Chris D'Avanzo, John Martin
Ball is Law Podcast
From law school to the real world, two friends dive into the crossroads of sports and the law. Ball is Law covers everything from breaking sports stories to special guest interviews, and yes, we will even break down legal jargon into something you can actually understand. Let’s unpack this together!
Where to listen?
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Episodes
How High School Athletes & Parents Understand NIL w/ Dr. John DeWitt 16.04.2026 44:32
In this episode, we sit down with Dr. John DeWitt, a former professional football player, to break down how Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) is impacting high school athletes and why understanding it early matters more than ever. NIL is still new, especially at the high school level, and there’s a lot of confusion around what it actually looks like. This conversation clears that up. From common mis...
How Athletes Build Their Brand with Connor Printz 02.04.2026 51:25
In this episode of Ball Is Law , we sit down with Connor Printz to break down his journey from college basketball player to building one of the most recognizable personal brands in the Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) space. His story goes beyond highlights and stats. It is about understanding how to use your platform while you are still playing, not after it is over. College and high school athlet...
The Financial Future of College Sports 26.02.2026 1:02:10
In this episode of Ball Is Law, we sit down with Greg Chick, founder of NILnomics, to discuss the rapidly changing financial landscape of college athletics in the Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) era. College sports are no longer shaped solely by competition, tradition, or rankings economics now plays a central role in how programs operate, how athletes are valued, and how the future of college ath...
The Quadruple Dawg Journey 20.02.2026 46:55
Juwan Parker made his mark on the court as a basketball player at the University of Georgia, and now he’s building an equally impressive future off it. Now a 3L at Georgia Law, Juwan is on track to earn four degrees from UGA, making him a true Quadruple Dawg. In this episode, we discuss the discipline required to transition from high-level college athletics to the legal profession, how NIL has res...
Before You Sign: The NIL Contract Episode 15.01.2026 51:37
In this episode, we sit down with Max Rusakov, Co-Founder of RevU, a company building real infrastructure around NIL contracts. We break down what’s really happening behind the scenes of NIL deals from contract structure and red flags, to how schools handle compliance, to how technology is starting to reshape the way athletes, brands, and even lawyers work with NIL agreements. Max shares what RevU...
Sponsor Patches & NCAA Eligibility 02.10.2025 41:39
What does it mean for college sports when an athlete can go pro and then come back? On this episode, we're having a crucial debate about the eligibility of a G League player to return to the NCAA. We discuss the potential ripple effects and whether this decision changes everything for student-athletes. We also cover the hot topic of sponsor patches on college football jerseys.
Building Strong Foundations: NIL & Academic Success with Polaris Owner Jeff Hiser 18.09.2025 1:02:56
In this episode, we sit down with Jeff Hiser , owner of Polaris Athlete, to talk about NIL from a different perspective. How it helps athletes prepare for life after sports and their future careers. The money is great, but there’s much more to NIL than flashy deals. We discuss how NIL can be a tool for learning real-world skills like responsibility, financial literacy, and personal branding. Jeff...
NFL 2025 Season Deep Dive 17.09.2025 50:54
This week, we’re switching things up. Instead of diving into the legal side of sports, we’re keeping it light and fun. Just pure football talk. John and I break down the upcoming NFL season, share our opinions on what to expect, and go division by division to predict who comes out on top. Of course, we couldn’t resist making our Super Bowl picks too. No case law, no contracts, just sports, hot tak...
Beyond the Game: Lessons in Law, Basketball, and Networking with Anthony Simon 03.09.2025 58:51
In this episode, we sit down with Anthony Simon, a longtime friend I first met at basketball camp. Today, Anthony is a 3L at Hofstra University School of Law, and his journey shows just how far connections can take you. We talk about Anthony’s basketball career, what ultimately led him to law school, and how he’s navigating the NIL landscape, first as a former collegiate athlete and now as a futur...
Media Rights & IP: The Real Game Behind Sports 26.08.2025 53:49
This week’s episode covers four major stories in sports and IP. We start with Cal Raleigh and the risks of not filing a trademark on his nickname. Then we break down the ESPN and Paramount carousel WWE, NFL RedZone, and UFC all shifting deals in a battle over media rights. We also take a look at the Jets being the Jets, after getting denied on their latest trademark filing. And finally, we dive in...
From Athlete to Advocate: A Chat With Rob Planter 06.08.2025 1:08:42
From college football player to lawyer, Rob brought a unique perspective to the pod on the House settlement, revenue sharing in college sports, and more… even if Chris had a few technical difficulties along the way.
Cash Is King In College Sports 23.07.2025 1:00:40
College sports are in the middle of a full-blown transformation, and it’s all about the money. In this episode, we break down how revenue sharing is reshaping athlete compensation, why the American Athletic Conference rebranded to simply The American, and how schools like Texas Tech are going all-in with $28 million collectives to stay in the national conversation.
We Back! 04.04.2025 51:40
We’re back! This time, we’ve got a special addition to the show: John Martin joins the conversation! In this episode, we dive into the current landscape of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) and what it means for today’s college athletes. From the business of branding in sports to the future of athlete compensation, we cover it all and more.
The New Norm w/ VeJhon Johnson 09.08.2023 1:06:18
We're welcomed by VeJhon Johnson, who gives us his hoops journey. We then switch to talking Bronny James and Jaylen Brown. Damian Lillard is still a Portland Trailblazer, which led to our discussion on the super max rule. Finally we talk about ESPN layoffs.
Open Records w/ Chris Dowse and John Grossman 19.07.2023 1:12:28
We are back with a special episode with a couple of special guests. The pod took a different approach this week. We start with the hazing accusations against Northwestern's football team and now former head coach. Afterwards, a conversation is sparked about the two major rule changes in the NBA. Next, we talk about star players seeking trades with their teams and MORE!
Know Your Limits 29.06.2023 51:11
The guys start with life updates and provide a tip about studying for the Bar. We turn to Damian Lillard who has made some headlines about his desire to play for a certain team in Florida. Then we discuss the recent trades between Chris Paul, Marcus Smart, Kristaps Porzingis, and Jordan Poole. Finally we speak on our thoughts on this year's NBA Draft.
Selfless or Selfish? 21.06.2023 1:06:24
Ja has officially been hit with a 25 game suspension. However, this may not be the end of the story... The guys recap the NBA Finals and the great season we witnessed. Also, what are the next moves for the Miami Heat? With Beal to the Suns, we discuss how that impacts the league. In addition, we speak on NIL and how it may effect the release date of a new EA NCAA College Football video game.
Cease and Desist 07.06.2023 1:13:45
On a brand new episode of the Ball is Law Podcast, we analyze the first two games of the NBA Finals. We then turn to the reports surrounding Kyrie Irving pitching LeBron to join the Mavericks. Numerous coaching changes occurred, and we provided our reactions to a couple of such changes. Also, after Adam Silver's comments on the Ja Morant situation, the guys have opinions on what "additional detail...
Speak It Into Existence 01.06.2023 1:12:13
After a crazy conclusion to the Miami-Boston series, we recap what we just witnessed. We then move on to discuss what's next for the Celtics. Essentially, did the Celtics forcing a game 7 change your thoughts on what they should do moving forward as a team? Next, we talk about Caleb Love choosing Arizona after leaving UNC. We then explain the importance of Bob Myers stepping down as GM for the War...
Alumni Game 25.05.2023 1:04:29
Fresh off the Heat's game 4 loss, we discuss what this game meant for both teams. The Nuggets made it to the finals! However, what does this loss mean for the Lakers and LeBron. More coaching changes have been announced in the league and potential hirings are underway. We talk a little college hoops and the Caleb Love situation.
Jersey Shore 17.05.2023 1:16:51
We start by recapping our birthday weekends and a quick discussion about the Bar Exam. We then ask, is there any way for the NCAA to monitor NIL being at the forefront for recruitment? Next, we track the updates of the Ja Morant situation and the firing of Monty Williams. Finally, the conference finals are set and we unpack what we expect from each series.
High risk, high reward 10.05.2023 56:28
Where to begin... Coach Bud has been fired from the Bucks. But the guys discuss the timing of his firing. Embiid and the Sixers tied the series 2-2, with the Celtics, but we question whether he should have returned so soon. Jokic gets in a scuffle with the Suns new owner, Hailey Van Lith scores big in NIL, and we talk about the high turnover for NBA head coaches.
Overreaction 03.05.2023 1:10:59
HEAT IN 5!! We'll dissect game 5 of the Bucks v Heat series. Also, more injuries roll in to talk about, we'll speak on their impact on each series. LSU Women's Basketball is building a super team while the Vegas Aces became the first WNBA team with their own practice facility. We speak on our excitement for the WNBA's future as well. Let's talk about the conference semi-finals and listen in as we...
Sacrifices 26.04.2023 56:07
It's no secret that the NBA officiating these playoffs has been a hot topic. We'll talk about the latest ejections and Draymond's suspension. Next, we unpack the playoffs and discuss a wide range of things that we are noticing in each series. Nick Nurse is OUT in Toronto, while Udoka is hired in Houston. Victor Wembanyama declares for the NBA draft... surprise, surprise! There are so many things h...
No Fly List 18.04.2023 1:23:59
IT'S PLAYOFF TIME! But first, we talk about Mikey Williams, NIL, and changes that could result from this situation. Ja Morant has filed a countersuit against the teen that accused Morant of assault, battery, and slander. We make a pivot to the NCAA where general managers are starting to get employment within college athletic departments. After a short chat about the CBA, we dive right into playoff...
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