Latest news with #Watson
The Herald Scotland
5 hours ago
- Sport
- The Herald Scotland
Justin Tucker suspension: Everyone loses as ex-Ravens kicker penalized
And, yeah, some rookie you've never heard of is going to benefit from the fact that Baltimore had already cut ties with Tucker, creating an open job to compete for in training camp. But there are no winners from this sad saga. There are most definitely losers, though, and they are as follows: Justin Tucker Duh. On the one hand, he ought to be grateful the NFL's announcement was, per usual, devoid of details regarding his violation of the league's personal conduct policy. And unlike the penalty the league levied against Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson three years ago, in what can only be described as similar circumstances - at the time, 24 women had filed civil suits against him involving allegations of sexual misconduct during massage therapy sessions - Tucker has not been fined nor ordered to undergo treatment or an evaluation. Watson was and had to pay $5 million. But Tucker is radioactive. Last season was decidedly the worst of his 13-year career. Still the most accurate kicker in NFL history, he converted a career-low 73.3% of his field-goal attempts. It gave the Ravens a convenient excuse to cut a 35-year-old who was at the top of his positional compensation scale. And in light of the sexual misconduct allegations made by Baltimore-area massage therapists for incidents that reportedly occurred between 2012 and 2016, no team was likely to touch Tucker before the league completed its investigation into the matter - and there will undoubtedly be less consideration for him now given he won't be eligible to return until Nov. 11. But this runs deeper. Again, the NFL didn't offer details as to why it had suspended Tucker, though The Baltimore Banner reported them in spades. All the while, Tucker, a practicing Catholic, has denied them, characterizing the website's reporting as "unequivocally false" - yet also won't appeal his suspension. Take that for what it's worth. At this point, it seems unlikely Tucker plays in the NFL again. And what appears to be the final chapter of his once enviable career has probably delivered a fatal broadside to his Hall of Fame candidacy given the high bar his position already demanded. In a statement issued last month and attributed to executive vice president and GM Eric DeCosta, he said, "Sometimes football decisions are incredibly difficult, and this is one of those instances," when explaining why the Ravens released Tucker with three years left on his four-year, $22 million extension. Anyone paying more than a scintilla of attention knew the move involved far more calculus than that, but that's how the Ravens chose to frame it. They missed the mark. This is the same organization that was spotlit by the Ray Rice situation in 2014, when the team's top running back was seen on video assaulting his fiancee in an elevator. He was eventually released and never played another NFL snap after being indefinitely suspended. Following the issuance of Watson's penalty in 2022, head coach John Harbaugh said of the Ravens' stance about player misconduct, "Basically, we're kind of zero tolerance. You have to know the truth, you have to try to understand the circumstances, but we've stayed away from that particular situation - when we draft players, when we sign them as free agents. "I'm glad that we have that policy." (For what it's worth, the Ravens just spent a second-round pick on linebacker Mike Green, who's been accused of sexual assault multiple times in the past.) More: Opinion: NFL's suspension of kicker Justin Tucker is essentially a guilty verdict Any profession has people who are less-than-savory characters. The NFL is no different, but its scandals make headlines that members of Fortune 500 companies (or far less notable ones) rarely draw. It's just baffling the Ravens - a well-run, first-rate organization by nearly every other measure, on or off the field - would further jeopardize their brand. They undoubtedly carefully parsed their announcement signaling Tucker's departure. DeCosta also thanked him for his "many contributions" to the franchise (meaning its win total). It's fine that the club took its time before cutting the cord while doing its own due diligence on the matter. But given the circumstances, "The Ravens have released Justin Tucker" always seemed to be about the extent of what he deserved. The victims In the event crystal clarity is needed here, victims are not "losers." But the NFL's verdict offers further credence that they've lost too much. According to The Banner's reporting, 16 massage therapists from eight local spas shared horror stories about Tucker's alleged misconduct. It's important to note he has not been charged with a crime, and the statute of limitations in Maryland to file a civil action against him is long past. Sadly, this is often how it goes whenever women are exploited. They won't see a penny in the aftermath of their trauma, which could be very difficult to escape for the balance of their lives. Nobody's lost more than them, and that can't be forgotten. All NFL news on and off the field. Sign up for USA TODAY's 4th and Monday newsletter.
West Australian
a day ago
- Science
- West Australian
Albany's Nathan Watson short-listed in 2025 Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year competition
Albany amateur snapper Nathan Watson has made the short list in the 2025 Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year competition. His stunning picture, Synchronised Plovers is on the short list in the threatened species category. Also short-listed, but in the monochrome section, is Rachelle Mackintosh's Party Streamer, a spectacular picture of an orca leaping out of the Bremer Bay canyon after devouring a Cuvier's beaked whale. Watson, the City of Albany executive director of community services, said the overcast morning made conditions ideal for high-key exposures which minimised shadows and maximised contrast. 'I was practising my bird-in-flight technique on a few wader species when this pair of grey plovers flew past,' he said. 'I captured the moment their wings were in synchronised positions.' The image was taken on the shores of Oyster Harbour. Watson said he was delighted to be on the 2025 short list after being the people's choice winner in 2023 and runner-up in the threatened species section last year. 'I'm honoured to be short-listed among such an inspiring field of photographers and images,' he said. 'It's always a privilege to be recognised in the Australian Geographic awards and help to shine a light on the beauty and vulnerability of our threatened wildlife.' The picture was taken with a Canon R3 camera and Canon 500mm F4 lens, with a shutter speed of 1/1600, aperture of F6.3 and ISO 4000. Mackintosh's image was taken when she was a guest photographer aboard a Naturaliste Charters whale-watching vessel sailing out of Bremer Bay. The Sydney-based photographer said it had been an amazing opportunity. 'Seeing this incredible natural spectacle unfold, from hunt to feast to post-meal celebration, was one of the most profound wildlife experiences of my life,' she said. She called the image Party Streamer because the orca had its prey's intestines dangling from its mouth. She took the picture with a Canon EOS-1DX Mk II and Canon 100mm-400mm lens, with a shutter speed of 1/500, aperture of 7.1 and ISO 400.
Int'l Business Times
2 days ago
- General
- Int'l Business Times
Why Krill Conservation is Vital for Preserving the Whale Ecosystem: Exploring Captain Paul Watson's Synergistic Mission
Over the years, there has been a significant rise in initiatives and efforts aimed at safeguarding marine biodiversity. From whales to penguins, and sharks to turtles, these animals have long commanded public attention and protection, with many preservation campaigns that have risen to protect them from being hunted. Although many have succeeded in their efforts, a deeper issue remains unresolved beneath the surface. This threatens the very foundation of marine life: the overfishing of Krill, a tiny crustacean often forgotten yet indispensable to the survival of preserved species such as whales, penguins, and seals. As krills are overfished in large numbers, their impact reverberates through the depths of the Southern Ocean, which is the biggest krill fishery in the world. As these species are being harvested at unsustainable rates for the development of health supplements, protein superfood, and farm animal feed, many animals within the Antarctic ecosystem have become deprived of sufficient fodder for their survival. "Large factory vessels are picking up krill in the millions, taking food out of the mouths of whales and penguins, and they're being rendered into protein sources for supplements and livestock. This is extremely harmful to marine life," says renowned marine wildlife conservationist Captain Paul Watson, who is taking active measures to preserve the marine ecosystem and whale life. As the founder of Sea Shepherd Conservation Society and the Captain Paul Watson Foundation, Watson has long stood at the frontline of ocean defence and is now bringing his passion and commitment to preserve the heart of the Southern Ocean. He has dedicated over 50 years of his life to protecting the whale ecosystem, executing several successful missions to halt whaling operations in regions all around the world. "We cannot claim to care about whales while allowing the food they rely on for survival to be stolen from beneath them," Watson states. "There's no moral difference if you're bringing a harpoon or starving it by depleting its food supply, you're still killing the whales. They need to be protected, and to protect them also means to protect what feeds them." Krill is the cornerstone of the Antarctic ecosystem, feeding everything from blue whales, the largest animals to ever exist, to seals, penguins, and countless seabirds. Despite their tiny size, their ecological role is massive. Rich in omega-3, protein, and vitamin A, it's not hard to decipher why krill has become the next touted supplement, and has been left at the mercy of large-scale industrial fishing. However, as they hold such a pivotal role in the marine ecosystem, removing them from the equation can bring a collapse to the fundamental food web, and this is the very issue that Watson aims to tackle. With the Captain Paul Watson Foundation, in collaboration with Sea Shepherd France and Brazil, Watson has launched a new mission to stop the overfishing of krill before the consequences spiral further out of control. Their vigorous method, or as Watson likes to call it, "aggressive non-violence method," involves putting a stop to krill fishing using vessels to intervene as the fishing operations take place. The Captain Paul Watson Foundation Through his aggressive non-violent intervention using vessels, coming from Australia and Brazil, Watson aims to garner global attention by leveraging his tactics to shed light on the industrial exploitation of the krill population. And this is not just a protest. "Our initiatives are totally in compliance with the regulatory authorities that allow for NGOs to intervene to protect endangered species and threatened habitats," Watson explains. "We're stopping illegal or harmful operations without causing injury to anyone." There's also a deeper environmental link that gave Watson an additional impetus for his Krill preservation missions. Krill feed on phytoplankton, which have declined by nearly 40% since 1950 . This degradation in the marine food chain has cascading effects not only across the entire marine ecosystem but also for life on earth. In fact, Phytoplankton produce around 70% of the world's oxygen supply, making krill protection even more pivotal. For many, krill may not be the face of marine conservation, but they are the foundation of it. As they continue to diminish in exponential numbers, it calls for the need to raise a louder voice, not just for the big titans of the ocean, but also for the small ones. With the mission commencing its operations by the end of the year, preserving krill is just a stepping stone towards their larger mission. "This isn't just about saving tiny crustaceans," Watson emphasizes. "It's about preserving an entire ecosystem. When you save krill, you're saving whales, penguins, and many more aquatic animals out there. You're saving the ocean, and that's the ultimate goal behind what we do."
CNBC
2 days ago
- Business
- CNBC
How the Republican megabill targets immigrant finances
A Republican megabill that lawmakers are trying to pass by the Fourth of July would clamp down on the finances of immigrant households, including those in the U.S. legally, economists and policy experts said. The legislation, championed by President Donald Trump, would restrict access to tax benefits like the child tax credit. Republican lawmakers in the House and Senate have also included a tax on the money immigrants send abroad, called remittances, and a $1,000 fee for those who seek asylum. The provisions "make life harder for immigrants in the U.S., both legal and undocumented immigrants," said Tara Watson, director of the Center for Economic Security and Opportunity at the Brookings Institution. "I think this will make a significant difference" in their financial lives, Watson said. More from Personal Finance:GOP megabill proposes new Medicaid work requirementsHouse, Senate tax bills both end many clean energy creditsGOP bill may add to medical debt for households The Republican-majority House Judiciary Committee, chaired by Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, said in a statement last month that some of the financial measures aim to make immigration services "self-sustaining." "This is about providing resources to enforce our immigration laws ... and implement responsible fiscal policy," the committee said. Republicans are cutting safety net spending more broadly to help finance their so-called one big beautiful bill, the centerpiece of which is a multitrillion-dollar package of tax cuts. The benefits of those largely accrue to wealthy households, data shows. The cuts also come as the Trump administration pursues an aggressive deportation agenda. The legislation is still in flux and differs somewhat between House and Senate versions. The Senate may vote on its measure as soon as this week. In some cases, GOP lawmakers may not be able to restrict benefits to the extent they'd like. For example, the Senate parliamentarian, a nonpartisan procedural advisor, ruled in recent days that the GOP must strip a provision from the legislation that would curb some immigrants' eligibility for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, formerly known as food stamps. The parliamentarian also dealt a blow to Republicans' proposals to deny certain legal immigrants from federal health benefits, according to a Senate Budget Committee release on Thursday. The bill text included provisions to cut access to Medicaid, Medicare and Affordable Care Act insurance subsidies from refugees and individuals seeking asylum, among others. It's unclear how Republicans may alter the legislation to reconcile these rulings. Among the most impactful tax changes is one that would restrict the child tax credit, Watson said. A 2017 tax law enacted during Trump's first term barred parents from claiming the credit for children who don't have a Social Security number. The House and Senate would make this provision permanent, impacting an estimated 1 million children. GOP lawmakers would further cut access for kids whose parents don't have a Social Security number. The change would "exclusively" impact kids who are U.S. citizens or legal residents, according to the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy. The House bill's language on this issue is stricter than the Senate, Watson said. In the House bill, kids would be ineligible for the credit if either of their parents doesn't have a Social Security number, she said. The Senate would allow a child to receive the benefit if at least one parent has a work-eligible SSN. The House bill's policy would cut access to about 4.5 million children with Social Security numbers, according to the Center for Migration Studies. The five states in which the largest estimated number of kids would be impacted are California (910,000), Texas (875,000), Florida (247,000), New York (226,000) and Illinois (196,000), the center said. "If a U.S. citizen is married to an undocumented immigrant, or if a citizen child has an undocumented parent, then the House bill considers the citizen to have forfeited their right to a range of tax breaks," ITEP researchers Carl Davis and Sarah Austin wrote in an analysis in May. Beyond the child tax credit, those also include existing tax breaks like the American Opportunity Tax Credit and Lifetime Learning Credit and new benefits proposed in the legislation, from so-called Trump accounts to tax breaks for tips and overtime, experts said. Many immigrants are members of such mixed-status families, Davis and Austin wrote. The policy debate comes as the Trump administration is trying to end birthright citizenship, the precedent that anyone born on U.S. soil automatically gets citizenship at birth. The Supreme Court is expected to soon rule on the policy. The House bill also requires all parents to file a joint tax return if they are married and claiming the child tax credit, according to the National Immigration Law Center. This provision would also impact nonimmigrant households in which married couples typically file separate tax returns, as happens if one spouse has substantial student loan debt or has been a victim of identity theft, for example, Davis and Austin wrote. Republicans would put a tax on "remittances." These are transfers of money such as earnings to family members and others abroad. Remittances have been "growing rapidly" and have become the largest source of foreign income for many developing countries, Dilip Ratha, lead economist for migration and remittances at the World Bank, wrote in 2023. India, Mexico, China, the Philippines and Pakistan are the top five recipients for global remittances, according to World Bank data from last year. The U.S. was the largest source of global remittances in 2023, it said. The House and Senate bills would put a 3.5% tax on remittances, to be paid by the sender. Such taxes would come on top of remittance fees that providers like banks or money transfer services like Western Union already charge to send money abroad electronically. Such fees can be high, perhaps 10% or more, Ratha wrote. There are some differences. For example, the House would require this tax for all noncitizens, while the Senate would do so for those without Social Security numbers, according to the National Immigration Law Center. Others would be able to claim a tax credit for any taxes they pay on remittances. The Senate and House bills would add fees for immigrants who apply for asylum or interact with many other levers of the U.S. immigration system. According to the National Immigration Law Center, the fees include, among others: These are minimum fees without waivers, and the legislation provides for regular annual increases, according to the National Immigration Law Center.
NBC Sports
2 days ago
- Business
- NBC Sports
Collusion flows from the fact that NFL teams are independent businesses
For many, the news that the NFL was caught with its hand in the collusion cookie jar (despite the nonsensical conclusion that the teams didn't follow the encouragement/directive to collude) was met with a shrug. And for good reason. Many assume the teams coordinate/collude routinely. Many assume it's perfectly fine to do so. They assume that the 'franchises' are part of a broader business. That the NFL is one large company with 32 branches that the league office controls. But that's not the case. The American Needle case, decided by the U.S. Supreme Court in 2010, found that the NFL isn't a 'single entity' but 32 independent businesses. Which means that any coordination/collusion among those businesses amounts to a violation of the antitrust laws. So how can the NFL have a salary cap and a draft and limitations on player movement like the franchise tag? By participating in a 'multi-employer bargaining unit,' the NFL's teams have secured a limited antitrust exemption that allows them to make common rules regarding the 32-team player workforce. The common rules appear in a Collective Bargaining Agreement. And the CBA expressly prohibits collusion as to the things the independent businesses are authorized to do, within the confines of the CBA's rules. Remember when the league punished the Cowboys, Commanders, Raiders, and Saints for treating the uncapped year of 2010 as uncapped? That was blatant collusion, since the CBA allowed the teams during the uncapped year to spend at will. The CBA also allows teams to give players fully-guaranteed contracts. Once the Browns exercised their right to do so with quarterback Deshaun Watson, the league office (through the Management Council) urged the teams to hold the rope in order to prevent the Watson deal from becoming the norm. And they did. (Even though the arbitrator ignored and/or explained away the evidence that they did.) The next three veteran quarterback contracts for established starters were not fully guaranteed. Which allowed the Watson contract to be regarded as a blip on the radar screen and not a game changer. It all happened because the teams complied with the instruction to limit guarantees in contracts. Think of it this way. As it relates to the CBA, the league and the union are engaged in a broader game of tug of war. As it relates to the individual player contracts, the teams aren't supposed to band together. Specifically, owners aren't supposed to be thinking about what the owners of the other teams want. Owners are supposed to be thinking about what's best for their teams only — even if it creates a problem for other teams. The problem is that fans and media expect the teams to coordinate. And, frankly, the NFLPA has done a poor job over the years of effectively communicating to fans and media that coordination isn't permitted. By launching the most recent collusion case, however, former NFLPA executive director DeMaurice Smith tried. The only problem is that, once the NFLPA secured a ruling that the league urged the teams to collude, current NFLPA executive director Lloyd Howell stuck the 61-page ruling in a vault and locked it. That doesn't change the fact that the 32 independent businesses of the NFL received an instruction to collude and, in my own personal opinion, they did.
