update may 20, 2020 – today the MMAJA released a even more statement shedding light on the truth that the UFC has obviously customized their non-disparagement contracts with media however the revised language is still as well restrictive for the MMAJA’s liking. below is their updated statement:
The officers of the MMA Journalists association are conscious of an update to the contract that the UFC has asked media members to indication in purchase to cover online events in person. While we are motivated by the UFC’s willingness to change the wording of the contract in reaction to issues brought by the MMAJA as well as others, we still cannot recommend members to indication this agreement, which we still regard as unnecessarily restrictive.
For any type of even more concerns or concerns, please feel totally free to reach out to the MMAJA officers individually or collectively.
Sincerely,
Ben Fowlkes, president
Ariel Helwani, vice president
Marc Raimondi, treasurer
Josh Gross, secretary
Jeff Wagenheim, at-large officer
Dave Doyle, at-large officer
__________________________________________________________
A showdown is underway between MMA Journalists as well as the UFC.
Last week debate broke out with the revelation that fighters as well as media alike at UFC 249 were asked to indication a contract which included a arrangement that “the participant will not suggest or interact to any type of person or entity that the activities have been or will be held without suitable health, security or other precautions, whether relating to COVID-19 or otherwise”
Today a number of ringside physicians spoke out about such a clause as well as the unfavorable effect it might have surrounding gathering “data required for Camiseta Villarreal CF epidemiologists, ringside physicians, lawmakers as well as Commissions to enhance their event planning for all get in touch with sports as well as make them safer in the future.”
Now the MMA Journalists association sent members the below email being similarly important of such a clause when it concerns media integrity as well as outright telling members not to indication it “even if implies foregoing in-person protection of these UFC events“:
Dear MMAJA members,
The officers of the MMA Journalists association are conscious of a waiver that media members have been asked to indication when going to UFC events amid the COVID-19 pandemic. It is our viewpoint that this file is excessively broad as well as overreaching in its scope, as well as may interfere with the capability of media members to do their tasks completely as well as effectively. We are recommending members not to indication this document, even if it implies foregoing in-person protection of these UFC events.
We recognize that this may put some MMAJA members in a challenging position, particularly if they have been asked by their employers to go to as well as offer protection of these events. To a point, we comprehend the UFC’s wish to take steps to safeguard itself lawfully as well as limit its own prospective for liability during this uncertain time. We likewise comprehend the UFC’s wish to subject everybody who may come into get in touch with with fighters or personnel to COVID-19 testing as well as other sensible security measures.
But it is our belief that a few of the restrictive language in the UFC’s contract might have a chilling impact on journalists, potentially limiting their capability to completely as well as accurately report the facts. This is something we cannot support.
MMAJA officers reached out to the UFC to talk about the matter, however got no response. We likewise consulted with The reporters committee for flexibility of the press (), which provides pro bono legal representation as well as other resources to “protect very first Amendment freedoms as well as newsgathering rights of journalists.” RCFP legal fellow William Powell’s interpretation of the UFC involvement contract that MMAJA members as well as other credentialed media were asked to indication was that it was lawfully doubtful as well as potentially fairly problematic. Going forward, RCFP provided consultation for MMAJA members, as well as would offer get in touch with for a media attorney in Nevada if any type of of our members want to talk about difficult the contract on public policy grounds.
We motivate members to reach out to us if they have any type of concerns or issues about our position. We offer our full as well as collective support Camiseta Selección de fútbol de Alemania to any type of MMAJA members who may be dealing with pressure to indication this document, or consequences stemming from their refusal Camiseta Palmeiras to do so. Again, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us either individually or collectively with any type of problems or concerns that may arise.
Sincerely,
Ben Fowlkes, president
Ariel Helwani, vice president
Josh Gross, secretary
Marc Raimondi, treasurer
Dave Doyle, at-large policeman
Jeff Wagenheim, at-large officer
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