Richard Kent has followed college sports since the 1960s.
He’s especially passionate about basketball — the Ivy League in particular. Last summer he published “The Madness of Ivy Basketball” — an ode to the 8-team institution.
Kent says that April 7, 2025 will be the most momentous day in American sports history.
The action won’t be on a court, however.
It will be in one.
On that day, final approval is expected for a historic$2.78 billion antitrust lawsuit settlement. The ruling, in California federal court, sets the foundation for athletes to receive money directly from colleges.
The National Collegiate Athletic Conference (NCAA) and 5 power conferences have agreed that schools can directly compensate athletes, for the billions of dollars those students are earning for their institutions.
Since 2021, college athletes can receive “name, image and likeness” (NIL) compensation through third parties, including brand endorsements, merchandise sales and “NIL collectives.”
The April 7 guidelines are also expected to include roster caps for individual sports, which will replace current scholarship limits. For example, men’s lacrosse teams are now limited to a scholarship equivalency of 12.6; women’s teams have 12.
Under the settlement men’s rosters will include up to 48 players, while women’s rosters can expand to 38.
This will have a seismic effect on college athletics, in all sports.
And even though the Ivy League does not permit athletic scholarships, it will be affected, Kent predicts. With money flowing even more freely to athletes at other top colleges — think Virginia, Georgetown and Duke — the Ivies may become less attractive to students in towns like Westport.
Kent is no barstool observer. A Westport resident since 1992, he grew up in New Haven. He sold pennants and programs at the Yale Bowl; is the color commentator for many men’s and women’s basketball games on Yale radio station WYBC, and contributes stories to Ivy Hoops Online.
He is not, however, a Yale alum. Kent calls himself “the proud owner of a rejection letter” from the school. He graduated from Rutgers University, then earned a law degree at Boston College.
His day job is as a litigator. He specializes in fathers’ rights. He’s written 11 books, on subjects ranging from parental law to Roger Federer.
Kent also teaches sports law at Fairfield University’s Dolan School of Business, and Rutgers’ law school.
Richard Kent
With leagues like the Big 10 and SEC soon to be permitted to pay up to $20.5 million directly to athletes — on top of the sums already permitted through NIL collectives and other means (a Duke quarterback just signed a 2-year, $8 million deal; University of Connecticut women’s basketball star Paige Bueckers’ NIL deal is worth more than the WNBA maximum salary) — Kent predicts a “revolution” in college athletics.
One in which the Ivy League will not participate.
As a result, Kent says, they’ll leave themselves far behind.
While the Ivies allow NIL money to be paid to student-athletes, they don’t encourage it. There are no official Ivy League collecticuves (though, Kent says, he knows of at least 3 men’s basketball players being paid by alumni).
Already, that principled stance has caused an exodus. Players have left Yale, Harvard and Penn for Michigan, Georgetown and Villanova, respectively.
“The Ivy recruiting mantra has always been ‘you’re making a 40-year decision, not a 4-year one,” Kent says.
But as the college athletics landscape changes, greater amounts of money in exchange for playing sports will become increasingly attractive.
Of course, noteveryone will share equally. Fifty percent of the revenue that will go directly to athletes is earmarked for football players. Another 18% goes to men’s basketball, with 5% to women’s basketball.
The remaining 27% will be divided up by every other sport: lacrosse, soccer, baseball, softball, rowing, ice hockey, etc.
It’s not just the power conferences and Ivy League that will be impacted by the April 7 ruling, Kent notes.
The entire world of college sports — including Division II and III, and the NCAA itself — will be affected.
“I don’t know what the NCAA is anymore,” the attorney, professor and writer says.
“I don’t know what role they’ll play in the future. We’re really looking at what could be semipro athletics.”
Shonda Rhimes has stepped down as treasurer of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
The Emmy-winnng producer/director/screenwriter/author/CEO of Shondaland — and a Westport resident — resigned after President Trump fired the longtime president of the Washington arts institution, and was named chairman of the board by new members he had appointed.
Opera star Renée Fleming also stepped down from the board. And Ben Folds said he would resign as an adviser to the National Symphony Orchestra, which operates under the Kennedy Center umbrella.
Shonda Rhimes, at the Westport Library. (Photo/Jerri Graham Photography)
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Chairs of 4 major Westport bodies have written a joint letter.
Lee Caney (Board of Finance), Lee Goldstein (on behalf of the Board of Education), Paul Lebowitz (Planning & Zoning Commission) and Jeff Wieser (moderator, Representative Town Meeting), express their “disgust at the creation of the antisemitic snowman which appeared recently.
“That might be the act of one very misguided person, or it may be the view of other Westporters who do not respect the diversity of our vibrant community.
“We want to state as representatives of every member of this wonderful community, however, that the snowman has no place in Westport and is a despicable act. It is shameful that anyone would harbor such hate, and we hope it will never occur again in the town we love.”
Town leaders reacted to this snowman, built last Sunday at the Newman Poses Preserve.
How do you celebrate winning 7 straight Country Music Association Group of the Year awards?
If you’re Old Dominion, you play 7 shows at Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium.
And you give the money to charity.
The band — which includes guitarist/vocalist Brad Tursi, a 1997 Staples High School graduate — raised a cool $1.25 million.
They gave it (of course) 7 charities: MusiCares, Save the Music, Backline Care, Opry Trust Fund, CMA Foundation, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and Ramsey Foundation.
And — this really shouldn’t be a side note — the “7 for 7 Residency” the band set a record for most consecutive shows in Ryman’s history.
“06880” reader Tricia Summers — who went to 2 of the shows, and loved them — sends along this photo of Tursi, at the Ryman:
(Photo/Tricia Summers)
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A memorial service for Selma Miriam — the co-founder of Bloodroot vegetarian restaurant, and a longtime advocate for feminism and social justice who died earlier this month at 89 — has been set.
It will be held at 6 p.m. Sunday, March 9, at the United Congregational Church of Bridgeport (2200 North Avenue).
Selma’s many friends and admirers are invited.
Selma Miriam
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Last Saturday’s food drive to stock the Homes with Hope pantry was a huge success.
As they do every year just before the Super Bowl, the Sunrise Rotary Club and Westport Police Department collected over 500 bags of food and supplies, and more than $1,500 in cash, outside Stop & Shop.
But it was not the only drive held that day.
Addison Moore — a 2023 Staples High School graduate, winner of the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce’s Young Entrepreneur award, and now a pre-law student at Lafayette College — ran his own effort.
He organized it quickly, out of concern that a predicted snowstorm would impact the Gillespie Center’s stock.
He set up near the Westport Library, and in just a few hours collected a couple of hundred pounds of food.
It takes a village. Congratulations, Addison — and all who donated, to either food drive — for being part of ours.
She writes: “Rizzuto’s and Casa Me both use compostable containers for takeout and doggy bags. I’m sure there are more in town, but these are two I frequent. They are sturdy, and do not leak.”
Details on a Casa Me compostable container.
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Presidents Day is known not for celebrating presidents, but for deals.
Mattresses, TVs, cars … they’re all on sale this weekend.
So are 25% 2-play subscriptions to the final shows of the Westport Country Playhouse’s “Season of Laughter.”
“Native Gardens” (February 18 through March 8) and “Theatre People” (March 25 through April 12) are the shows. Click here to learn more about them.
To access the discount, click here. A code will be provided beginning Saturday at westportplayhouse.org, and on Facebook (Westport Country Playhouse) and Instagram (wcplayhouse).
(In addition to the Presidents Weekend special promotion, the Playhouse regularly offers discounts on single tickets to students, senior citizens, educators, military and first responders, Indigenous peoples, professional playwrights, and groups, as well as options for pay-what-you-will and library passes. Click here for details.
Playhouse seats are 25% off, this Presidents Day weekend. (Photo/Robert Benson)
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It’s not always easy for senior citizens to live in the suburbs.
Fortunately, Westport’s Department of Human Services has resources for residents who need help with outdoor tasks like yard work, snow removal and other light chores.
The office has a list of middle and high school students who want to help. The recommended fee is $16 per hour, but both sides are welcome to negotiate a different agreeable amount.
Seniors who require assistance with outdoor chores can call the Department of Human Services at 203-341-1050, or email humansrv@westportct.gov.
Middle and high school students who want to help can use the same contact information above. Written permission from a parent or guardian is required.
Daniel Purcell III — co-owner of Purcell Moving Inc., with his brother Larry, and former owner of Westport’s Sportsman’s Bar — died February 10. He was 82.
He enjoyed playing softball, boating with his family, tinkering with cars and trucks, long car rides, flea markets, and time with family and friends.
He played shuffleboard with his daughter Sandra at the Ukrainian Club in Southport on Monday nights He was also president and lifetime member of the Screwballs
Daniel is survived by his wife Stacy; daughters Laura Romano (Rob) and Sandra Scotto (Rob); granddaughters Ashley Gorkin (Elliot) and Kaitlyn Scotto; great-granddaughter Olivia Barbara Gorkin; 2 sisters, 4 brothers, sisters-in-law and brothers-in laws, nieces and nephews, and a great-nieces and great-nephews.He was predeceased by his first wife Barbara, and son Donald.
A celebration of life will be held at the Eagles Club (6 Mott Avenue, Norwalk) on June 10 (3 to 7 p.m.). Condolences may be left online. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Heart Association or the American Cancer Society.
And finally … let’s hear it again for Westport’s own (sort of) Old Dominion (story above):
(From the Kennedy Center to Ryman Auditorium — if there’s a Westport angle to a story, “06880” finds it. If you appreciate our hyper-local, worldly coverage, please click here. Thanks!)
Duane Cohen is a native Westporter. He still lives here. He writes:
With the recent dismantling of government agencies by the Trump administration, I felt compelled to dig up a memory I would rather keep buried.
However, my story is important to recognize the progress we have made, understand how far we have come, and realize how scary it is to have Trump dismantling our protections.
In December 1970, at age 17, I enlisted in the US Navy. At age 18 while on active duty, I was injured when I fell 10 feet on my back during a storm that also caused our ammunition ship to lose its radar antenna, and crack the hull.
Duane Cohen, in the Navy.
When we returned to the States, I sought medical treatment. It was determined I had hearniated a disc in my lower back. I still have it, 50 years later.
The disability was determined to be 10% disabling. With therapy and exercises I gained and maintained work to support myself and my family.
In the early ’70s, returning veterans were able to take a Post Office entrance exam at any time, and were given a preference for hiring.
I took the entrance exam. I was hired in a probationary job, loading and unloading trucks at the Danbury Post office for 90 days.
At the end of the probationary period, I was offered a position as a mail carrier in Norwalk.
I accepted the position, and was hired by the Norwalk postmaster on a Friday afternoon. I was told begin work on Monday morning.
When I reported for work on Monday, I was told to leave. I did not have a job. The medical examiner (who never examined me) said I was “not a candidate” because of my disability.
I was told I had no recourse, because there were no laws against discriminating against a disabled person
Duane Cohen, then …
I had nowhere to go, no one to help. I wrote letters. I went to the VA, Disabled American Veterans, and many military and legal organizations. I was told every time, “If the PO won’t hire you, it’s for your own good. You can’t do the job. Find something else.”
But I knew they were wrong. That is when I found someone at legal services in Norwalk who took my case for free.
My doctor and I certified that I could do what was required, carrying up to 35 pounds of mail.
Somehow, the story was picked up by the New Canaan newspaper. After the article came out, people started helping.
Letters were sent to Rosalynn Carter, the president’s wife, who was advocating for disabled veterans.
I received a letter from Senator Ribicoff, who asked to meet with me in his office. He arranged for me to be examined by the Post Office medical dxaminer, for the first time. I passed the exam.
My case went before a judge. It was determined that the Norwalk Post Office had hired me, and was now discriminating against a disabled employee by not allowing me to do my job. It was determined the postmaster had hired me before the chief medical officer was able to determine his discrimination, which he would have gotten away with. If the postmaster had not hired me, in those days they could have discriminated against me for being a disabled person, let alone a Vietnam veteran.
I won the case with all my back pay, night differential, and all benefits from the day I was hired, including seniority.
… and now.
When I was asked where I would like to work, I wanted to be as far away from the Norwalk postmaster as I could be. I elected to work in Stamford.
Within a few months, the Norwalk postmaster was promoted. He became the Stamford postmaster, in charge of Darien, Westport and Greenwich.
He then unjustly fired me twice. He had to rehire me both times, with back pay. Fortunately, as a civil servant I was protected by the Equal Opportunity Commission and the Merit Systems Protection Board.
The EEOC and many other agencies in place to protect us from bullies like the postmaster are being eliminated by Trump.
That is why I dusted off this memory. We cannot go back!
(“06880″‘s “Opinion” pages provide local perspectives on a wide variety of issues. If you appreciate this — or any other feature — of Westport’s premier blog, please click here to support us. Thanks!)
This afternoon’s “Snowmen of Love” project — a ringing response to the antisemitic snowman discovered Sunday at Newman Poses Preserve — drew a spirited, creative, all-ages crowd to Saugatuck Congregational Church.
“06880” photographer Ryan Allen was there too. The Staples High School sophomore captured all the joy and fun of the day.
Despite just a couple of hours’ notice — and in the middle of a busy weekday afternoon — many Westporters showed up today, on the Saugatuck Congregational Church lawn.
Some were congregants; others were not. Some were in the prime of their snowman-making days; others were well past.
All went to work, turning last night’s snowfall into an even prettier site: “Snowmen of Love.”
That’s the name Rev. Kari Nicewander gave to a quickly conceived project.
The goal was to counter Sunday’s snowman of hate: a crude representation of Adolf Hitler — complete with swastika, mustache, and outstretched arm salute — at Newman Poses Preserve.
They had fun. They worked together. They drank hot chocolate.
And they sent a message to everyone passing by, on Post Road East: Our snowmen have hearts.
Posted onFebruary 12, 2025|Comments Off on New Westport Y CEO Glen Hale: A Familiar Face
The Westport Weston Family YMCA’s search for a new chief executive officer ended right where it began: inside its Bedford Family Center.
Glen Hale takes over, effective immediately.
He does not have far to go. He has served as interim CEO since August, when Anjali McCormick resigned.
Prior to that, Hale was the Westport Y’s chief financial officer.
Glen Hale
The Y calls him “a career leader (who) has managed cross-functional teams, executed global growth initiatives and acquisitions, and implemented organization-wide technology systems.” He is also a certified public accountant.
Hale has over 25 years of experience with non-profit organizations, including CFO for several organizations.
“Paired with a lifelong interest in athletics and sports – both as a participant and a fan – Hale’s skills and passions align well with the YMCA’s mission of promoting healthy living and youth development,” the Y says.
The Y recently earned Praesidium Accreditation — the highest industry standards — for its safety efforts.
The organization also reached its maximum membership capacity of 12,500. Over 1,000 people are on the wait list. Winter programs have set record participation levels.
Westport Weston Family YMCA board president Juliane Sunderland says, “I have had the pleasure of working with Glen for a number of years. His extensive experience, financial acumen, and deep commitment to our mission make him the ideal leader to guide our organization into its next chapter of growth and community impact.
“With Glen at the helm, alongside our strong leadership team, we are confident in our ability to move forward and achieve our goals.
The Westport Y’s Bedford Family Center, at its Mahackeno campus.
John McKinney, chair of the Y board of trustees, adds, “Glen has a deep understanding of our organization, the community we serve, and has a clear plan for our future. As we look toward the next century of service, we are confident that under Glen’s leadership, the Westport Weston Family Y will continue to serve as a cornerstone of the community.”
Hale says, “I’m honored and excited to take on this role. The WWFY has a rich history of serving our community, and I’m eager to build upon that legacy by expanding our program portfolio and strengthening community partnerships.
“I look forward to continuing my work with our great team and highly engaged membership, and striving for excellence in all that we do.”
Hale is married, with 2 daughters. He and his family moved from New York to Connecticut 20 years ago.
(“06880” regularly covers the Y — and many other Westport non-profits. If you enjoy our hyper-local focus, please click here to support our own non-profit work. Thank you!)
Comments Off on New Westport Y CEO Glen Hale: A Familiar Face
“Bring hats and gloves for the snowmen, signs/messages of love and peace, etc.,” the pastor says.
“Our snowmen will have hearts and outreached arms. Let’s fill the lawn and show the community what kind of humans we are. Please help share and get the word out. Each snowman represents another person standing up against hate.”
Today, snow covers the Saugatuck Church lawn. This afternoon, the town is invited there, to make “snowmen of love.”
In June, Staples Orphenians — our high school’s renowned, audition-only choral ensemble — travel to Spain, for an international choral festival.
They want to make sure every student can participate, regardless of financial circumstance. Proceeds raised above their goal will go to the Voces8Foundation, which is creating a music education hub in Westport.
As a fundraiser, Orphenian singers have created 1-minute a cappella clips of pop Valentine’s tunes. They range from love to friendship to (ugh) breakup — for example, “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You,” “My Girl” and “I Want You Back.”
For just $5.50, anyone can send a digital Orphenians Valentine “Singing Gram” to anyone in the world. It will be delivered Friday (Valentine’s Day). Click here to order (songs are listed under “Select an Option”).
A reader writes: “I just learned at Starbucks that the town is requiring all businesses to switch to compostable cups and lids. Do you know more about this initiative and what happens when businesses don’t comply?”
I contacted Gately Ross, co-director of Sustainable Westport. She replied: “Nothing that we’ve heard about explicitly. I suspect they are referencing Westport’s Single Use Plastic ordinance.” (Click here for the full regulation.)
The ordinance — passed in 2019 — says that any food service business must “transition from disposable plastic food service ware to compostable and recyclable alternatives.”
“Single use plastic food service products” incudes food containers, straws, stirrers, plates, “clamshells” — and hot and cold beverage cups.
1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker cited the ordinance — and last year’s “Skip the Stuff” campaign, encouraging customers to request only utensils and other items that they really need — at this month’s State of the Town meeting.
Ross thinks that may have prompted Starbucks’ compliance with the ordinance.
Ross notes: “Disposal of compostable goods is nuanced. Often they are confused for recyclable (which is suboptimal, because they will contaminate the recycling stream).
“Also, they are not accepted at the town transfer station food waste collection.
“Sustainable Westport recommends that residents contact their private hauler to see if they are permitted in curbside collections.
“Best answer: Reusables! Bring your own mug! Which Starbucks permits.”
A Starbucks compostable cup.
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The Downtown Plan Implementation Committee meets tomorrow (Thursday, February 13, 8:30 a.m., Town Hall rooms 307/9).
The agenda includes a review of the downtown design master plan, including parking study strategy and Jesup/Imperial lots design, as well as Church Lane closure, and “Jesup Alley.”
The Downtown Plan Implementation Committee will discuss the alley between Jesup Road and Post Road East.
The 2012 Staples High School gaduate takes the stage on February 27, with his Columbus, Ohio-based Carpe Diem String Quartet. Their presentation includes 2 world premieres.
The group is “one of the most unique and sought-after chamber ensembles on the cincert stage today. (The) boundary-breaking ensemble that has earned widespread critical and audience acclaim for its innovative programming and electrifying performances.”
Speaking of the arts: One of the best shows in town is a backstage tour of the Westport Country Playhouse.
From the history-rich green room and dressings rooms, to the costume and set shops, you’ll get an up-close-and-personal, behind-the-scenes (and free) look at the 94-year-old theater.
Susan Garment took one the other day. She was particularly intrigued at the set being readied for the next production.
Working on the “Native Gardens” set. (Photo/Susan Garment)
“Native Gardens” opens February 18. Click here for details, and tickets. Click here for details about the Playhouse tours. The next ones are in Apri, May and June.
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Speaking of the Playhouse: Applications are open for this summer’s Joanne Woodward Internship Program.
Named in honor of the actress, director and former Playhouse artistic director, the program is one of the nation’s top training opportunities for emerging theater professionals.
Internships are available in marketing, development/fundraising, general production, and artistic and education.
In addition to working in their special Playhouse departments, interns attend weekly seminars with guest speakers, including staff members, visiting designers and artists, commercial producers and more.
The internships date to the 1940s. Among the most prominent alums of the program: Stephen Sondheim.
The Woodward Internships run from May 27 through August 1. Applicants must be 20 or older. The stipend is $655 per week. Housing is provide,d though ransportation is the responsibility of the intern.
Stephen Sondheim (crouching, top) during his 1950 apprenticeship. Other interns include future film director Frank Perry (front row, left) and Richard Rodgers’ daughter Mary (2nd row, 4th from left).
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Sure, you can send a store-bought Valentine’s Day card.
But Staples students have a chance to handwritten ones — with a strawberry heart, lollipop and words of encouragement.
The Teen Awareness Group sold Candygrams last week. On Monday, members personalized each one, with personalized messages.
The project was a fundraiser for TAG’s effort to connect the community, and remind students to support one another while making healthy choices around drugs and alcohol, and normalizing seeking support for mental health issues.
Teen Awareness Group members create Candygrams. (Photo/Elaine Daignault)
Like many Westporters, Seth Schachter checks eBay often, for items of local interest.
His latest find: this 19th-century sign.
The price: a mere $750.
Or “best offer.”
Click here to offer whatever you think it’s worth.
Or instead of buying it, perhaps a reader can clue us all in on John F. Coyle’s back story. Just click “Comments” below.
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Aspetuck Land Trust is partnering with Gilbertie’s Herbs & Garden Center, and Oliver Nurseries, to sponsor a new book club.
The first selection is “Soil: The Story of a Black Mother’s Garden,” by Camille Dungy.
The book – about a family’s decision to plant a diverse garden in Fort Collins, Colorado — has been called “a poetic reflection on plants, family, community, race, place, and legacy.”
Meetings are virtual. They’ll be facilitated by ALT member Jennifer Groves. A positive psychology coach and naturalist who leads efforts to connect people in meaningful ways to nature and each other.
“Soil” is available from Amazon, and at the Westport Library. The signup deadline for the club is February 20. Click here to register for the Monday, April 7 (6:30 p.m.) session. Click here for the Tuesday, April 22 (12 noon) meeting.
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In 1986, trombonist and bandleader John Fumasoli formed a 10-piece little big band, The Jones Factor. It has become a jazz legend.
Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall met John a few years ago, at a memorial concert for Micky Golomb (namesake of JazzFC’s scholarship fund), and appreciated his musicianship and friendly vibe.
Tomorrow (Thursday, February 13, VFW Post 399; shows at 7:30 and 8:30 p.m.; dinner service from 7; $20 music cover, $15 veterans and students), Jazz at the Post welcomes The Jones Factor back.
In addition to Fumasoli and Wall, the shows feature bassist Dave Anderson, keyboardist Rob Aries, trumpeter Mark Collins and drummer Tyger MacNeal. Click here for tickets.
It’s a tossup who likes to romp in the snow more: kids or dogs.
Based on today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo — taken near Burying Hill Beach — we’re betting on man’s best friend.
The canine variety, that is.
(Photo/Chrissey Hunt)
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And finally … today is the 216th anniversary of the birth of Abraham Lincoln. The 16th president’s birthday was celebrated as a holiday — at least outside the South — as was George Washington’s, 10 days later. In 1968 Presidents Day was created to honor both, on the third Monday in February.
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On that day, final approval is expected for a historic $2.78 billion antitrust lawsuit settlement. The ruling, in California federal court, sets the foundation for athletes to receive money directly from colleges.
