Sports Law Links

Each week The Sports Esquires keep track of the sports law headlines so you don’t have to.  This week’s edition focuses on Deflategate again, but stadium subsidies, the jock tax, and the NBA also make appearances.

Deflategate

• The Briefs: The NFLPA filed an answer and counterclaim on behalf of Tom Brady in the suit over the arbitration decision which confirmed Brady’s suspension. Daniel Wallach has a thorough outline of all of Brady’s arguments in his answer and counterclaim.  The NFL and NFLPA both filed briefs in the case on Friday. Michael McCann’s key legal takeaways.
• The Transcript: The full transcript of Brady’s appeal hearing with Goodell was introduced into evidence. Andrew Brandt: be careful what you wish for.  Michael McCann’s take on Brady’s denial of wrongdoing.  Stephanie Stradley assembles her thoughts on the transcript.
• Mike Florio has several interesting pieces on the case: Why didn’t Goodell call Jastremski and McNally? Goodell’s ruling mischaracterized Brady’s testimony about communications with Jastremski.  On the independence of Ted Wells.  Conduct detrimental equipment violation.  Conflicting degrees of misconduct.
• More analysis: Rachel Axon: Judge Berman will focus on the league’s arbitration process. Legal FAQs on Brady settlement issues.  Ben Volin: commissioner discipline will be a major union issue in next CBA negotiations.

NFL

• Texas judge terminates Adrian Peterson’s probation.
• NPR: How lax policing allowed Darren Sharper to get away with serial rape.
• Aldon Smith arrested on a number of charges, including DUI.
• As part of the Deflategate filings, Harold Henderson’s decision on Greg Hardy’s appeal was released

NBA

• The NBA and National Basketball Referees Association have reached an agreement on a new CBA lasting seven years.
• The Warriors and Ticketmaster argued that StubHub’s suit against them is not actually an antitrust problem.
• Donald Sterling files for divorce in attempt to get at proceeds from the sale of the Clippers.

Sports Gambling and Fantasy Sports

• Legal sports betting could spread if New Jersey has its way.
• Daily fantasy sports have landed in the gambling industry’s crosshairs.
• Dustin Gouker covers the daily fantasy sports lobbying in Florida.

Stadium Subsidies

• Judge rules that St. Louis does not need a public vote to spend tax dollars on construction of a new stadium.
• Wisconsin governor Scott Walker plans to sign the Bucks arena bill this week, providing $250 million in public dollars for the new stadium.
• It’s time for the NBA to end its arena blackmail scam.

NHL

• NHL ordered to turn over injury and concussion data as part of lawsuit.
• Patrick Kane is the subject of a sexual assault investigation. More details on the investigation.

International

• The Court of Arbitration for Sport will give athletes more input when choosing arbitrators as a result of the fallout from the Pechstein case.
• WADA will launch an investigation into the international doping allegations.
• What soccer television rights have to do with the future of cricket.

Best of the Rest

• MLB Advanced Media and the future of MLB revenue.
• CONCACAF dismisses general secretary Enrique Sanz following FIFA corruption allegations.
• Cleveland will ask the United States Supreme Court to review the Ohio Supreme Court’s jock tax decision and has asked the Ohio Supreme Court to stay its judgment pending appeal. The two motions are here and here.
• Wilson has sued Rawlings for patent infringement over its football design.
• If NCAA loses, EA Sports’ NCAA Football game will be back.
• Michael McCann: All Star sports law expert.