. All of this information is important for athletes to know so that further, more serious brain trauma can be avoided.

NCAA.com Student Athlete Blogs

The NCAA is going to let thousands of sports fans into the minds of student-athletes with the addition of their Student-Athlete blogs. This will be an invaluable opportunity for aspiring athletes to see through the eyes of actual D1 and D2 athletes as to what goes on during a collegiate season. Currently, they have Vinny Perretta from Boise State and Brian Brunner from Central Michigan blogging about their D1 seasons and Joel Osborn from Northwest Missouri State and Davis Nell from Valdosta State to blog about their D2 seasons.

I recommend all athletes interested in advancing their athletic careers to check out these blogs to get an idea of what it takes to be a collegiate athlete. It will also be interesting to watch the evolution of the blog as they get more athletes and subsequently more perspectives.

As this is a blog for the people, feel free to add any links you have come across that you feel would be helpful or comment on any of the links posted.

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Athlete Weekly Rundown, 8/22/08