Rob Lopez
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Articles by Rob Lopez
Closing the Loop: Why Feedback Is Your Secret Weapon in Hiring
Presented by: Recruiters often find themselves in the tough business of saying “no” far more than “yes” — but how those “no’s” are delivered can shape the future of your talent pipeline. In today’s competitive job market, the way feedback is shared between candidates, recruiters, and hiring managers isn’t just a nice-to-have — it’s a brand differentiator. This conversation goes deep on the power of qualitative feedback loops.
Por qué la transformación digital comienza con la red
Conectar personas, lugares y cosas nunca ha sido tan importante. Las organizaciones de todo el mundo han redefinido lo que significa ser ágil, recurriendo cada vez más a la tecnología para pivotar y adaptarse a los retos de los últimos 12 meses. Las estrategias de red deben cambiar para respaldar la creciente demanda de las empresas y garantizar la viabilidad a largo plazo en el mundo actual.
Earl Thomas to Sign with Ravens on 4-Year, $55 Million Deal
Earl Thomas (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson) The top defensive player available in free agency has not wasted time in picking his next destination. Former Seattle Seahawks safety Earl Thomas has decided to move on from the ‘Legion of Boom’ and join another team known for their defensive prowess. Thomas is leaving Seattle to join the Baltimore Ravens on a four-year, $55 million contract. Following comes from Adam Schefter of ESPN.
LeVeon Bell to Sign 4-year, $52.5 Million Deal with Jets
LeVeon Bell (Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images) Late Tuesday night, LeVeon Bell and the New York Jets agreed to a deal. The deal is worth $52.5 million over four years with $35 million in guaranteed money at signing. This signing has ended the year-long speculation of where Bell would play his next snaps. The news was first broken by Adam Schefter. Le’Veon Bell’s four-year deal with the New York Jets has a max value of $61 million and includes $35 million guaranteed, per source.
Rodger Saffold Will Join Titans on 4-Year, $44 Million Deal
Rodger Saffold (Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports) The Los Angeles Rams are losing yet another member of their NFC Championship squad. After losing Lamarcus Joyner to the Oakland Raiders, offensive lineman Rodger Saffold agreed to depart LA for a stay in Tennessee. Saffold is leaving the Rams to join the Titans on a four-year, $44 million deal with $22.5 guaranteed. Following comes from Adam Schefter of ESPN.
Giants Trade Odell Beckham Jr to the Browns
Odell Beckham Jr (Seth Wenig/Associated Press) The Odell Beckham Jr experience in New York has come to an end after a tumultuous run, to say the least. The Giants and general manager Dave Gettleman have reportedly agreed to trade the All-Pro wide receiver to the Cleveland Browns just less than a year after he signed a huge extension.REPORT: Odell Beckham Jr. Becomes Highest Paid WR with Five-Year, $95 Million Deal Following comes from Mike Garofolo of NFL Network and Adam Schefter of ESPN.
Bradley Roby Agrees to 1-Year, $10 Million Deal with Texans
Bradley Roby (David Zalubowski/Associated Press) Bradley Roby has come in clutch for a Houston Texans team in need of a replacement following the departure of Kareem Jackson. In a head-scratching move, Roby has elected to sign a one-year deal with the Texans worth $10 million. It’s an interesting move by the 26-year-old cornerback. Following comes from James Palmer of NFL Network. Broncos former first round pick CB Bradley Roby is signing with the the Texans for 1 year and 10 million, per source.
Kareem Jackson Signs 3-Year, $33 Million Deal with Broncos
Kareem Jackson (David Zalubowski/Associated Press) After spending the first nine years of his career with the Houston Texans, cornerback Kareem Jackson has decided to move on. Jackson, 30, has elected to join the Denver Broncos in their pursuits of returning to the postseason.
REPORT: Raiders Will Sign LaMarcus Joyner to 4-Year Deal
Lamarcus Joyner (Jordon Kelly/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) The Oakland Raiders are doing all they can to make their mark on the 2019 offseason. They traded for Antonio Brown, signed lineman Trent Brown to a megadeal and they still possess a number of their picks going into the 2019 NFL Draft. But their latest signing of safety Lamarcus Joyner will help solidify their secondary going forward. Joyner has reportedly agreed to sign with the Raiders on a four-year deal.
CJ Mosley, Jets Agree to 5-Year, $85 Million Deal
CJ Mosley (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) Good linebackers are hard to find in the NFL and the New York Jets have reportedly inked one of the biggest names. CJ Mosley has elected to leave the Baltimore Ravens after five seasons with the team and will be heading north up the east coast. Mosley is reportedly signing a five-year, $85 million deal with the Jets to hopefully be their new defensive star. Following comes from Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.
Anthony Barr Chooses Vikings Over Jets
Anthony Barr (Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports) Anthony Barr is the top free agent linebacker in the 2019 offseason but the biggest name is making the biggest flip-flop off the offseason. Barr had reportedly agreed to join the New York Jets late on Monday night but on Tuesday afternoon, those plans changed in a blink.
Teddy Bridgewater Elects to Re-Sign with Saints
Teddy Bridgewater (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) Teddy Bridgewater is one of the biggest quarterbacks to hit the free agent market this offseason. While Nick Foles all but secured his next destination heading into free agency, Bridgewater was on the fence with a few options from some teams in need of a quality starter. Far gone from his devastating knee injuries, Bridgewater showed some flashes of a return to form in his limited stints with the New Orleans Saints last season.
REPORT: Anthony Barr Agrees to Terms with New York Jets
Anthony Barr (Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports) Anthony Barr is leaving the NFC North and Aaron Rodgers is most likely beyond elated. The former Minnesota Vikings linebacker hit the free agency market as quite possibly the best linebacker available on the open market and wasn’t short of suitors for his services. But he made a move not many were expecting. Barr elected to ink a deal with the New York Jets, a team looking to return to prominence. Following comes from Adam Schefter of ESPN.
Def Pen Picks: 2019 Pac 12 Conference Awards
Matisse Thybulle (left) and Jaylen Nowell (right) (Young Kwak / AP) For the first time in a long time, the Pac 12 conference is void of a legit star in their ranks that the whole country recognizes as potentially a top tier talent. The likes of DeAndre Ayton, Lonzo Ball, Shabazz Muhammad, Isaiah Thomas, and Klay Thompson are far in the rearview mirror and that most likely played a major part in the conference being excluded from the AP Top 25 rankings heading into the postseason.
Steelers Trade All-Pro WR Antonio Brown to the Raiders
Antonio Brown (Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports) A few short days after everyone thought Antonio Brown would be heading to the Buffalo Bills, it appears the failed trade made way for AB to join the Oakland Raiders and get a mega deal in the process. The Pittsburgh Steelers have indeed traded Brown to the Oakland Raiders for what is being reported as a 2019 third round pick and 2019 fifth round pick. Brown also agreed to a restructured deal worth an estimated $50 million over the next three years.
Padres Sign Manny Machado to 10-Year, $300 Million Deal
Manny Machado (Harry How/Getty Images North America) Manny Machado has been at the top of the watch list for many fans looking at their team to sign him. Once his season wrapped up with the Los Angeles Dodgers in the World Series, everyone turned to him as one of the top guys changing teams. The extraordinarily long wait for his decision has finally come, with 9 days to go in February.
Kevin Durant Sounds off on Media Members
Kevin Durant (Harry how/Getty Images North America) Kevin Durant could, in fact, leave the Golden State Warriors this summer and go to a team of his choosing, potentially the third team of his career. The free agency of one of the NBA’s top players seems to be a consistent storyline almost every single offseason but as of late, Kevin Durant has been connected to rumors that already put him at the center of attention this Summer. He’s been connected to the Knicks before, why not one more time?
Wiz Trade Markieff Morris to Pels for Wes Johnson
Markieff Morris (Joe Robbins/Getty Images) Markieff Morris and the Washington Wizards were rocked this week by the news that All-Star point guard suffered a torn Achilles after a freak accident as he was recovering from a separate surgery on the same leg. If there were questions about the Wizards future after Wall’s injury news was announced, there are almost no doubts as the trade deadline approaches.
Pistons Trade Stanley Johnson to Bucks for Thon Maker
Stanley Johnson (Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports) Stanley Johnson never quite found his way with the Detroit Pistons. After showing in the playoffs during his rookie season that not even LeBron James scared him, it looked like the Pistons had a made a good choice with their eighth pick in the 2015 NBA Draft. Now, just about four years later, Johnson is heading out of Detroit and hoping for one more chance with arguably the best team in the NBA.
REPORT: Pistons Trade Reggie Bullock to the Lakers
Reggie Bullock (Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports) Reggie Bullock has come into his own as of late with the Detroit Pistons in a new role in Detroit’s backcourt, primarily in a starting role. The three-and-D wingman’s value has never been higher and the Motor City has elected to move on from Bullock for future assets, courtesy of the Los Angeles Lakers. Following comes from Frank Isola and Shams Charania of The Athletic. The Los Angles Lakers are poised to make a trade…just not that trade.
Wizards Guard John Wall Suffers Torn Achilles
John Wall (Getty Images North America) John Wall and the Washington Wizards announced earlier this season that the All-Star guard’s 2018-19 campaign was coming to an end after deciding to undergo surgery to repair an issue he had with his heel. Now, just a few weeks after deciding to deal with that ailment, an even worse injury has sidelined Wall.
Wade, Nowitzki Added to 2019 NBA All-Star Game
Dwyane Wade and Dirk Nowitzki (Getty Images) At the 2019 NBA All-Star Game two future Hall of Famers, legends in the game and former on-court enemies will be honored one last time for their contributions across their career. Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki and Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade have been named to the 2019 NBA All-Star game as ‘special additions’ to the field of players for the game.
Julius Peppers Retires After 17 Seasons
Julius Peppers (Ezra Shaw/Getty Images North America) Julius Peppers is arguably one of the best defensive ends in the history of the NFL, if not the best of the past 20 years. Peppers broke onto the scene almost immediately after being the second overall pick in the 2002 draft out of UNC. Although he left the franchise he called home to chase a Super Bowl ring, the dominant defender returned back home to North Carolina to cap off a sure-fire Hall of Fame career.
REPORT: Thon Maker Requests Trade From Bucks
Less than three years after being drafted tenth overall by the Bucks in the 2016 NBA Draft, 21-year-old big man Thon Maker is searching for an increased role elsewhere. (Sarah Stier/Getty Images) Since coming into the NBA three seasons ago, Thon Maker hasn’t enjoyed the type of upward-trending success many were hoping for. In fact, it’s actually been the exact opposite, as sporadic play over the past few seasons has relegated him towards the bottom of a loaded Milwaukee Bucks bench.
MLB and Nike Agree on 10-Year Partnership
Rob Manfred making an announcement in 2017 surrounding Major League Baseball jerseys from Majestic. (Amy Herzog/MORNING CALL FILE PHOTO) Just three years after a groundbreaking deal with Under Armour that failed, and two years after a partnership with Majestic, Major League Baseball has switched jersey manufacturers once more. Nike will now be the official on-field uniform and footwear supplier starting in the 2020 season.
2019 NBA Skills Competition
Trae Young and Luka Doncic (Scott Cunningham / Getty Images) The 2019 NBA Skills Competition might be without defending champion Spencer Dinwiddie after he suffered an injury to his thumb but the early collection of talent the has reportedly agreed to compete is shaping up to be quite the star-studded field.
2019 NBA Three-Point Contest
Seth Curry is guarded b Stephen Curry (Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports) Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry and his brother Seth Curry, a guard for the Portland Trail Blazers, have been invited to the 2019 NBA three-point contest for 2019 All-Star Weekend in Charlotte, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN. The All-Star Weekend will be celebrated in Charlotte which is the hometown of the Curry brothers.
Jeff Staple Provides Official Release Details for Nike SB Dunk Low Panda Pigeon
Jeff Staple Looking to kick 2019 off with a great start Jeff Staple is looking to release his Nike SB Dunk Low Panda Pigeon. The fan favorite Nike SB Dunk Low Pigeon and the following iteration Black Pigeon are already in the books. Now all eyes are on the Panda Pigeon. 1/6/19: The NTWRK app at 8 PM EST 1/13/19: participating skate shops 1/15/19: Nike SNKRS app 1/24/19: staplepigeon.com and in-store release at NYC’s Extra Butter featuring a special box.
REPORT: Jimmy Butler Has 'Aggressively Challenged' 76ers Coach Brett Brown About His Role
Jimmy Butler hasn’t gotten off to the best start with the Sixers and some players view his behavior towards head coach Brett Brown as ‘disrespectful.’ (Kent Smith/Getty Images) Less than two months after orchestrating a blockbuster trade which landed them star wing Jimmy Butler, the Philadelphia 76ers find themselves in a precarious position.
Associated Press Names 2018 NFL AP All-Pro Team
Aaron Donald of the Rams was the only unanimous selection to the 2018 AP All-Pro team. (Photo Credit: AP Photo/Kelvin Kuo) In other sports, All-Star games generally mean more than in the NFL. In football, the Pro Bowl is met with more mockery than interest. The game of football just can’t accurately be represented in a go-half-speed, it’s-about-the-show manner. Not to mention the fact that dozens of players bow out of the game every season for one reason or another.
Spurs Coach Gregg Popovich Says He Felt Bad About Kawhi Leonard Getting Booed In His Return
Any problems Gregg Popovich and Kawhi Leonard may have had appear to be in the past. (Getty Images) When the mounting friction between Kawhi Leonard and the San Antonio Spurs led to his getting traded away this past summer to the Toronto Raptors, both sides figured that some bad blood would remain following the split. However, while Spurs fans let Leonard hear it with boos in his first return to San Antonio, his relationship with head coach Gregg Popovich seems to be far from a negative one.
2018 NFL Awards and Predictions
Patrick Mahomes is one of the favorites to be named NFL MVP for this season. (Photo Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports) The regular season is over and the playoffs haven’t quite started yet. A perfect time to debate some NFL Awards, right? Though the actual winners won’t be announced until after the Super Bowl, we here at Def Pen take an educated guess as to who will go home with hardware. Plus, we make some playoff predictions that might surprise. Who will win the 2018 NFL MVP?
2019 Pro Football Hall of Fame Finalists Announed
Tony Gonzalez, who headlines the 2019 Hall of Fame finalists, was inducted into the Chiefs’ Hall of Fame back in November (AP Photo/David Zalubowski). Narrowing down the worthiest of individuals who make the Hall of Fame is a tall task, but the Pro Football Hall of Fame has gotten this year’s class to 15 individuals. It was announced that this year’s modern-era finalists have been narrowed down to 15 after starting with 103 nominees back in September.
Nike's Kyrie 5 "Just Do It" To Debut On January 25th
Shoe Palace On Tuesday night, the Boston Celtics locked in for an ESPN prime time match-up against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Kyrie and company held off a potential second half comeback by Minnesota to win by thirteen. The Celtics managed to do all of this without Kyrie Irving who sat out the game with an eye injury. While he was sitting out last night’s game, sneaker heads and basketball fans alike got some major news regarding the 2016 NBA Champion.
REPORT: Japanese Star Kikuchi to Sign With Mariners
Lefty Yusei Kikuchi throwing for the Melbourne Aces in the Australian Baseball League (Hamish Blair/Getty Images) Japanese left-hander Yusei Kikuchi has agreed to terms of a contract that guarantees him three years with the Mariners with two options. Jon Heyman of Fancred reported the teams were close to a deal, information came streaming in from Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports as well.
Miami Dolphins Fire Head Coach Adam Gase
Adam Gase finished 23-25 in his career with Miami (Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports) Despite a playoff appearance under his belt, Dolphins Head Coach Adam Gase is out in Miami after just three seasons. The Miami Dolphins and team owner Stephen Ross made the announcement official this morning amid a slew of firings around the league. It was first reported by Ian Rapoport: Source: The #Dolphins fired Adam Gase.
Vance Joseph Fired After Two Seasons in Denver
The Denver Broncos will be looking for a new head coach after letting go of Vance Joseph. (Photo Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports) Vance Joseph played two seasons in the NFL before going into coaching. At this point, it looks like his NFL head coaching career will have the same (short) span. After enduring the second losing seasons in a row, the Denver Broncos and Vance Joseph have parted ways. First back-to-back losing seasons in 46 years….contributed to costing Vance Joseph his job.
LeBron James Says Cavs' 2016 NBA Title Made Him The Greatest Player of All Time
LeBron James believes his incredible 2016 title run with the Cavs cemented him as the GOAT. (Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) When most NBA fanatics debate who the best player to ever grace the sport was, the answer was Michael Jordan for a long time, but things have begun to change drastically in recent years. As LeBron James continues to climb up the ranks, the ‘Greatest of All-Time’ title is now almost a toss-up between James and the once untouchable Jordan.
Marvin Lewis Done as Bengals Head Coach After 16 Seasons
Marvin Lewis (Grant Halverson/Getty Images North America) After their season finale loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday night, the Cincinnati Bengals elected to move on from long-time head coach Marvin Lews after he spent the last 16 seasons with the organization. BREAKING: #Bengals and Marvin Lewis have mutually decided to part ways after 16 seasons.
Arizona Cardinals Fire Head Coach Steve Wilks After One Season
Steve Wilks (Christian Petersen/Getty Images North America) A relationship that never really got going before it got started has come to an end after only one season together. The Arizona Cardinals decided to fire head coach Steve Wilks after he only spent one season, less than a full calendar year, with the team The team made an official statement on Monday morning. The Steve Wilks era turned out to be one-and-done.
Under Armour Unveils The 'Curry 6 Christmas In Town' With Special Pop-Up Shop
Under Armour While many of us are patiently awaiting what Steph Curry will do on Christmas day against the Los Angeles Lakers, the future NBA Hall of Fame inductee is making moves off the court. On December 22nd, Under Armour and Curry will celebrate the release of the “Curry 6 Christmas In Town” with a special pop-up shop in Oakland, California.
Quade Green transferring to the Washington Huskies
Andy Lyons/Getty Images Former Kentucky guard Quade Green will be transferring to the Washington Huskies. Green will be enrolling for the Spring 2019 semester and will be eligible to compete in the Spring of 2020 due to NCAA rules. Washington head coach Mike Hopkins welcomes the former 5-star guard, as Washington was looking for an offensive complement for their backcourt. Green was averaging 8.0 ppg, 2.3 apg, 44.9% FG, 42.3% 3pt, 89.5% FT in 18 minutes per game this season.
3 most disappointing NBA teams so far this season
Donovan Mitchell and the Utah Jazz are playing underwhelming basketball so far this season. (Photo by Getty Images North America) With over a quarter of the 2018-19 NBA season in the books, fans have a decent idea of what to expect from their favorite teams. Some teams have surprised many with their excellent play such as the Milwaukee Bucks, who are 21-9, and the Denver Nuggets, who currently own the best record in the Western Conference.
REPORT: Andrew Miller to Sign With St. Louis Cardinals
Andrew Miller pitching earlier this past postseason for the Cleveland Indians. (Bob Levey/Getty Images) Free Agent Andrew Miller has reportedly agreed to terms of a 2-year, $25 million contract with the St. Louis Cardinals. Ken Rosenthal first reported that the deal was close and he followed up with the reported terms. #STLCards closing in on free-agent reliever Andrew Miller, sources tell The Athletic.
Buddy Hield is 26, Not 25, the Kings Guard Reveals
26-year-old, Buddy Hield (Garrett Ellwood, 2018 NBAE) Buddy Hield celebrated his 26th birthday Monday in Minnesota as the Sacramento Kings lost to the Timberwolves. Prior to the game, Hield told the Kings’ broadcast team his true age, which was a surprise to many, according to James Ham of NBC Sports. Before news broke out on Hield’s age, every media website, including the NBA’s, had his birthday listed incorrectly. On every site, the guard’s birthday was listed as Dec. 17, 1993, making Hield 25.
Anthony Davis Appreciates LeBron James' Interest But Says His Current Focus Is on the Pelicans
LeBron James and Anthony Davis (Getty Images) Anthony Davis was recently the subject of some interest from Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James. The four-time NBA MVP said the obvious and told reporters that he would indeed love to play with Davis in Los Angeles. Because, obviously. But Davis isn’t feeling quite the same, right now. The five-time All-Star isn’t quite looking towards a future with LeBron James, he’s obviously more worried about leading his team from their current under .500 record.
REPORT: Wizards to Sign Ron Baker Following Release From Knicks
The Washington Wizards are reportedly signing scrappy fourth-year guard Ron Baker after his release from the New York Knicks. (Abbie Parr/Getty Images) The Washington Wizards are reportedly signing fourth-year guard Ron Baker to a contract following his release from the New York Knicks, and are waiving guard Okaro White, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN: Wizards are signing former Knick Ron Baker, league sources tell ESPN. Wiz waiving Okaro White.
REPORT: Warriors Plan to Match Any Offer Sheet for Patrick McCaw
The Golden State Warriors reportedly still plan to match any offer sheet for holdout guard Patrick McCaw. (Morry Gash / AP) Despite his holdout, the Golden State Warriors reportedly still plan to match any offer sheet for restricted free agent Patrick McCaw, according to Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports: The Golden State Warriors are still prepared to match any offer sheet for restricted free-agent holdout guard Patrick McCaw, league sources told Yahoo Sports.
Kelly Oubre: "If you’re in my way, you’re getting destroyed"
Kelly Oubre wants it to be known that his trade to the Suns will only boost his game.(Charles Krupa/AP) Kelly Oubre Jr has, by all accounts, had an interesting week.
2018 NFL Power Rankings: Week 15
Since taking over for Joe Flacco, Lamar Jackson has brought a unique style to the QB position that makes the Ravens a tough beat. (Photo Credit: AP Photo/Nick Wass) With a couple exceptions, the top of the NFL Power Rankings remains the same. However, as has proven true in past weeks, the middle is much harder to get a feel for.
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