NFL commissioner Roger Goodell and Tom Brady. Photo: AP

Sports Law Links

The Deflategate discipline. Will fans sue Brady? What are Brady’s and the Patriots’ options to challenge the discipline? Ted Wells speaks out against those questioning his independence. What happens next? The NFLPA has hired Jeffrey Kessler for the appeal. Here’s the NFLPA letter appealing Brady’s suspension. How Brady could benefit from Goodell hearing his appeal. Dan Wetzel on the kangaroo court. Expect Brady’s lawsuit to be filed sooner rather than later. Professor Gabe Feldman weighs in how the appeal could challenge the power of the commissioner.
Darren Sharper’s global plea deal is still not finalized.
A new indictment against Aaron Hernandez: this time for shooting a witness to his alleged killing of two men in Boston.
Baton Rouge police deny claims that they delayed questioning La’el Collins until after the draft.

Andy Schwarz emphasizes the nature of Judge Wilken’s ruling in O’Bannon.
NCPA calls on Illinois to investigate allegations that football coach Tim Beckman mistreated players.
How Title IX actually makes money for some schools.
Former college football player arrested for acting as an agent and violating other state athletics laws.
Conference USA’s commissioner discussed the possibility of UAB reversing its decision on football.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport overturned a FIFA fine for a player transfer because there was no rule that made the transfer illegal.
A look at FIFA regulation of intermediaries and EU competition law.
How agents are using creative strategies to avoid FIFA’s player ownership rules.

The NBA’s next labor war is here.
Cleveland has filed a motion for reconsideration of the Ohio Supreme Court’s decision to overturn its jock tax. Among other things, the motion relies on Tom Brady’s Deflategate suspensions as support. A nice explanation of the case from Robert Raiola and Michael McCann.
Warren Zola reviews some of the highlights of the 2015 Sports Lawyers Association Conference. Former Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens’ full address to the conference on baseball and antitrust law is here.
A New York judge has certified a class action lawsuit against the NHL and MLB challenging broadcast territories.
The strange marriage between Isiah Thomas and the WNBA.
Prep football player wins nearly $1 million jury award after sustaining injuries from footballs thrown at his head.
Tackling match-fixing: a look at the UK’s new anti-corruption plan. How match-fixing can cripple a sport’s economic future.
Sports law professor Matthew Mitten on his career, advice for students, and watching sports.