Sports Law Links

Developments in the Aaron Hernandez case have dominated the past week’s headlines, as we bring you this week’s biggest sports law stories.

Massachusetts’s Supreme Judicial Court denied prosecutors’ subpoena for Aaron Hernandez’s cell phone. The new Massachusetts governor has rescinded all last-minute appointments by former governor Deval Patrick, including the chief prosecutor in the Hernandez trial. Meanwhile, potential jurors in the case have been asked a number of questions including whether they have tattoos and whether they are Patriots fans. Potential jurors who stated Hernandez was their favorite NFL player remain eligible to be selected for the trial. Find he full Hernandez juror questionnaire form here.
The NFL seeks a dismissal of Adrian Peterson’s lawsuit.
Ray Rice has settled his grievance with the Ravens.
The Justice Department intervenes in the Redskins trademark dispute.
U.S. magistrate judge orders Darren Sharper into federal custody.
Andrew Brandt on reserve contracts and playoff pay.
One man’s quest for copyright justice against the Baltimore Ravens.

The NCAA has reached a settlement with Penn State, restoring Joe Paterno’s wins and directing the university’s fine to be spent within Pennsylvania. Nancy Armour on the NCAA, Penn State, and organizational “culture.”
College sports enters a new era: who has the most to gain?
Andy Schwarz on transfer-price accounting within college sports programs.
The NCAA will begin helping to defray travel costs of families of athletes in NCAA title games. The NCAA also voted to approve full cost of attendance scholarships at Power Five conference schools.
Patrick Hruby on the NCAA’s attempt to retain an antitrust exemption.
Sean Gregory: let Ezekiel Elliott go pro.
UAB faculty vote no confidence in the university president after the school announced it would end its football and other athletic programs.

The Ninth Circuit rejected the city of San Jose’s antitrust challenge to MLB (full decision at end of the article). Wendy Thurm on the decision.
Nathaniel Grow discusses the MLB’s century of exemption from antitrust laws.
MLB announces changes to its agent regulations.
The tampering investigation into former Tampa Bay Rays coach Joe Maddon continues.

Larry Coon released the latest revision to his NBA Salary Cap FAQ this past week.
Blake Griffin receives an additional month to settle a misdemeanor battery case.

The English FA plans to end the Premier League’s work permit loophole.
Power of the Commissioner: Matt Dickinson asks whether English soccer would benefit from a central authority figure, using Adam Silver as an example.
Following FIFA’s upcoming prohibition on alternative financing through third-party ownership, Brazil bans third-party ownership of players starting May 1. The La Liga (Spain) president intends to challenge the ban, referring to European Union regulations on the free movement of capital.

Sports gambling, state regulation, and the pursuit of revenue.
The New Jersey Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association filed its brief in the New Jersey sports betting case.

Our most read sports law stories of 2014. And our preview of some of the biggest sports law issues to follow in 2015.
The World Anti-Doping Agency has published a list of signatories whose rules are in line with its 2015 code.
The Ohio Supreme Court heard arguments on the constitutionality of Cleveland’s “jock tax” on out of state athletes.
Jaia Thomas lists all the upcoming sports and entertainment law conferences.
A German court declined to recognize a decision by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
As the Cricket World Cup approaches, referees are encouraged to crack down on Code of Conduct breaches.
Here’s Johnny Hockey: the latest trademarking attempt in college hockey.