Q1-3
Seishirou Tsugumi @ Nisekoi 50-1
Koromo Amae @ Saki EVEN
Toyone Anetai @ Saki 20-1 Prediction: Koromo Amae by >=50 Over/Under: 500 Under
R1-3
Yuiko Enomoto @ Love Lab 50-1
Myucel Foaran @ Outbreak Company 30-1
Marika Tachibana @ Nisekoi 3-1 Prediction: Marika Tachibana by <=60 Over/Under: 500 Under
S1-3
Hanayo Koizumi @ Love Live! 2-1
Haruka Takayama @ Sakura Trick 10-1
Elucia De Lute Irma @ The World God Only Knows 50-1 Prediction: Hanayo Koizumi by <=60 Over/Under: 500 Under
T1-3
Mikoto Misaka @ A Certain Magical Index 1-9
Konoha Suetsugi @ Mikakunin De Shinkoukei 90-1
Enju Aihara @ Black Bullet 9-1 Prediction: Mikoto Misaka by >=60 Over/Under: 500 Under
Q1-2 Nodoka Haramura @ Saki EVEN Cecilia Alcott @ Infinite Stratos 80-1 Sanae Dekomori @ Chuunibyou Demo Koi Ga Shitai! 30-1 Prediction: Nodoka Haramura by >=70 Over/Under: 300 Over
R1-2 Shinku @ Rozen Maiden 8-1 Furano Yukihira @ Ore No Nounai Sentakushi Ga, Gakuen Love Comedy Wo Zenryoku De Jama Shiteru 70-1 Karen Kujou @ Golden Mosaic EVEN Prediction: Karen Kujou by <=50 Over/Under: 300 Over
S1-2 Chihaya Kisaragi @ The Idolmaster 60-1 Ryuuka Shimizudani @ Saki 10-1 Tsukihi Araragi @ Ghostory 5-1 Prediction: Tsukihi Araragi by <=40 Over/Under: 300 Over
T1-2 Yayoi Kise @ Smile Pretty Cure! 50-1 Asuna Yuuki @ Sword Art Online 5-1 Kohina Hiruko @ Black Bullet 20-1 Prediction: Asuna Yuuki by <=60 Over/Under: 300 Over
Q1-1
Meiko Honma @ Ano Hi Mita Hana No Namae Wo Bokutachi Wa Mada Shiranai 20-1
Petralka Anne Eldante III @ Outbreak Company 60-1
Rin Hoshizora @ Love Live! EVEN Prediction: Rin Hoshizora by >=40 Over/Under: 400 Under
R1-1
Asagi Aiba @ Strike The Blood 25-1
Miuna Shiodome @ Nagi No Asukara 5-1
Shizuka Hoshijiro @ Knights Of Sidonia 90-1 Prediction: Miuna Shiodome by <=50 Over/Under: 400 Under
S1-1
Kumin Tsuyuri @ Chuunibyou Demo Koi Ga Shitai! EVEN
Sahoto Ashisu @ The Comic Artist And His Assistants 90-1
Chocolat @ Ore No Nounai Sentakushi Ga, Gakue 20-1 Prediction by Kumin Tsuyuri by >=50 Over/Under: 400 Under
T1-1
Nagisa Momoe @ Puella Magi Madoka Magica 50-1
Rize Tedeza @ Is The Order A Rabbit? 1-8
Kasumi Iwato @ Saki 20-1 Prediction: Rize Tedeza by >=50 Over/Under: 400 Under
M1-4
Uka No Mitama No Kami @ Inari Konkon Koi Iroha 70-1
Kyouko Kirigiri @ Danganronpa EVEN
Tsugumi Harudori @ Soul Eater 20-1 Prediction: Kyouko Kirigiri by >=60 Over/Under: 300 Over
N1-4
Rikantz Seaberry @ Daimidaler The Sound Robot 40-1
Tsubasa Hanekawa @ Ghostory 10-1
Tokaku Azuma @ Akuma No Riddle 3-1 Prediction: Tokaku Azuma by <=50 Over/Under: 300 Over
O1-4
Sonico @ Super Sonico 30-1
Aya Komichi @ Golden Mosaic EVEN
Fino Bloodstone @ Yuusha Ni Narenakatta Ore Wa Shibus 50-1 Prediction: Aya Komichi by >=60 Over/Under: 300 Over
P1-4
Kouko Fukuyo @ Saki 80-1
Chris Yukine @ Senki Zesshou Symphogear 40-1
Rin Tousaka @ Fate/Stay Night EVEN Prediction: Rin Tousaka by >=60 Over/Under: 300 Over
M1-3
Souseiseki @ Rozen Maiden 40-1
Kosaki Onodera @ Nisekoi 3-1
Kei Arakawa @ Saki 30-1 Prediction: Kosaki Onodera by <=60 Over/Under: 300 Over
N1-3
Hibiki Ganaha @ The Idolmaster 80-1
Kirame Hanada @ Saki EVEN
Satoha Tsujigaito @ Saki 50-1 Prediction: Kirame Hanada by >=50 Over/Under: 300 Over
O1-3
Ako Atarashi @ Saki EVEN
Airi Kashii @ Ro-Kyu-Bu! 50-1
Stephanie Dola @ No Game No Life 30-1 Prediction: Ako Atarashi by >=50 Over/Under: 300 Over
P1-3
Rika Furude @ When They Cry 3-1
Mikasa Ackerman @ Attack On Titan 30-1
Natsuki Minamiya @ Strike The Blood 50-1 Prediction: Rika Furude by <=50 Over/Under: 300 Over
The issue presented is whether the Chivas USA supporter group Black Army (BA) violates any legal or ethical guidelines by their fundraising efforts to purchase the club. As a general ethical rule, attempted purchases of professional sports teams should be void of impropriety and do no damage to the existing reputation of the club or fan base. My analysis will address the process more than the end result because the likelihood of success by the BA is slim. However, especially in the social media age, significant funds can be raised which could lead to allegations of misrepresentation, misappropriation of funds, and possibly fraud. The intentions of the BA are no doubt innocent, but the process leaves much to be desired.
FACTS
The MLS purchased Chivas USA from Jorge Vergara after a dismal club performance both on and off the field over the last four seasons. The BA wrote a letter to MLSCommissioner Don Garber and requested an opportunity to purchase the club at market value while citing a desire to never repeat the ownership mistakes exhibited by Vergara. The letter announced a fundraising initiative with a pledge to donate 100% of the funds to MLS Works (non-profit arm of MLS) in the event the bid is unsuccessful.
PURPOSE
The purpose of this essay is to voice concerns regarding the fundraising efforts. 2014 will mark my sixth season as a Chivas USA season ticket holder. I love the club, city, and its supporters. The BA shares my passion. In a time where Chivas USA fans are few and far between, the BA is one of the few groups that stuck with the club during tough times. They are lead by smart and energetic supporters who truly want the club to prosper. While I understand the BA wants to parlay passion into more control over the club, the group shows no signs of the experience needed to manage millions of dollars and an MLS Franchise. The same holds true for any potential interest in the club. Hopes and dreams aren’t enough without planning, preparation, organization, resources, and qualifications.
MOTIVE / CHARITABLEDONATION
Why is the BA launching the fundraising drive? My first inclination was publicity. The self-proclaimed “Infamous” BA is a group that prides itself on having called for the firing of two coaches before their eventual termination. Yet, this is the same group that rightly criticized former ownership and their commitment to the club. In essence, they requested the firings of coaches who were attempting “mission impossible.” The BA enjoys their fare share of attention.
During an interview with TheGoatParade.com, BA President Angel Mendoza outlined the group’s plan. He said, “The next step [after buying the team] would be to hold a celebration on doing the impossible. Then setting up a structure of the right staff to make sure the club is successful. We would be looking for a location and investor for a stadium.” Therefore, Mendoza admits to not having a staff structure before fundraising begins.
The group recently proclaimed the primary objective is ownership of the club and not publicity. Yet, the BA chose to attach a charitable donation to their bid if/when they fall short of the goal. The question is why? If the group wants to purchase an MLS Team, the public should expect an all out effort to present a comprehensive bid which includes financing, personnel, corporate structure, endorsements by community leaders, potential soccer operations staff, scouting, youth development, media relations, corporate partnerships, leadership structure, accounting, and many other necessities before fundraising begins. This is known as a prospectus. Merriam-Webster defines prospectus as “a printed statement that describes something (such as a new business or investment) and that is sent to people who may want to be involved in it or invest in it.”
According to Investopedia, “a prospectus should contain the facts that an investor needs to make an informed investment decision.” Such a plan is only fair to a potential donor or investor if expected to part with hard earned money. Common sense indicates that if the above elements are missing prior to soliciting funds, the bid can only be considered a ploy to get publicity. The BA most likely attached the MLS Works pledge to acquire some legitimacy in the project.
The group may also choose to fundraise exclusively for MLS Works if they feel passionately about the cause. Why involve Chivas USA? Also, nothing is stopping the BA from soliciting funds and simply making refunds if they fall short. Mendoza added, “Even if we do not reach our goal to purchase the club, we would like to raise enough to invest into it.” So from start, the BA is straddling between ownership, investment, and a charitable donation while still not offering a prospectus for each situation.
Mendoza was also quoted as saying, “We are realists and not dumb, our chances are very low, but it is fun to do the impossible.” Yet earlier in the interview he insisted the BA wanted to “put our money where our mouth is.” To summarize, the BA wants to have fun and celebrate while soliciting other people’s money and re-directing it to charity in the event they fall short. No refunds allowed.
LEGALISSUES
Why is this bad you ask? What’s wrong with donating a few bucks to charity? Simple answer—Misrepresentation. The BA has not started to fundraise at a large scale. With the Internet and social media, anything can happen. Donors could make contributions all across the world. The 2014 World Cup may attract new followers to MLS and possibly new donors. Lets say the BA raised $100,000 from 2,000 people. The BA may personally know only a fraction of the donors. That means the majority of donors are banking on assumptions that a somewhat serious and comprehensive prospectus exists and contains the required elements. Or else, they (donors) would have just donated money directly to MLS Works. However, what if no plan currently exists? What if it’s just a few guys on social media trying to raise funds? How do donors know that the $100,000 won’t be mishandled? How about oversight? The questions are endless. If it is proven that no prospectus exists and the internal goal was notoriety, the BA meets all 9 elements of common law fraud.
(1) a representation; (2) its falsity; (3) its materiality; (4) the speaker’s knowledge of its falsity or ignorance of its truth; (5) the speaker’s intent that it be acted upon by the recipient in a manner reasonably contemplated; (6) the hearer’s ignorance of its falsity; (7) the hearer’s reliance on its truth; (8) the right to rely on it; (9) the plaintiff’s consequent and proximate injury.
It only takes a handful of upset individuals to say, “Hey wait, I thought this was a serious bid. I want my money back.” Allow me to use an analogy. Some politicians run for President of the United States when they know the odds of winning are slim to none. They do so to advance a message and make speeches. However, they typically present some campaign and strategy plans before soliciting funds. The pubic would find it highly inappropriate for the candidate to not offer a comprehensive plan before soliciting funds and simply converting the money to charity knowing they (candidate) could reap the benefits of the public donation and halfhearted campaign. The notice of a possibility of charitable donation and subsequent consent mean nothing if the donor did not make an informed decision. This would be against public policy.
WHYDOESTHISMATTER?
My gut instinct tells me the BA was attempting to raise funds first and worry about the planning later. In my opinion, that course of action is highly unethical. The BA can create an infrastructure to refund donations in the event of an unsuccessful bid. This alleviates the problem. While it may create accounting work, so would managing thousands of dollars and guarding against impropriety. If the BA refuses to refund the donors, one could ask what their true motives are.
I write this essay because I care about Chivas USA and its future. The club has suffered on and off the field over the last four seasons. From discrimination lawsuits, negativeHBO segments, poor marketing, awful attendance, and club futility, Chivas USA was the model of dysfunction in professional sports. All of this changed when the MLSpurchased the club. Garber wrote the following to Chivas USA supporters in an open letter. He said, “In the coming months, the league will work to find a new ownership group that will establish a new vision and plan for the team, and will be committed to building a new stadium in Los Angeles. We have already had initial discussions with a number of very qualified potential owners and it is our intention to transition the team to a new owner sometime this year.”
I trust Garber after seeing the league grow over the last decade. I’m finally excited about the direction of the club. In my opinion, even if one donor is upset with the handling of funds, the botched fundraiser further tarnishes the reputation of the club and its fan base.
CONCLUSION
The BA is smarter than this. The decision to purchase the club and raise funds came approximately one week after the MLS purchased Chivas USA. If they had this plan all along, one would assume some prospectus would be available now to potential donors. Most likely, the plan was concocted shortly after the sale. In that event, the plan lacks considerable thought and several deficiencies are obvious.
Nobody can question the passion of the BA. Nobody can doubt their love for the club. Nobody believes the BA is doing this for money. I admire and respect the BA. However, this is a bad move and I hope the BA will at least consider switching to a refund policy.
FC BARCELONASTATUTES
The following link points to the FC Barcelona statutes. The BA can use the statutes as a guide in preparing a detailed prospectus before soliciting funds.
M1-2
Lucy Yamagami @ Servant X Service 15-1
Mashiro Mitsumine @ Mikakunin De Shinkoukei 50-1
Nanami K. Bladefield @ Kanojo Ga Flag Wo Oraretara 3-1 Prediction: Nanami K. Bladefield by <=60 Over/Under: 300 Under
N1-2
Komachi Hikigaya @ Yahari Ore No Seishun Love Comedy Wa Machigatteiru 3-1
Renge Komadori @ World Conquest ~The Zvezda Plot~ 15-1
Kaede Ikeno @ Sakura Trick 50-1 Prediction: Komachi Hikigaya by >=40 Over/Under: 300 Under
O1-2
Umi Sonoda @ Love Live! 15-1
Rikka Takanashi @ Chuunibyou Demo Koi Ga Shitai! EVEN
Yuu Naruse @ Watashi Ga Motenai No Wa Dou Kangaetemo Omaera Ga Warui! 70-1 Prediction: Rikka Takanashi by >=50 Over/Under: 300 Over
P1-2
Kana Ikeda @ Saki 20-1
Mitsuki Sonoda @ Sakura Trick 80-1
Sharo Kirima @ Is The Order A Rabbit? 1-6 Prediction: Sharo Kirima by <=70 Over/Under: 300 Over
M1-1
Kuro Matsumi @ Saki 10-1
Illyasviel Von Einzbern @ Fate/Stay Night 40-1
Tomoka Minato @ Ro-Kyu-Bu! EVEN Prediction: Tomoka Minato by <=50 Over/Under: 400 Under
N1-1
Chihaya Ayase @ Chihayafuru 2-1
Hana Mutou @ Captain Earth 20-1
Haruna @ Arpeggio Of Blue Steel 50-1 Prediction: Chihaya Ayase by <=50 Over/Under: 400 Under
O1-1
Yui @ Sword Art Online 15-1
Yukino Yukinoshita @ Yahari Ore No Seishun Love Comedy Wa Machigatteiru EVEN
Haruka Amami @ The Idolmaster 40-1 Prediction: Yukino Yukinoshita by <=60 Over/Under: 400 Under
P1-1
Ruri Gokou @ Ore No Imouto Ga Konna Ni Kawaii Wake Ga Nai 1-9
Hayari Mizuhara @ Saki 60-1
Natsuo Maki @ Love Lab 50-1 Prediction: Ruri Gokou by >=80 Over/Under: 400 Under
I1-4
Karen Araragi @ Ghostory 70-1
Yumi Kajiki @ Saki 15-1
Chiya Ujimatsu @ Is The Order A Rabbit? EVEN
Prediction: Chiya Ujimatsu by <=60
Over/Under: 350
Over
J1-4
Sukoya Kokaji @ Saki 3-1
Kate Hoshimiya @ World Conquest ~The Zvezda Plot~ 15-1
Ringo Kinoshita @ Nourin 50-1
Prediction: Sukoya Kokaji by >=50
Over/Under: 400
Under
K1-4
Chino Kafuu @ Is The Order A Rabbit? 1-9
Tanpopo Kuraishi @ Witch Craft Works 80-1
Suguha Kirigaya @ Sword Art Online 20-1
Prediction: Chino Kafuu by >=70
Over/Under: 350
Over
I1-3
Ai Haibara @ Detective Conan 40-1
Chitoge Kirisaki @ Nisekoi EVEN
Mafuyu Shiina @ Seitokai No Ichizon 30-1 Prediction: Chitoge Kirisaki by >=80 Over/Under: 400 Over
J1-3
Hisa Takei @ Saki EVEN
Escha Malier @ Atelier Escha & Logy 40-1
Sayaka Kirasaka @ Strike The Blood 30-1 Prediction: Hisa Takei by >=60 Over/Under: 400 Over
K1-3
Kaori Fujimiya @ One Week Friends EVEN
Rumi Yokoi @ Tonari No Seki-kun 60-1
Takao @ Arpeggio Of Blue Steel 40-1 Prediction: Kaori Fujimiya by <=60 Over/Under: 500 Under
L1-3
Youko Inokuma @ Golden Mosaic EVEN
Lisa Eostre @ Walkure Romanze 60-1
Yukina Himeragi @ Strike The Blood 10-1 Prediction: Youko Inokuma by <=40 Over/Under: 500 Under
I1-1
Nio Hashiri @ Akuma No Riddle 50-1
Kurumi Tokisaki @ Date A Live 5-1
Jibril @ No Game No Life 10-1 Prediction: Kurumi Tokisaki by <=50 Over/Under: 300 Over
J1-1
Suigintou @ Rozen Maiden EVEN
Kanaria @ Rozen Maiden 20-1
Kotori Takatori @ Gokukoku No Brynhildr 50-1 Prediction: Suigintou by >=50 Over/Under: 300 Over
K1-1
Momoko Touyoko @ Saki EVEN
Chihiro Kosaka @ The World God Only Knows 20-1
Suzu Hagimura @ Seitokai Yakuindomo 40-1 Prediction: Momoko Touyoko by >=50 Over/Under: 500 Under
L1-1
Keiko Ayano @ Sword Art Online 10-1
Manami Tamura @ Ore No Imouto Ga Konna Ni Kawaii Wake Ga Nai 70-1
Funabori @ D-Frag! 5-1 Prediction: Funabori by <=50 Over/Under: 400 Under
