Customer of the MonthJanuary

Robert J. Romano

Career: Professor/Judge Arbitrator/Sport Lawyer

Years at CrossFit Gotham: 2

All rise...

Robert J. Romano
Robert J. Romano
Robert J. Romano

 Currently, I am a full-time assistant professor in the Division of Sport Management at St. John’s University in Queens, NY. In addition, I am an adjunct professor at Drexel University’s Thomas R. Kline School of Law (Philadelphia, PA) and Quinnipiac University School of Law (Hamden, CT).

Outside of academia, I work as a judicial arbitrator for the State of Connecticut and as an attorney with a legal practice that focuses on sport law and sport and entertainment related issues. In my experience as a sport attorney, I have negotiated employment contracts, public appearance, endorsement and sponsorship agreements for U.S. and international coaches, professional athletes, entertainers, broadcasters, and front office personnel, while also representing world-class athletes, student-athletes, and sports agents before the Court of Arbitration for Sport, the Basketball Arbitration Tribunal, and other alternative dispute resolution boards and committees. 

I try to write and publish articles in the area of sport and sport law as much as possible, while also making regular guest appearances to discuss such issues on the Stan Simpson Show, WFAN, ESPN Radio, FOX Sports Radio.

Academically, I attended Springfield College, where I was a member of the football team, before
obtaining a Juris Doctorate from Loyola University School of Law in New Orleans, LA, a Master’s in
Sports Management from Columbia University, New York, NY, and an LL.M. in International and
Comparative Sports Law from Instituto Superior de Derecho y Economia (ISDE)/St. John’s University,
Madrid, Spain/ Queens, NY.

Why you started CrossFit?
I gave a lecture on doping issues in international sports to the US Olympic Rowing team in the fall of 2013. While doing so, I was introduced to the sport of rowing/sculling and became an instant fan, however, my body wasn’t. It was then I decided to get in the best shape I could over the winter months so that when the weather broke and spring arrived I would be ready to get on the water. I inquired within the sports world as to what was the best way for someone to get into great shape and everyone I spoke with recommended CrossFit. I did an intro class at CrossFit New Haven, was hooked, and have been doing CrossFit as various location (on and off) ever since.
Why has CrossFit worked for you?
That’s a big assumption. But I think it has to do with the varied workouts that intrigue me and have me show up as often as possible. Because of these ever-changing, high intensity workouts, you never know what to expect when you come through the door each day – well except if you check on Facebook first. This, combined with the fact that Gotham challenges you to become better, have helped me achieve my goals of losing weight and increasing my stamina.
What’s the best part about CrossFit Gotham?
Oh, the parking of course. Besides that, the people at Gotham – (well, except maybe for Jason). From Coach Mike being supportive since the day I walked into the Box, to the encouragement received from people like Coach Mo, Coach Jason and Coach Charlie, from Clair helping me (or at least trying) with nutrition, to bantering back and forth with people like Shane and Stacy, Steve, and Anika and Miss Lola Jane, to waiting for Ally to finally finish a workout on time so we can go home and eat, to watching Big Dave lift – a lot, with James coming back after riding his bike for a couple of months, what’s not to like. And besides, Mo laughs at my jokes.
Fun Fact(s):
I am a former stand-up comedian and comedy writer, I was the Consulate General from New Mexico during the 1996 Summer Olympic games in Atlanta, my nickname growing up was Roc, and I never really graduated from high school – that fact is funny now.

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