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 features a number of MLB legal issues, the Texas AG’s DFS opinion, and the tennis match-fixing scandal.

MLB

• MLB settled the Garber antitrust broadcast suit on the brink of trial. Nathaniel Grow discussed the impact of the settlement and provided an update after settlement terms were released.
• MLB was investigating pitcher Yu Darvish after his brother was charged with running an illegal gambling ring. However, the league has cleared Darvish of any involvement.
• Why prosecutors didn’t bring charges against Aroldis Chapman. Tony Iliakostas explains why Chapman may still face sanctions from MLB.
• Jack Moore revisits the 2002-2003 collusion situation.
• Video: Tony Iliakostas discusses Yoenis Cespedes and opt-out clauses.
• Mets prospect suspended for PED use.

Sports Gambling and Fantasy Sports

• Texas AG declares fantasy sports illegal Here’s the opinion.  But don’t bet against DFS in Texas.
• Illinois AG files motions to dismiss DFS lawsuits.
• Oklahoma house bill proposes regulations on fantasy sports.
• New Wisconsin bill proposes light regulations of DFS.
• David Purdum recaps the optimism at the Fantasy Sports Trade Association.

NFL

• Chargers apply to register trademarks for Los Angeles names.
• Third Circuit affirms that plaintiffs have no standing to sue in Super Bowl ticket lawsuit. Here’s a copy of the decision.
• Joe Nocera argues that the real scandal in Deflategate is the NFL’s behavior.

International

• Michael McCann breaks down the issues and arguments in Lionel Messi’s tax fraud
• Part Two of Kevin Carpenter’s review of the Rugby World Cup disciplinary process and sanctioning decisions.
• Podcast: Claire Zovko discusses international sports law issues with Peter Ott on the Sports Law Biz Podcast.

NCAA

• Andy Staples: how loss-of-value policies work and why they’re becoming more common.
• NCAA probe of Southern Miss basketball program nears an end.

Tennis

• British parliament will question tennis leaders over match-fixing allegations. Betting rings reportedly paid British tennis players for insider tips.  Tennis match-fixing should worry U.S. sports leagues.

Best of the Rest

• Justin Fielkow discusses his sports law journey, the baseball rule, and legal issues in DFS.
• Lance Armstrong wins summary judgment in case seeking repayment of U.S. Postal Service sponsorship money. Here’s the decision.
• Allan Muir discusses the new emails released in the NHL concussion lawsuit.
• Nick Symmonds files antitrust suit against the U.S. Olympic Committee and USA Track and Field over sponsor advertising restrictions. Here’s the complaint.