Category Archives: Media

Poll: 70 Percent More Likely to Watch Game If They Wager on It

As leagues move towards embrace of gambling, 70% say they’re more likely to watch a game if they wager, but 61% say it will lead to cheating or fixed games.

South Orange, NJ, November 30, 2018 — If you bet that wagering on a game leads to greater viewership – you’d be right. A survey by the Seton Hall Sports Poll has found that 70% of Americans say they would be more likely to watch a game they bet on.

In a week in which Major League Baseball announced a marketing partnership with MGM Resorts, the era of “No Betting Permitted” signs at ballparks is over, and the fans seem to love it.

But it is a double edge sword – 61% say they believe that legal betting on sports events leads to cheating or the fixing of games.

But oh that 70% of heightened interested in watching games is music to a sports league’s ears. Within that, the poll found that 88% of those age 18-29, the coveted demographic loved by sponsors and hardest to reach – would be more likely to watch if they placed a bet.

“Watching is the first step towards creating a paying fan,” noted Rick Gentile, director of the poll, which is sponsored by the Sharkey Institute of the Stillman School of Business. “In the 1980s, the leagues became aware that fantasy sports were heightening interest, and eventually, they embraced it. Now they appear to be ‘all in’ with something once impossible to imagine.”

The poll was conducted this week across to country to 741 adults on landlines and cellphones, and has a +/- 3.7% margin of error.

Asked if they were more likely to bet on a game if they could do it with their cellphones, 64% of those 18-29 said they would do it. 40% of the overall sample said they would be more likely.

Younger people, in fact, have less resistance to gambling. On the question of whether legalized sports gambling is creating a compulsive gambling problem, only 5% of those 18-29 strongly agreed, while the number grew to some five times that among older respondents. (21% of those 30-44, 28% 45-59 and 30% over 60).

40% said they approved of the Supreme Court’s ruling that betting on professional sports could be declared legal by individual states, with only 16% disapproving. The gender breakdown was dramatic here, with 52% of men favoring the court’s decision, but only 28% of women.

The gender gap repeated in a question of whether betting should be limited to pro sports or extended to college sports. 42% said pro and college, 35% said just pro – but 51% of men said pro and college, with only 33% of women agreeing.

Of the 33% who say they have bet sports, 51% believe gambling leads to cheating or fixing of games vs. 61% of the overall public.

Of the 33% who say they have bet on sports, 31% agree that legalized sports gambling is creating a compulsive gambling problem in this country (43% overall agreed); 49% said they would be more likely to wager if it was legal in their state (vs. 31% overall), 77% said they would be more likely to watch games they bet on (vs. 70% overall), and 56% said they would be more likely to gamble on sports if they could bet using a cellphone (vs. 40% overall).

The Official Seton Hall Sports Poll podcast discussing this topic with Seth Everett and Rick Gentile can be found at https://itunes.apple.com/mt/podcast/seton-hall-sports-poll/id1053266467.

About the poll:

This poll was conducted by telephone November 26-28 among adults in the United States. The Seton Hall Sports Poll is conducted by the Sharkey Institute at the University’s Stillman School of Business. Phone numbers were dialed from samples of both standard landline and cell phones. The error for subgroups may be higher. This poll release conforms to the Standards of Disclosure of the National Council on Public Polls. The Seton Hall Sports Poll has been conducted regularly since 2006.

Media: Media: Marty Appel, AppelPR@gmail.com;
Michael Ricciardelli, Associate Director of Media Relations, Seton Hall
michael.ricciardelli@shu.edu, 908-447-3034

The results:

The Supreme Court recently ruled that betting on sporting events could be declared legal by individual states. Do you approve of this ruling, disapprove or do you have no opinion?

1 – Approve 40%

2 – Disapprove 16

3 – Don’t know/No opinion 44

Do you think legal sports betting should be limited to professional sports or should betting on college sports be legal as well?

1 – Just Pro sports                               35
2 – Professional and college                42
3 – Neither (don’t give as an option) 12
4 – Don’t know/No opinion                12

What comes closer to your view of betting on sports events:

1) It should be allowed and taxed since a lot of people do it anyway.
2) It shouldn’t be allowed since it promotes too much gambling and damages the integrity of sports.

1 – Should be allowed                         54
2 – Shouldn’t be allowed                     36
3 – Neither (don’t give as an option)   3
4 – Don’t know/No opinion                7

Should gambling on sports be regulated on a state-to-state basis or by the federal government?

1 – States                                             65
2 – Federal government                       26
3 – Neither (don’t give as an option) 5
4 – Don’t know/No opinion                4

Tell me whether you strongly agree, somewhat agree, somewhat disagree or strongly disagree with the following statement: Legalized sports gambling is creating a compulsive gambling problem in this country.

1 – Strongly agree                               22
2 – Somewhat agree                           21
3 – Somewhat disagree                      29
4 – Strongly disagree                           24
5 – Don’t know/No opinion                5

Do you believe legal betting on sports events leads to cheating or fixing games?

1 – Yes                                                 61
2 – No                                                  33
3 – Don’t know/No opinion               6

Is betting on sporting events legal in the state in which you reside?

1 – Yes                                                 15
2 – No                                                  33
3 – Don’t know                                    52

(SKIP NEXT QUESTION IF YES)

Would you be more likely to bet on a sporting event if it was legal in your state?

1 – Yes                                                 32
2 – No                                                  66
3 – Don’t know/No opinion               3

Have you ever placed a bet on a sporting event?

1 – Yes                                                 33
2 – No                                                  67
3 – Don’t know                                    0

Have you ever participated in a Super Bowl pool involving money?

1 – Yes                                                 39
2 – No                                                  61
3 – Don’t know/No opinion               1

Have you ever filled out brackets for the NCAA basketball tournament for cash prizes?

1 – Yes                                                 17
2 – No                                                  83
3 – Don’t know/No opinion               0

Have you ever wagered money on a daily fantasy website like DraftKings or FanDuel?

1 – Yes                                                   3
2 – No                                                  97
3 – Don’t know/No opinion               0

If you placed a bet on a sporting event would it make you more likely to watch the broadcast of that event?

1 – Yes                                                 70
2 – No                                                  27
3 – Don’t know/No opinion                3

Do you think you would be more likely to gamble on sports if your were able to place a bet using your cell phone as opposed to going to a casino or gambling parlor?

1 – Yes                                                 40
2 – No                                                  57
3 – Don’t know/No opinion               3

How closely do you follow sports, very closely, somewhat closely, not closely or not at all?

1 – Very closely                                  20
2 – Somewhat closely                       39
3 – Not closely                                    16
4 – Not at all                                        26

ABOUT SETON HALL UNIVERSITY

One of the country’s leading Catholic universities, Seton Hall has been showing the world what great minds can do since 1856. Home to nearly 10,000 undergraduate and graduate students and offering more than 90 rigorous academic programs, Seton Hall’s academic excellence has been singled out for distinction by The Princeton Review, U.S. News & World Report and Bloomberg Businessweek.

Seton Hall embraces students of all religions and prepares them to be exemplary servant leaders and global citizens. In recent years, the University has achieved extraordinary success. Since 2009, it has seen record-breaking undergraduate enrollment growth and an impressive 110-point increase in the average SAT scores of incoming freshmen. In the past decade, Seton Hall students and alumni have received more than 30 Fulbright Scholarships as well as other prestigious academic honors, including Boren Awards, Pickering Fellowships, Udall Scholarships and a Rhodes Scholarship. The University is also proud to be the third most diverse national Catholic university in the nation.

During the past five years, the University has invested more than $165 million in new campus buildings and renovations. And in 2015, Seton Hall launched a School of Medicine as well as a College of Communication and the Arts. The University’s beautiful main campus in suburban South Orange, N.J. is only 14 miles from New York City — offering students a wealth of employment, internship, cultural and entertainment opportunities. Seton Hall’s nationally recognized School of Law is located prominently in downtown Newark. The University’s Interprofessional Health Sciences (IHS) campus in Clifton and Nutley, N.J. opened in the summer of 2018. The IHS campus houses the University’s College of Nursing, School of Health and Medical Sciences and the Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine at Seton Hall University.

For more information, visit www.shu.edu.

Only 11% Like Way DH Rule Employed in World Series, 35% of Americans Watched

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South Orange, NJ, November 1, 2018 — The just concluded World Series was the 45th since the designated hitter rule was adopted in 1973 – but the American public is still not happy with the way it is employed.

Only 11% of people surveyed in this week’s Seton Hall Sports Poll opted to keep it as it is — employed only when games are played in American League parks. 47% were divided almost equally on whether they prefer the DH in all games (25%) or in no games (22%). 41% saidthey did not know or had no opinion.

The poll was conduced October 29-31 among 839 adults across the country on landline and cellphone, with a margin of error of +/- 3.4%.

The poll also asked the 65% who said they did not watch the World Series why they did not watch, and while 46% said they had no interest in baseball, only 11% cited no interest in the Boston Red Sox or Los Angeles Dodgers in particular. (The margin of error for this group was +/- 4.3%).

“That response is a good one for MLB, noted Rick Gentile, director of the poll, which is sponsored by The Sharkey Institute. “It says that the teams involved don’t really caused diminished interest.”

During the World Series, a player on the Dodgers was accused of sign stealing by the Red Sox. Only 31% of fans said the sign stealer should be punished, while 42% called it “no big deal.”

On the other hand, when it comes to recruiting violations in collegiate sports, 76%said that the school should be punished and 15% said it was “no big deal.”

“Sign stealing on the pro level is considered business as usual,” said Gentile. “It gets a shrug. But when it regards the future of our high school athletes moving into college, cheating is a big deal. And that’s a good thing.”

ABOUT SETON HALL UNIVERSITY

For more information, visit www.shu.edu.

About the poll:

This poll was conducted by telephone October 29-31 among adults in the United States. The Seton Hall Sports Poll is conducted by the Sharkey Institute. Phone numbers were dialed from samples of both standard landline and cell phones. The error for subgroups may be higher. This poll release conforms to the Standards of Disclosure of the National Council on Public Polls. The Seton Hall Sports Poll has been conducted regularly since 2006.

Media: Media: Marty Appel, AppelPR@gmail.com; Rick Gentile (917) 881-9489
Michael Ricciardelli, Associate Director of Media Relations, Seton Hall
michael.ricciardelli@shu.edu, 908-447-3034

The results:

Did you watch this year’s World Series?

1 – Yes: 35%
2 – No: 65%
(ASK IF NO – ONLY READ FIRST 4 CHOICES BUT RECORD IF OTHER IS SELECTED)

What is the main reason you didn’t watch?

1 – Games take too long: 1%
2 – No interest in baseball: 46%
3 – No interest in the Red Sox or Dodgers: 11%
4 – Too busy: 25%
5 – Other: 12%
6 – Don’t know: 4%

Do you think the Designated Hitter rule should be in effect for all World Series games, just games in American League ballparks or not in effect for any World Series games?

1 – DH in all games: 25%
2 – DH just in AL parks: 11%
3 – No DH in any games: 22%
4 – Don’t know/No opinion: 41%

The Red Sox accused a Dodger player of cheating by stealing the catcher’s signs to the pitcher. Do you think this is a violation that should be punished or it’s no big deal because it happens all the time?

1 – Should be punished: 31%
2 – No big deal: 42%
3 – Don’t know/No opinion: 27%

Do you think violating rules in recruiting student athletes to participate in collegiate sports is punishable or no big deal?

1 – Should be punished 76%
2 – No big deal: 15%
3 – Don’t know/no opinion: 9%

How closely would you say you follow sports, very closely, closely, not closely or not at all?

1 – Very closely: 17%
2 – Closely: 29%
3 – Not closely: 37%
4 – Not at all: 15%

Even in ‘Year of Women Running for Office,’ Americans Say Women Athletes Preferable to Politicians

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South Orange, NJ, November 1, 2018 — Even in a year filled with stories of women running for elected office more than ever before, Americans prefer women athletes as role models over women politicians by substantial margins, according to a poll conducted this week by the Seton Hall Sports Poll.

Asked who would make a preferable role model, the poll found that by more than a 2-1 margin, (54-24%) people said a professional or collegiate woman athlete over a female politician, and to the question, “if you had a daughter, would you prefer a career in politics or athletics,” 45% said athletics to 29% politics. The responses were generally consistent among men and women, with men saying “athlete” by 44-31% and women saying athlete by 45-27%.

Still, the importance of women seeking elected office was not overlooked. Asked if they would be more likely to watch a women’s athletic event or vote for a woman for Congress – 32% said vote for a woman, 7% said watch an athletic event, and 49% said equally likely.

The poll was conducted October 29-31 among 839 adults across the country, on landline and cellphone, with a margin of error of +/- 3.4%.

“Despite the media coverage of the number of women running, untarnished by years in office, the very idea of politicians as role models or politics as a career is not viewed favorably compared to athletics,” noted Rick Gentile, director of the poll, which is sponsored by the Sharkey Institute. “And given a choice of ‘neither’, only 14% opted for that, a surprisingly low number, given that the two fields are relatively new career paths.”

The poll also asked which women’s sports people were likely to watch, with tennis (33%), basketball (26%) and soccer (16%) leading the way.

Asked if they thought women have an equal opportunity to receive a college scholarship for athletics as men, respondents say yes by a slim 46-43% margin, but asked if women SHOULD have an equal opportunity, an overwhelming 95% said yes.

The Official Seton Hall Sports Poll podcast discussing this topic with Seth Everett and Rick Gentile can be found at https://itunes.apple.com/mt/podcast/seton-hall-sports-poll/id1053266467.

ABOUT SETON HALL UNIVERSITY

For more information, visit www.shu.edu.

About the poll:

Media: Media: Marty Appel, AppelPR@gmail.com; Rick Gentile (917) 881-9489
Michael Ricciardelli, Associate Director of Media Relations, Seton Hall
michael.ricciardelli@shu.edu, 908-447-3034

The results:

Are you more likely to watch a professional women’s athletic event or vote for a women for congress or are they equally likely?

1 – Watch an athletic event: 7%
2 – Vote for a woman for congress: 32%
3 – Equally likely: 49%
4 – Don’t know/No opinion: 11%

How often do you watch women’s sporting events, frequently, occasionally, rarely or never?

1 – Frequently: 8%
2 – Occasionally: 33%
3 – Rarely: 33%
4 – Never: 26%
5 – Don’t know: 1%
(SKIP IF NEVER)

Which women’s sporting event are you more likely to watch: Tennis, golf, basketball, soccer or ice hockey?

(ONLY READ FOUR CHOICES BUT RECORD IF OTHER OR NONE)

1 – Tennis: 33%
2 – Golf: 8%
3 – Basketball: 26%
4 – Soccer: 16%
5 – Ice Hockey: 6%
6 – Other: 9%
7 – None: 1%
8 – Don’t know/No opinion: 1%

Whom do you think makes a better role model, a professional female athlete, a collegiate female athlete or a female politician?

1 – Professional athlete: 28%
2 – Collegiate athlete: 24%
3 – Politician: 26%
4 – Don’t know/No opinion: 22%

If you had a daughter would you prefer she pursues a career in politics or athletics?

1 – Politics: 29%
2 – Athletics: 45%
3 – Neither: 14%
4 – Don’t know/No opinion: 12%

Do you think women have an equal opportunity to receive a college scholarship for athletics as men?

1 – Yes: 46%
2 – No: 43%
3 – Don’t know/No opinion 11%

Do you think women SHOULD have an equal opportunity to receive a college scholarship for athletics as men?

1 – Yes: 95%
2 – No: 3%
3 – Don’t know/No opinion: 2%

How closely would you say you follow sports, very closely, closely, not closely or not at all?

1 – Very closely: 17%
2 – Closely: 29%
3 – Not closely: 37%
4 – Not at all: 16%

Poll: Tiger, Nike, Kaepernick, Trump, Serena and Urban Meyer

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Is Tiger Woods an Endorsement Magnet Again? Seton Hall Sports Poll Suggests He Is. Poll Also Queries Attitudes On Nike, Kaepernick, Trump, Urban Meyer and Serena.

South Orange NJ, September 28, 2018 — Tiger Woods’s first PGA victory in five years was generally considered a feel-good event for the sport, but can it translate to a return to the endorsement world in which he was once prominent? 70% of respondents said yes, they would expect Woods to get more endorsement opportunities now, to only 16% saying no. Only 9%, however, said they would be more inclined to buy a product bearing his endorsement, while 8% said less inclined and 82% said it would not matter.

Those were the findings of a Seton Hall Sports Poll conducted this week among 780 Americans on land lines and cellphones, with a margin of error of +/- 3.6%. The Seton Hall Sports Poll is conducted by the Stillman School of Business and its Sharkey Institute. Rick Gentile is the director.

Effects of Nike Commercial with Kaepernick

The controversial decision by Nike to use Colin Kaepernick in its commercials resulted in 16% saying they would be more inclined to buy Nike products, 26% less inclined and 52% saying it had no effect. Among African-Americans, people were more inclined to buy Nike by a 6-1 margin.

NFL Anthem Ruling?
Meanwhile, on the issue that started it all – the kneeling for the national anthem – 56% said the NFL should leave things as they are as opposed to issuing a ruling on the issue, which 39% favored. Younger respondents – ages 18-29 – by a 3-1 margin, said the matter should be left as is without the issuance of a new rule.

President Trump Tweets on NFL Protests Divisive?
Asked whether President Trump’s tweets about player protests were helpful, 56% said they divided people, 21% said they united people, and 10% said they had no effect.

“A clear majority wants the furor over the NFL player protests put to rest,” said Gentile, “and the presidential tweets on the subject to do the same.”

The Urban Meyer Suspension at Ohio State
Ohio State’s head football coach Urban Meyer suffered a three-game suspension for mishandling a case of domestic abuse by an assistant coach. 34% felt it should have been more severe, and 9% felt it should have been less severe. 32% felt that was an appropriate punishment.

Serena Williams, People Agree Men have More Latitude to Argue in Tennis
Asked for opinions on the Serena Williams clash with tennis officials at the US Open earlier this month, 56% agreed with her that male tennis players are given more latitude to “misbehave” than women players. 37% disagreed. Among men, it was “yes” by a 49-32% margin; among women, it was “yes” by 62-22%.

Asked if race was a factor in her being penalized, 25% said yes, 58% said no. and African-Americans were split evenly.

ABOUT SETON HALL UNIVERSITY

One of the country’s leading Catholic universities, Seton Hall University has been a catalyst for leadership — developing students in mind, heart and spirit — since 1856. Home to nearly 10,000 undergraduate and graduate students and offering more than 90 academic programs, Seton Hall’s academic excellence has been singled out for distinction by The Princeton Review, U.S.News & World Report and Bloomberg Businessweek.

Seton Hall, which embraces students of all religions, prepares its graduates to be exemplary servant leaders and global citizens. Its attractive main campus is located in suburban South Orange, New Jersey, and is only 14 miles by train, bus or car from New York City, offering a wealth of employment, internship, cultural and entertainment opportunities. The university’s nationally recognized School of Law is prominently located in downtown Newark.

For more information, visit www.shu.edu.

About the poll:

This poll was conducted by telephone September 24-26 among 780 adults in the United States. The Seton Hall Sports Poll is conducted by the Sharkey Institute.

Phone numbers were dialed from samples of both standard landline and cell phones. The error due to sampling for results based on the entire sample could be plus or minus 3.7 percentage points. The error for subgroups may be higher. This poll release conforms to the Standards of Disclosure of the National Council on Public Polls.

The Seton Hall Sports Poll has been conducted regularly since 2006.

Media: Media: Marty Appel, AppelPR@gmail.com;
Michael Ricciardelli, Associate Director of Media Relations, Seton Hall
michael.ricciardelli@shu.edu, 908-447-3034

The results:

1- Do you think the NFL should issue a rule regarding protesting during the playing of the national anthem or do you think the league should leave things alone?

1-Issue a rule 39

2-Leave things alone 56

3-Don’t know/No opinion 6

2- Do you think the main effect of President Trump’s tweets on the subject of NFL players’ on field protesting was to unite people or divide them?

1-Unite people 21

2-Divide people 56

3-Had no effect 10

4-Don’t know/No opinion 14

3- Does the Nike TV commercial featuring Colin Kaepernick make you more inclined, less inclined or have no effect on whether you purchase Nike products?

1-More inclined 16

2-Less inclined 26

3-No effect 52

4-Don’t know/No opinion 6

4- Tiger Woods lost many non-golf endorsement deals a few years ago because he was perceived to be involved in some scandalous behavior. After his victory over the past weekend do you think sponsors will once again reach out to have him endorse products?

1-Yes 70

2-No 16

3-Don’t know/No opinion 15

5- Would you be more inclined to purchase a product endorsed by Tiger Woods, less inclined or would his endorsement not matter?

1-More inclined 9

2-Less inclined 8

3-Wouldn’t matter 81

4-Don’t know/No opinion 3

6- Ohio State football coach Urban Meyer was suspended 3-games for mishandling a case of domestic abuse involving one of his assistant coaches. Do you think the punishment of Coach Meyer should have been more severe, less severe or was it appropriate?

1-More severe 34

2-Less severe 9

3-Appropriate 32

4-Don’t know/No opinion 25

7- In the finals of the US Open Tennis Tournament, Serena Williams was penalized for several rules infractions regarding behavior. She claimed that she was punished more harshly than a male player would have been for the same behavior. Do you think male tennis players are given more latitude to misbehave than female players?

1-Yes 56

2-No 27

3-Don’t know/No opinion 17

8- Do you think Serena Williams’s race was a factor in how she was penalized for her behavior during the match?

1-Yes 25

2-No 58

3-Don’t know 17

9- How closely would you say you follow sports, very closely, closely, not closely or not at all?

1-Very closely 20

2-Closely 37

3-Not closely 32

4-Not at all 11

Sports Poll Featured in Baseball America, Yahoo & ESPN

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The Seton Hall Sports Poll was featured in Baseball America, Yahoo Sports, Yahoo Entertainment and ESPN after the poll addressed a variety of issues in Major League Baseball— including the institution of protective netting to shield fans from foul balls, the use of a computer to call balls and strikes instead of an umpire, expansion of MLB to include more teams and whether or not baseball players who have been found to have used PEDs should be banned from admission into the Baseball Hall of Fame.

Baseball America is one of the leading baseball publications in the nation (it’s 2016 Prospect Handbook, for instance, made The New York Times Best-Seller list) and featured the Sports Poll’s findings on its cover with the headline “State of the Game, Fans Weigh in About the Sport and Potential Changes.”

B.J. Schecter, who came to Seton Hall in August as part of the Professionals-in-Residence Program in the College of Communication and the Arts, is Baseball America’s editor and publisher. Schecter, a veteran journalist who spent 20 years at Sports Illustrated (most recently as its executive editor) was appointed to develop a collaborative and uniquely interdisciplinary Sports Media program at Seton Hall, and to that end is working with the Stillman School of Business‘ Center for Sport Management as well as the Sports Poll. A number of the poll questions featured in this special issue of Baseball America were inspired by students in Schecter’s Intro to Sports Media class.

“This issue of Baseball America, featuring a unique partnership with the Seton Hall Sports Poll, is one of the first steps in forging a multi-media, interdisciplinary program that will bring students to the forefront of how sports media works in the 21st century,” said Schecter. “As we bring in additional resources through WSOU, our award-winning radio station, and the Pirate Sports Network, students will have expanded opportunities to engage in professional-level sports media work at Seton Hall.”

Rick Gentile, director of the Seton Hall Sports Poll and former Executive Producer and Senior Vice President of CBS Sports, agreed. “In addition to Baseball America, the Sports Poll is regularly featured in top media outlets such as The New York Times, Washington Post, USA Today, AP, Reuters, Forbes, ESPN and Bleacher Report to name just a few,” he said. “Our students have the opportunity to be a part of that, and these opportunities are growing now as the new Sports Media program takes hold. It’s a win-win for Seton Hall, and students especially.”

In addition to the special feature “State of the Game,” Sports Poll findings also appeared in an article in the most recent edition of Baseball America, “Drive For Netting Continues Across Baseball,” that discusses the support among baseball fans for protective netting in baseball stadiums to shield spectators from foul balls.

The most recent release from the Sports Poll was also featured in Yahoo Entertainment and Yahoo Sports, “New poll affirms Americans don’t want steroid users in Hall of Fame,” as well as ESPN.

You can see here the most recent release from the Sports Poll, “By 49% to 35% Americans Say ‘No’ to Bonds and Clemens for Hall of Fame; 62% Agree with Joe Morgan’s Call to Ban Drug Users.”

Learn more about the Sports Poll, and the Stillman School of Business.

Sports Poll Featured in New York Times, Washington Post, Investor’s Business Daily, Forbes and More

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The Seton Hall Sports Poll was featured in The New York Times, Washington Post, Investor’s Business Daily, Forbes and literally hundreds of other media outlets across the United States.

In Forbes, Sports Poll results were part of an article entitled, “NFL Anthem Protests Continue to Smack League’s Broadcasters and Sponsors.” The article was written by Mike Oznanian who, in addition to being Associate Managing Editor at Forbes, is co-host and Managing Editor of Forbes SportsMoney, a television show which appears on the YES Network and Fox Sports 1.

In Investor’s Business Daily, the Sports Poll’s Director, Rick Gentile, was cited regarding the decrease in NFL viewership and the Sports Poll’s findings that roughly 30% of those who are watching less professional football cite the anthem protests as the reason. “Companies Beware: Partisan Politics And Branding Don’t Mix.”

Sports Poll findings also appeared in The New York Times and at least a hundred other media outlets via a Reuters news agency article. The article, “Owner of NFL’s Texans sorry for ‘inmates’ comment on protesting players,” used the Poll’s most recent findings on the NFL’s anthem protests within the context of remarks made about the protests by an NFL team owner. The article, syndicated and appearing in media outlets such as Yahoo, ESPN and a number of local and regional radio and TV stations such as AM 1660 The Fan, Duke FM of Fargo and 96.3 Jack FM of Nashville, notes:

A Seton Hall University poll on Friday found 47 percent of respondents believe the NFL should order players to stand during the anthem, while 42 percent do not.

Most people, by a 55-to-37 percent margin, also said it was inappropriate for Trump to launch a recent petition on the Republican National Committee website saying the players should stand.

You can see the article, “Owner of NFL’s Texans sorry for ‘inmates’ comment on protesting players,” as it appeared in The New York Times.

In the Washington Post, the Sports Poll and its director were featured in an article entitled “Midway through NFL season, football ratings are down.”

Regarding ratings, the article notes:

Professor Rick Gentile “It’s certainly not cause for panic,” said Rick Gentile, a former CBS Sports executive and now a Seton Hall University professor, “but they like to keep going up.”

The article also notes that,

Asked about the impact of the protests, NFL spokesman Alex Riethmiller said the league believes the ratings drop is part of a broader trend in television consumption instead of a single issue or controversy.

Yet Gentile, who runs a nationwide poll on sports issues for Seton Hall, said his surveys show differently.

“I was in denial for a while,” he said, “but every time we asked the question, ‘why do you watch fewer games?’ it came back the same way — the protests.”

In the last week of September, Seton Hall’s poll of 850 people found that half were watching the same number of football games they watched in the past. Twenty-nine percent said they watched fewer games, 5 percent said they watched more and the remainder didn’t know. Of the people who watched fewer games, 47 percent said it was because of the protests, by far the most frequent reason cited.

In addition to the Washington Post, the article, a syndicated Top News story from the Associated Press, appeared on ABC News, Fox Business, Fox Sports, Yahoo Sports, the Miami Herald and hundreds of others including the Honolulu Star Advertiser, Indiana’s Journal Gazette, The Tribune of San Luis Obispo, The Connecticut Post, Minnesota’s Star Tribune, The Reading Eagle and far too many more to list.

You can see the article, “Midway through NFL season, football ratings are down,” as it appeared in the Washington Post.

You can see here the most recent sports poll, which included questions that gauged the public pulse on safety issues in youth football, replacing baseball umpires with computers and the abundance of home runs in Major League Baseball in addition to the questions on the NFL’s anthem protests.

84% Support NFL Players’ Right to Protest, But Vary on How to Carry that Out; Only 16% Say Protesters Should Be Dropped from Teams

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84% Support NFL Players’ Right to Protest, But Vary on How to Carry that Out;
Only 16% Say Protesters Should Be Dropped from Team. Wide Discrepancy Between African-Americans and Whites

South Orange, NJ, September 28, 2017 — A poll conducted this week by the Seton Hall Sports Poll has found that 84% of American support the NFL players’ right to protest, with only 16% saying the players should be ordered to stand for the anthem or be dropped from the team if they refuse.

Of the 84% supporting the players’ right to protest, 49% felt they should find a different way to express their political opinions, and 35% felt that not standing for the anthem is an acceptable way to protest. There was a wide racial gap in those saying it was an acceptable form of protest.with 70% of African-American choosing that option only 28% of whites doing so.

The poll of 845 adults (on both landline and cellphone) was conducted across the US on Monday-Tuesday-Wednesday of this week. It has a margin of error of 3.4%.

An identical question was asked a year ago about just Kaepernick. At that time, 80% supported the right to protest and 20% believed they should be dropped from the team if they refused an order to stand.

Asked specifically this week about players not standing during the playing of the anthem, 44% of all respondents disapproved, 32% approved, and 25% had no opinion or did not know. The responses to the same question about just Kaepernick a year ago were 47% disapproval and 27% approval.

“These attitudes are remarkably stable given all that has happened in this past year and the recent spike in attention being paid to the subject. , noted Rick Gentile, Director of the Seton Hall Sports Poll, which is sponsored by the Sharkey Institute.

Respondents were asked whether they agreed more with President Trump who called on NFL owners to fire any players who refuse to stand or with Commissioner Roger Goodell and several NFL owners who called the president’s comments divisive

Trump received the support of 28% and Goodell received 50%. Among African-Americans Trump received 6% vs 78% for Goodell, and whites were 32% to 47%.

Asked about Kaepernick’s lack of a contract by an NFL team, 47% felt it was because of his protests and 19% because he wasn’t good enough. 81% of African-Americans felt it was because of his protest with only 7% saying it was because he was not good enough, while among whites the ratio was 41% (protest) and 22% (ability).

“This is an emotional issue for many people with obvious differences between whites and African-Americans,” said Gentile. “The overall support for the players’ right to protest – in some form – is heartening especially considering some of the divisive rhetoric we’ve heard revolving around this issue.”

The protests can be very damaging to the NFL’s popularity. 29% of respondents said they were watching fewer games this season, and of that group, 47% cited the player protests during the national anthem.

In an identical question asked in November 2016, 25% said they were watching fewer games because of the anthem protest.

ABOUT SETON HALL UNIVERSITY

For more information, visit www.shu.edu.

About the poll:

This poll was conducted by telephone September 25-27 among 845 adults in the United States. The Seton Hall Sports Poll is conducted by the Sharkey Institute.

Phone numbers were dialed from samples of both standard landline and cell phones. The error due to sampling for results based on the entire sample could be plus or minus 3.8 percentage points. The error for subgroups may be higher. This poll release conforms to the Standards of Disclosure of the National Council on Public Polls.

The Seton Hall Sports Poll has been conducted regularly since 2006.

Media: Media: Marty Appel, AppelPR@gmail.com;
Michael Ricciardelli, Associate Director of Media Relations, Seton Hall
michael.ricciardelli@shu.edu, 908-447-3034

The results:

This season, do you find yourself watching more NFL games, fewer NFL games or about the same amount of NFL games?
More 5%
Fewer 29
About the same 50
Don’t know 16

(IF “FEWER” ASK QUESTION 2. IF “MORE”, “SAME”, OR “DON’T KNOW” SKIP

QUESTION 2

Why have you watched fewer NFL games? Please pick your main reason from the following:

The games aren’t as good as in past years 3
Too many games on TV 2
Too many commercial interruptions 4
The players’ protests during the national anthem 47
Boycotting in support of player protests 6
Bothered by danger of head injuries 1
Other 21
Don’t know 15

Colin Kaepernick waged a protest last season by kneeling during the national anthem. This year other players have continued the protest by not standing during the playing of the anthem. Do you approve, disapprove or have no opinion about the gesture?
1. Approve 32
2. Disapprove 44
3. No opinion 22
4. Don’t know 3

Which of the following statements do you agree with most:
I don’t support the players’ right to protest and believe they should be ordered to stand for the anthem or be dropped from the team if they refuse 16
I support the players’ right to protest but believe they should stand for the anthem, finding a different way to express their political opinions 49
I support the players’ right to protest and I think not standing for the anthem is an acceptable way to protest 35

Colin Kaepernick has not been signed by an NFL team and some say it is because of last year’s protest. Do you think he would be signed today if he had not protested or has he not been signed because he’s not a good enough player?
1. Protested 47
2. Not good enough 19
3. Don’t know/No opinion 34

President Trump has called on NFL owners to fire any player who refuses to stand for the national anthem. Commissioner Roger Goodell and several NFL owners have responded that the president’s comments were divisive. Whom do you most agree with?
1. President Trump 28
2. Commissioner Goodell and the owners 50
3. Neither (DON’T READ) 7
4. Both (DON’T READ) 2
5. Don’t know/No opinion 13

How closely would you say you follow sports, very closely, closely, not closely or not at all?
1. Very closely 24
2. Closely 33
3. Not closely 30
4. Not at all 13

(IF “VERY CLOSELY”, “CLOSELY”, OR “NOT CLOSELY” ASK QUESTION . IF “NOT AT ALL” SKIP QUESTION )

8. How closely would you say you follow the NFL, very closely, closely, not closely, or not at all?

Very closely 20
Closely 31
Not closely 28
Not at all 22

With NFL and NHL Moving into Vegas, Nearly Half See Likelihood of Players, Refs, Officials Betting on Outcomes

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South Orange, NJ, April 13, 2017 — With the NFL and NHL about to move into Las Vegas for the first time, nearly half of the US population foresees the increased likelihood of players, referees or team officials gambling on the outcome of games.

A Seton Hall Sports Poll found that 46% responded yes to the question of increased likelihood for gambling on games, while 42% thought the likelihood would not increase.

The poll, conducted this week asked 687 adults (on both landline and cellphone) whether professional teams should be making their home in Las Vegas, and 47% responded yes, with only 27% no. 26% said they had no opinion. The poll, sponsored by The Sharkey Institute, has a margin of error of 3.8%.

When asked if the move to Las Vegas will tarnish the league’s reputation, 21% said it would harm the NFL and 19% said it would harm the NHL.

“Those are high negatives,” noted Rick Gentile, director of the Poll. “It is hard to imagine any other major American city that would provoke such concern.”

On the matter of Las Vegas taxpayers funding the playing facilities, 45% approved of the practice, with 40% expressing disapproval and 15% registering “don’t know.” The numbers showed a dramatic demographic shift – 52% of those 18-29 approved public financing, while only 37% of those 60+ registered approval.

The NCAA has taken a couple of controversial positions on locating championship games. It refuses to host a championship in Las Vegas, and 50% approve of that decision with only 32% disapproving. It has also taken a stance that they will not put championship games in states that have so-called anti-LGBT laws. 45% agree with the NCAA’s position; 37% disapprove, and 18% had no opinion.

One in Four Sees Need for More Women Coaching Women’s Teams

The Poll asked several questions regarding women’s sports and women coaches. The public seems perfectly fine with men coaching women’s teams (82% approve), and with women coaching men’s teams (80% approval). But one in four people (25%) thought it was a problem that the great majority of women’s sports teams (collegiate and professional) are coached by men.

59% said they felt there was “not enough ” coverage of women’s sports by the media, with 30% saying it was the right amount and only 3% saying it was “too much.”

“While people state there isn’t enough coverage of women’s sports,” said Gentile, “media isn’t incentivized to provide additional coverage because viewership and interest has been minimal. It’s a bit chicken and egg; more interest yields more coverage, or does more coverage garner more interest.”

A podcast on these questions conducted by Seth Everett will be available later today; questions and results below.

ABOUT SETON HALL UNIVERSITY

For more information, visit www.shu.edu.

About the poll:

This poll was conducted by telephone April 10-12 among 687 adults in the United States. The Seton Hall Sports Poll is conducted by the Sharkey Institute.

The Seton Hall Sports Poll has been conducted regularly since 2006.

Media: Media: Marty Appel Public Relations, AppelPR@gmail.com;
Associate Director of Media Relations, Seton Hall, Michael Ricciardelli
michael.ricciardelli@shu.edu

The results:

The Oakland Raiders have announced their intention to move to Las Vegas and will play in a stadium largely funded by the public. The National Hockey League has also announced that a new team would be located in Vegas. Do you think professional sports franchises should be making their home in Las Vegas considering it’s the sports gambling capital of the U.S.?

Yes 47%
No 27
Don’t know 26

Do you think it will tarnish the reputation of the NFL to have a Las Vegas based franchise?

Yes 21
No 69
Don’t know 10

Do you think it will tarnish the reputation of the NHL to have a Las Vegas based franchise?

Yes 19
No 70
Don’t know 11

Do you think being Vegas based would increase the likelihood of players, referees or team officials gambling on the outcome of games?

Yes 46
No 42
Don’t know 12

It is common for cities, like Las Vegas, to publicly fund a stadium in order to attract a professional team. Do you approve or disapprove of this practice?

Approve 45
Disapprove 42
Don’t know 12

Despite two professional franchises soon to be residing in Las Vegas, the NCAA refuses to host a championship there. Do you approve or disapprove of the NCAA’s stance?
Approve 50
Disapprove 32
Don’t know/No opinion 19

The NCAA has moved collegiate championships out of states because of what it has referred to as anti-LGBT laws. Do you approve or disapprove of the NCAA’s stance?

Approve 45
Disapprove 37
No opinion/Don’t know 18

Do you approve or disapprove of men coaching women’s sports teams?

Approve 82
Disapprove 9
No opinion/Don’t know 9

Do you approve or disapprove of women coaching men’s sports teams?

Approve 80
Disapprove 13
No opinion/Don’t know 8

Do you think it’s a problem that the great majority of women’s sports teams, both on the collegiate and professional level, are coached by men?

Yes 25
No 64
Don’t know 11

Do you think there is too much coverage of women’s sports by the media, not enough coverage or the right amount of coverage?

Too much 3
Not enough 59
Right amount 30
Don’t know 9

Cord Cutting Can Wait – 98 Percent Watched Super Bowl on TV; Public Says Brady ‘Best Ever’

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South Orange, NJ, February 9, 2017 – An era of cord-cutting may loom in the future, but for now, traditional television viewing of the Super Bowl has a firm grasp on the American public. According to a Seton Hall Sports Poll conducted this week in the days after the game, a whopping 98% watched on TV, with only a combined 1% – barely – watching on phone, tablet or computer.

The poll was conducted February 6-8 among 661 adults across the country on both landlines and cellphones, with a margin of error of 3.9 %.

“It’s the biggest event of the year in America, and people want to watch it on their biggest and most reliable device,” noted Rick Gentile, director of the poll, which is sponsored by The Sharkey Institute.

Meanwhile, asked if Tom Brady is the greatest quarterback in NFL history, 63% of those who identified as sports fans agreed with only 19% disagreeing. Of those who said they were NFL fans, 51% agreed, and 21% disagreed. Among the general population, 39% agreed, with only 21% disagreeing.

“These are remarkably high numbers, given the controversies surrounding him – a large dislike for the New England Patriots, his suspension over ‘deflategate’ and his support of a controversial President,” said Gentile.

In the excitement following the first overtime in Super Bowl history and the fifth Super Bowl win for the Patriots, 44% found the game the most compelling of recent championships, with Game 7 of the World Series registering 26% and the college football championship (Alabama-Clemson) at 11%.

“For the World Series to be named by one out of four Americans, three months after it ended and in the days after a thrilling Super Bowl is great news for baseball,” added Gentile.

Asked if they saw any commercials during the game that made them want to purchase the advertised product, 83% said no, and 12% yes.

“People generally don’t acknowledge that commercials influence their buying,” noted Rick Gentile, director of the poll, which is sponsored by The Sharkey Institute. “Of course, their purchasing habits show the opposite – advertising drives sales. And 12% of the viewing public is a very large number. Advertisers should be pleased.”

7% said they enjoyed the commercials the most, but 13% named the halftime show and 72% said “the game” when asked what they enjoyed the most.

A commercial for GNC, the vitamin chain which sells substances banned by the NFL, was not shown. Asked whether GNC should have been allowed to advertise in the game, given that the banned products were not mentioned, 50% said yes they should have been allowed, with 23% saying no.

10% acknowledged wagering on the game (either through a bet, a pool or a fantasy league) and 84% said they had no wager on the game. 15% said they would have bet if wagering was legal.

A podcast in which Seth Everett interview Rick Gentile can be heard at https://t.co/bqIjtpjD64

ABOUT SETON HALL UNIVERSITY

For more information, visit www.shu.edu.

About the poll:

This poll was conducted by telephone February 6-8 among 661 adults in the United States. The Seton Hall Sports Poll is conducted by the Sharkey Institute.

Phone numbers were dialed from samples of both standard landline and cell phones. The error due to sampling for results based on the entire sample could be plus or minus 3.4 percentage points. The error for subgroups may be higher. This poll release conforms to the Standards of Disclosure of the National Council on Public Polls.

The Seton Hall Sports Poll has been conducted regularly since 2006.

Media: Marty Appel Public Relations, AppelPR@gmail.com;
Michael Ricciardelli, Associate Director of Media Relations, Seton Hall University,
michael.ricciardelli@shu.edu

The results:

Did you watch the Super Bowl game on Sunday?
Yes 72%
No 28

(IF NO SKIP TO QUESTION 6)

Where did you watch the game? (Don’t read options)
At home 75
At a friend’s house 17
In a bar or restaurant 5
Somewhere else 3

What was the primary device you used to watch the game, a TV, phone, tablet or computer?
TV 98
Phone 0
Tablet 0
Computer 1
Other 1

Which did you enjoy more, the game, the halftime or the commercials?
Game 72
Halftime 13
Commercials 7
Don’t Know 7

Did you see any commercials during the broadcast that made you want to purchase the product advertised?
Yes 12
No 83
Don’t know 5

Did you place a bet on the outcome of the game, participate in a pool, engage in fantasy play or not wager any money on the game?
Bet 5
Pool 4
Fantasy 1
No Wager 84
Don’t Know/No Ans. 7

If sports gambling was legal in your state would you have placed a bet on the game?
Yes 15
No 79
Don’t know 6

Tom Brady is being called the greatest quarterback in NFL history after winning his 5th Super

Bowl. Do you agree, disagree or are you not sure?

Agree 39
Disagree 21
Not Sure 35
Don’t Know 5

GNC, a maker of dietary supplements, was forced by the NFL to withdraw its commercial from the Super Bowl because it makes some products that NFL players are banned from taking. No mention of the banned products occurred in the commercial. Do you think GNC should have been allowed to advertise in the game given that the banned products were not mentioned?
Yes 50
No 23
Don’t know 27

Which event did you think was more compelling, the Super Bowl, the college football championship or the 7th game of the World Series?
Super Bowl 44
College championships 11
World Series 26
Don’t Know 19

How closely would you say you follow sports, very closely, closely, not closely or not at all?
Very closely 19
Closely 33
Not closely 33
Not at all 16

Do you consider yourself a fan of NFL football?
Yes 56
No 40
Don’t know 5

Sports Poll Podcast, with Rick Gentile and Seth Everett 11.21.16

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IBM Computer Technician Click below to hear or download a discussion on the findings of the most recent Seton Hall Sports Poll release– featuring veteran sportscaster and analyst Seth Everett with Rick Gentile, Director of the Sports Poll and 10 time Emmy Award winner for his work as Executive Producer and Senior Vice President of CBS Sports.

Streaming link : http://tobtr.com/9624753

Download : https://t.co/1Ao9Tijmcj

Nearly 20 Percent Watch Live Sports on Mobile Devices or Computers

South Orange, NJ, November 21, 2016 The Seton Hall Sports Poll looked at the viewing habits of fans – of all sports – and found that 22% said they watched less live sports on TV than in the past; 13% said they are watching more, and 60% about the same.

Of interest within those results, 17% said they sometimes watched on a computer; 19% said they sometimes watched on a mobile device (like a phone or a tablet), and 83% said they watched on a traditional television set.

These were the findings of the latest Seton Hall Sports Poll, conducted last week among 913 randomly called adult Americans, on both landlines and cellphones. The poll has a margin of error of +/- 3.3%.

As an area of growth, viewing on a mobile device has the greatest increase. Of those watching on a mobile device, 28% are watching more, 15% less, and 55% about the same. Of those watching on a computer, 25% are watching more, 23% less, and 50% about the same. Of those responding “yes” to television sets, 16% are watching more, 20% less, and 63% about the same.

“Television remains by far the biggest aggregator for sports fans,” said Gentile. “But nearly 20% of fans do some of their viewing in other ways. We will regularly be tracking these trends.”

ABOUT SETON HALL UNIVERSITY

For more information, visit www.shu.edu.

About the poll:

This poll was conducted by telephone November 14-16 among 913 adults in the United States. The Seton Hall Sports Poll is conducted by the Sharkey Institute.

The Seton Hall Sports Poll has been conducted regularly since 2006.

Media: Media: Marty Appel Public Relations, AppelPR@gmail.com;
Seton Hall Associate Director of Media Relations, Michael Ricciardelli, michael.ricciardelli@shu.edu;
Office Phone: 973-378-9845
Cell Phone: 862-520-9639

The results:

How do you watch live sports? On television?
Yes 83%
No 17

On a mobile device (tablet or phone)?
Yes 19
No 81

On a computer?
Yes 17
No 83

How closely would you say you follow sports, very closely, closely, not closely or not at all?
Very closely 18
Closely 30
Not closely 35
Not at all 18

National Anthem Protest a ‘Turn Off’ for NFL Fans; Nearly 20% Watch Games on Mobile Devices or Computers

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National Anthem Protest is a ‘Turn Off’ for NFL Fans, Cited as the Leading Cause for Viewership Falloff

*****

Nearly 20% Occasionally Watch Games on Mobile Devices or Computers

South Orange, NJ, November 21, 2016 – In a year of declining television viewership for NFL games, 23% of Americans say they are watching fewer games, and a quarter of them attribute it to the protests during the playing of the national anthem.

Of those watching fewer games, the fall off was attributed to:

Protests during the national anthem 25%

Too many commercial interruptions 10%

Match-ups aren’t as good 10%

Too many games on TV 8%

More interest in the election 3%

Other (or don’t know) 44%

“The anthem protest still seems to resonate most loudly but there clearly are a number of issues negatively affecting viewership,” said Rick Gentile, director of the poll, which is sponsored by The Sharkey Institute. “We saw last week that the best remedy is great match ups and great games”

As for San Francisco quarterback Colin Kaepernick, who began the protests, 50% disapprove of his not choosing to vote in this month’s election, with only 14% approving. Among African-Americans, only 30% voiced disapproval, compared to 58% of white respondents.

Nearly 20% Occasionally Watch Games on Mobile Devices or Computers

watch-live-sports-shsp The poll also tracked viewing habits of fans – of all sports – and found that 22% watched less live sports on TV than in the past; 13% are watching more, and 60% about the same.

Specifically, 17% said they sometimes watched on a computer; 19% said they sometimes watched on a mobile device (like a phone or a tablet), and 83% said they watched on a traditional television set.

“Television remains by far the biggest aggregator for sports fans,” said Gentile. “But nearly 20% of fans do some of their viewing in other ways. We will regularly be tracking these trends.”

ABOUT SETON HALL UNIVERSITY

For more information, visit www.shu.edu.

About the poll:

This poll was conducted by telephone November 14-16 among 913 adults in the United States. The Seton Hall Sports Poll is conducted by the Sharkey Institute.

The Seton Hall Sports Poll has been conducted regularly since 2006.

The results:

Do you find yourself watching more NFL games, fewer NFL games or about the same amount of NFL games?
More 10
Fewer 23
About the same 58
Don’t know 9

(IF “FEWER” ASK THE FOLLOWING QUESTION. IF MORE OR SAME SKIP NEXT

QUESTION)

Why have you watched fewer NFL games? Please pick your main reason from the following.
Match-ups aren’t as good 10
Too many games on TV 8
More interested in the election 3
Too many commercial interruptions 10
The protests during the national anthem 25
Other 37
Don’t know 7

Colin Kaepernick, the NFL player who sparked the national anthem protests, refused to vote in the recent Presidential Election, also in protest. Do you approve, disapprove or have no opinion about this decision?
Approve 14
Disapprove 50
No Opinion 36

Do you watch more live sports on TV than in the past, less live sports on TV or about the same amount as in the past?
More 13
Less 22
About the same 60
Don’t know 5

How do you watch live sports? On television?
Yes 83
No 17

On a mobile device (tablet or phone)?
Yes 19
No 81

On a computer?
Yes 17
No 83

How closely would you say you follow sports, very closely, closely, not closely or not at all?
Very closely 18
Closely 30
Not closely 35
Not at all 18

Sports Poll Cited by Media Across the Country

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The Seton Hall Sports Poll was cited by media across the country, including Forbes, ESPN, USA Today, CNBC, The New York Times, Sports Illustrated, CBS, ABC, MSN, Breitbart, NY Daily News, Yahoo Sports, The Sporting News, UK’s Daily Mail, Star Ledger, Miami Herald, Arizona Republic, San Francisco Chronicle and radio stations all throughout the land. In addition, Benjamin Watson, an NFL player for the Baltimore Ravens, cited to the poll in an article he wrote on SportsBlog.

On ESPN, in addition to a print piece written by sports business analyst Darren Rovell, the Poll’s results were featured on the TV shows “First Take” and “Outside the Lines.”

The most recent Sports Poll asked the public questions on the declining viewership of NFL games, the potential for “rigging” various sporting events and the presidential election, and what they thought about “locker room talk.”

Media highlights include:

USA Today, “Poll: About 50% of Americans Believe Sports, Presidential Election Could Be Rigged”

Forbes, “Will Fans Tune Back In To The NFL After The Presidential Election?”

CBS, “Poll: NFL Ratings Down Due To National Anthem Protests”

CNBC, “There Are a Lot of Reasons for the NFL’s Ratings Slide”

ESPN, “Anthem Protests Part of Problem with NFL Ratings”

New York Times, “TV Viewership Falls in N.F.L. and Premier League: A Blip, or Something Worse?”

The Sporting News, “Is Donald Trump Right about Colin Kaepernick and NFL TV Ratings?”

Miami Herald, “NFL’s declining TV ratings a needed slap in face for sport that has itself to blame”

Yahoo Sports, “NFL Viewership is Down, but not for Some of the Reasons you Might Think”

Breitbart, “Miami Dolphins Kneeler Doesn’t Think NFL Ratings Dip Connected to Anthem Protest”

Breitbart, “Fans Agree: NFL Ratings Fall Due to Anti-American National Anthem Protests”

San Francisco Chronicle, “Twitter Woes; Anthem Protests and Assorted Backlashes”

Legal Sports Report, “Poll: Nearly Half of Americans Think Sporting Events can Be Rigged”

ABC, “Poll Finds Anthem Protests Hurting NFL Ratings”

NY Daily News, “NFL’s declining ratings could be due to these three factors: poll”

Sports Illustrated, “About 50% of Americans Believe Sports could Be Rigged”

The Arizona Republic, “California conservatives to observe polling stations”

Daily Mail, “National anthem protests have caused NFL ratings to drop by 12 per cent”

SportsBlog (article from Benjamin Watson, NFL player, Baltimore Ravens), “More than just National Anthem Protests for NFL Players, Teams”

MSN, “Poll: About 50% of Americans believe sports, presidential election could be rigged”

Star Ledger, “People Think Presidential Election, Sports Games could be Rigged, Poll Finds”

NJ 101.5 “Rigged?!? About half of Americans thinks pretty much EVERYTHING might be fixed”

Director of Seton Hall’s Sport Management Program, Charles Grantham, Featured in The Undefeated

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Drawing on his experience as the former executive director of the NBA Players Association, Associate Professor Charles Grantham was featured in The Undefeated detailing a five point plan for athletes, team owners and league officials to help effectuate social justice.

The article is entitled, “Economic and social justice: What can players and leagues really do?”

Issuing what he refers to as “a challenge to the nation’s comfortable silence,” Professor Grantham writes:

As done in the past on drug addiction and HIV/AIDS, the players and owners need to engage in a “principled negotiation,” one rooted in collaboration that stresses mutual issues, rather than the positions of the parties. For example, as the NBA and the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) negotiate an extension to their current collective bargaining agreement (CBA), a path forward by the players and owners could begin by agreeing to take a small amount of their shared revenue (perhaps one-half of 1 percent) to create a fund to use sports as a tool to address the inferior education of inner-city schools and the deteriorating relationship between young black men and law enforcement in all NBA cities.

As youth demonstrations continue to expand, any action plan must begin with them. The joint fund could be used to financially support basketball in the public school systems, grades 5-12 in the NBA’s 30 cities, freeing school funds to be redirected to academic programs. The action plan would require the mayor, police chief and school superintendents’ cooperation to receive the funds. It could use appearances by current and retired NBA players with law enforcement officers to create and inspire improved relationships in the communities. This can also be achieved by the NFL/NFL Players Association (NFLPA), despite their poor labor/management relationship. The leagues’ political lobby could aid the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) and the NAACP should they pursue an amendment to the Civil Rights Act, in order to allow the Justice Department prosecutorial authority in the most egregious instances of officer-involved shootings.

NFL TV Ratings Down; Fans Cite a Host of Factors, Led by National Anthem Protests

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Seven Possible Reasons for Flagging NFL Ratings Resonate with the Public

South Orange, NJ, October 27, 2016 — Viewership for NFL games is down approximately 12% this season, sending league and club officials in search of reasons. A Seton Hall Sports Poll conducted this week asked people to identify factors accounting for the drop.

Each question was asked separately, allowing for a yes, no or don’t know response. Thus, respondents could weigh in on each of the seven possibilities as a contributing factor without identifying one single factor.

The leading factor – the one receiving the most “yesses” – was players not standing for the national anthem. However, the seven factors all evoked a large number of yes responses, so that even the least chosen, at 33%, represents a lot of fans.

56% of respondents cited players not standing for the anthem, with 50% citing the distraction of the presidential campaign and 47% the controversy over the handling of domestic violence cases involving players.

On the question of domestic violence, men and women responded equally; 47% of men cited that as a possible reason, 46% of women said yes to that possibility.

Other factors included games on too many days, over-saturating the market (44%), increased interest in post-season baseball (39%), the ongoing controversy over head injuries (33%) and a decline in quality of play on the field (33%).

A total of 841 adults across the US (on landlines and cellphones) participated in the poll, which has a margin of error of +/- 3.4%. The poll was conducted October 24-26.

“Only a third cited quality of play and head injuries,” said Rick Gentile, director of the Poll, which is sponsored by The Sharkey Institute. “Perhaps the league can take some solace in that, although a third is still a lot of people. But it is somewhat remarkable that the impact of the national anthem protest seems to hold, given that the action occurs pre-game and isn’t even televised.”

Rick Gentile will be interviewed by Seth Everett for a podcast on the poll’s findings.

About the poll:

This poll was conducted by telephone October 24-26 among 841 adults in the United States. The Seton Hall Sports Poll is conducted by the Sharkey Institute.

The Seton Hall Sports Poll has been conducted regularly since 2006.

Media: Media: Marty Appel Public Relations, AppelPR@gmail.com
or Michael Ricciardelli, Associate Director of Media Relations, Seton Hall University,
michael.ricciardelli@shu.edu

ABOUT SETON HALL UNIVERSITY

For more information, visit www.shu.edu.

Sports Poll featured by CBS Sports, Sports Illustrated, ESPN and the Sporting News

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The Seton Hall Sports Poll, conducted by the Sharkey Institute and sponsored by the Stillman
School of Business, was featured in articles by CBS Sports, Sports Illustrated, ESPN, the Sporting
News and Yahoo Sports.

This most recent poll queried the public on their feelings about Colin Kaepernick’s protest against police violence— staged during the playing of the national anthem at football games; the endorsement power of the NBA’s LeBron James vs. Steph Curry; the relative endorsement value of NFL stars Peyton Manning (31%), Tom Brady (21%), Aaron Rodgers (17%), Cam Newton (16%), JJ Watt (15%) and Odell Beckham Jr. (13%); and the public’s opinion on the NCAA’s decision to pull their national tournaments out of North Carolina for what it deemed to be the state’s anti-LGBT laws (33% support NCAA decision, 28% oppose, 39% had no opinion).Articles featuring the Poll’s most recent results include:CBS Sports: “POLL: Almost half of Americans disagree with Colin Kaepernick’s method of protest”

CBS Sports: “Seahawks’ Michael Bennett says it’s time for ‘a white guy to join’ protests”

Sports Illustrated: “Poll: Americans disagree with Colin Kaepernick protest”

KCNTV, CBS Denver; Wisconsin Star; Pennsylvania Sun: “Kaepernick’s Protest Makes Cover of Time Magazine”

Yahoo Sports: “Poll: Americans disagree with Kaepernick protest”

Sporting News: “Whitlock logic: Move Panthers game now that NFL games have turned into protest stage”

ESPN, Darren Rovell on Twitter: “Seton Hall National Sports Poll: 47% disapprove of Kaepernick not standing during Anthem, but 80% support his right to protest.”

Lebron Is Still King When Endorsement Matters, According to Seton Hall Sports Poll

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LEBRON IS STILL KING WHEN ENDORSEMENT MATTERS, ACCORDING TO SETON HALL SPORTS POLL

James Has Edge Over Curry Among Consumers

Retired Manning, Somewhat Deflated Brady Top Football Endorsers

South Orange, NJ, September 27, 2016 — LeBron James is more likely than Steph Curry to influence a purchasing decision by American consumers according to a national poll conducted last week by the Seton Hall Sports Poll.

The poll was conducted this week among 875 adults on both landlines and cellphones across the nation. (There is a margin of error of +/- 3.4%).

When asked which player is more likely “to sway your purchase decision on something he endorses”, 26% selected James and 19% selected Curry, with 40% choosing neither, and 16% declaring “don’t know.”

“Curry got enormous attention last year, but James did win the championship, and he’s been on the scene a lot longer” said Rick Gentile, director of the Poll, which is sponsored by The Sharkey Institute. “We will be watching to see if this turns over the next season.”

When confronted with marquee names from the NFL, and asked if their endorsement would sway a purchase decision, the retired Peyton Manning scored highest among those listed, with 31% saying “yes” to his name. Tom Brady, currently serving a four-game suspension for “Deflategate,” ranked second with 21%. Others listed were Aaron Rodgers (17%), Cam Newton (16%), JJ Watt (15%) and Odell Beckham Jr. (13%).

Manning was the only player where women rated him as high as men; they were much less impressed by the others. Manning in fact had 32% “yes” among women, 31% among men. Brady was 19% yes among women, 23% among men. Rogers received only 9% “yes” from women, 25% “yes” from men.

Advertisers will likely note that younger people are more likely to be swayed by an endorsement. It was most apparent among those giving the answer “neither,” with 26% of 18-29 years old saying “neither” while 40% of those 30-44, 43% of those 45-60 and 46% of those over 60 did.

Rick Gentile was interviewed by Seth Everett for a podcast on the poll’s findings. https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/seton-hall-sports-poll/id1053266467?mt=2#episodeGuid=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogtalkradio.com%2Fsetonhallsportspoll%2F2016%2F09%2F23%2Fseason-2-september-2016-colin-kaepernick-national-anthem-controvery

ABOUT SETON HALL UNIVERSITY

For more information, visit www.shu.edu.

About the poll:

This poll was conducted by telephone September 19-21 among 875 adults in the United States. The Seton Hall Sports Poll is conducted by the Sharkey Institute.

The Seton Hall Sports Poll has been conducted regularly since 2006.

Media: Media: Marty Appel Public Relations (212) 245-1772, AppelPR@gmail.com; Rick Gentile (917) 881-9489.

The results:

1. Which basketball player is more likely to sway your purchase decision on something he endorses, Steph Curry or LeBron James?

Curry 19
James 26
Neither 40
Don’t know 16

2. I am going to read you the names of some current and former NFL players. Tell me if their endorsement would sway your purchase decision:

Cam Newton
Yes 16
No 64
Don’t know 20

Peyton Manning
Yes 31
No 56
Don’t know 13

Tom Brady
Yes 21
No 65
Don’t know 15

Aaron Rodgers
Yes 17
No 61
Don’t know 22

JJ Watt
Yes 15
No 62
Don’t know 23

Odell Beckham, Jr.
Yes 13
No 65
Don’t know 22

Seton Hall Sports Poll Finds 33% Support for NCAA Decision to Pull Events from North Carolina; 28% Disagree

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Stillman/Sharkey Logo SETON HALL SPORTS POLL FINDS 33% SUPPORT FOR NCAA DECISION TO PULL EVENTS FROM NORTH CAROLINA; 28% DISAGREE

South Orange, NJ, September 23, 2016 — By a margin of 33% – 28%, Americans support the NCAA decision to pull their national tournaments out of North Carolina in the wake of what it called the state’s anti-LGBT laws.

39% had no opinion, or did not know.

The poll was conducted this week among 875 adults on both landlines and cellphones across the nation. (There is a margin of error of +/- 3.4%).

“There is no overwhelming position on this,” said Rick Gentile, director of the Poll, which is sponsored by The Sharkey Institute. “Like the issue itself, there is division, but we believe the NCAA will be buoyed by this show of support on a matter still evolving in public opinion.”

Rick Gentile was interviewed by Seth Everett for a podcast on the poll’s findings.

To stream : http://tobtr.com/9488399

To download: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/seton-hall-sports-poll/id1053266467?mt=2#episodeGuid=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogtalkradio.com%2Fsetonhallsportspoll%2F2016%2F09%2F23%2Fseason-2-september-2016-colin-kaepernick-national-anthem-controvery

ABOUT SETON HALL UNIVERSITY

For more information, visit www.shu.edu.

About the poll:

This poll was conducted by telephone September 19-21 among 875 adults in the United States. The Seton Hall Sports Poll is conducted by the Sharkey Institute.

The Seton Hall Sports Poll has been conducted regularly since 2006.

Media: Media: Marty Appel Public Relations (212) 245-1772, AppelPR@gmail.com; Rick Gentile (917) 881-9489.

The results:

The NCAA recently announced it was moving 6 collegiate championship events out of North Carolina because of what it referred to as the state’s anti-LGBT laws. Do you approve, disapprove or have no opinion on the NCAA’s stance?

Approve 33

Disapprove 28

No Opinion/Don’t know 39

Americans Show Disapproval of Kaepernick’s Actions But Support His Right to Protest

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Stillman/Sharkey Logo South Orange, NJ, September 22, 2016 — Americans disapprove by nearly 2 to 1 (with many having no opinion) of San Francisco quarterback Colin Kaepernick’s sitdown/kneeldown during the playing of the national anthem in protest of police violence against people of color – but approve of his right to protest by a 4-1 margin, according to a national poll conducted this week by the Seton Hall Sports Poll.

Only 20% feel he should be ordered to stand or dropped from the team if he refuses, but 80% support his right to protest. Of those 80%, 47% say they believe he is wrong for not standing and 33% find the method of protest to be acceptable.

There was a strong effect by age with disapproval rising markedly by age – 25% of 18-29 years olds disapproving, 44% among 30-44, 53% among 45-60 and 60% among those over 60.

The poll was conducted this week among 875 adults on both landlines and cellphones across the nation. (There is a margin of error of +/- 3.4%).

Overall 47% disapprove of Kaepernick’s actions, with 27% approving. 22% had no opinion. However African-Americans were just the opposite, approving his actions by more than 2 to 1.

Only 13% said they would support Kaepernick’s protest by themselves remaining seated if they were present for one of his games.

Overwhelming Support for Playing of Anthem

As to the playing of the anthem itself, the response was far more supportive, with 80% believing it should be played before sporting events and only 8% saying it shouldn’t. Among whites, 82% said it should be played, and among African-Americans, 70% felt it should.

“The act of his protest has been widely publicized but it is surprising that 81% know what the cause is,” said Rick Gentile, director of the Poll, which is sponsored by The Sharkey Institute. “Our poll indicates that people are sensitive to the complexity of the situation and there is clearly no rush to penalize him or drop him.”

On a question of the appropriateness of celebrities to use their fame as a platform to protest in general, 52% said it was appropriate and 39% said it was not.

Rick Gentile was interviewed by Seth Everett for a podcast on the poll’s findings.

To stream : http://tobtr.com/9488399

ABOUT SETON HALL UNIVERSITY

For more information, visit www.shu.edu.

About the poll:

This poll was conducted by telephone September 19-21 among 875 adults in the United States. The Seton Hall Sports Poll is conducted by the Sharkey Institute.

The Seton Hall Sports Poll has been conducted regularly since 2006.
Media: Media: Marty Appel Public Relations (212) 245-1772, AppelPR@gmail.com; Rick Gentile (917) 881-9489.

The results

1. Are you aware of San Francisco 49ers’ quarterback Colin Kaepernick’s refusal to stand during the national anthem prior to 49ers football games?

Yes 91%

No 9

2. Do you know what Kaepernick is protesting by his gesture?

Yes or Police violence against people of color 81

No 19

3. How do you feel about the fact that Colin Kaepernick kneels down on the sideline instead of standing during the playing of the anthem? Do you approve, disapprove or have no opinion?

Approve 27

Disapprove 47

No Opinion 22

Don’t know 4

4. Do you feel that Kaepernick should find a different way to make his protest known?

Yes 56

No 32

Don’t know 12

5. Currently the NFL “encourages” standing during the playing of the national anthem but does not require it. Do you think the league should require standing during the anthem?

Yes 42

No 54

Don’t Know 4

6. If you attended a sporting event would you remain seated during the anthem to support Kaepernick’s protest?

Yes 13

No 80

Don’t Know 7

7. Do you think the national anthem should be played before sporting events?

Yes 80

No 8

Don’t know 12

8. Do you think it’s appropriate for players to stage protests while in uniform on the field or on the sidelines?

Yes 33

No 56

Don’t know 11

9. Which of the following statements do you most agree with:

I don’t support Kaepernick’s right to protest and believe he should be ordered to stand or be dropped from the team if he refuses. 20

I support his right to protest but believe he is wrong for not standing for the
anthem. 47

I support his right to protest and I think not standing for the anthem is an acceptable way to do it. 33

10. Do you think it’s appropriate for celebrities to use their fame as a platform to make protests?

Yes 52

No 39

Don’t know 9

Rick Gentile and Seth Everett Podcast on Sports Poll, Athlete Popularity

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Click on the image to listen to the podcast.