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 the Deflategate appeal decision, the NFL concussion settlement, and growing momentum for fantasy sports legislation.

NFL

• The Second Circuit ruled in favor of the NFL and Roger Goodell in the Deflategate appeal. I explained what happens next and what the decision means for the league and its players.  Here’s the majority opinion and here’s the dissent.  Michael McCann on Brady’s options.  Andrew Brandt: the Conduct Commissioner lives on.  Dan Werly assesses the impact.  Meanwhile, Patriots fans have appealed their Deflategate lawsuit against the NFL to the First Circuit.
• The Third Circuit affirmed the NFL concussion settlement. Here’s the full opinion.  Here’s the NFL’s memo to teams.  Michael McCann discusses what’s next for both sides.  Dan Werly’s four key takeaways.
• The Redskins have asked the Supreme Court to hear their case even as their appeal is pending with the Fourth Circuit. Here’s the petition for cert.
• Roger Goodell denied the Chiefs’ tampering appeal.
• Nike terminated its endorsement deal with Johnny Manziel. Manziel was indicted by a Dallas County grand jury.
• Are there too few trades in the NFL draft?

Sports Gambling and Fantasy Sports

• Connecticut’s Attorney General issues opinion saying there’s a substantial risk that DFS legislation would violate state arrangements with local Native American tribes.
• Joss Wood explains why the new Canadian sports betting bill makes sense and how it could impact the U.S.
• Tennessee state legislature passes new DFS law.
• Another big win for DFS as Mississippi joins Tennessee in legalizing and regulating DFS.
• However, the latest DFS bill in Iowa died in the state senate.
• Fantasy sports registration bill clears the Colorado state house.
• German court rules cap on sports betting licenses is illegal, opening the market to the rest of the European Union.

NCAA

• The Department of Justice is investigating the NCAA’s satellite camp ban.
• New NCAA rule will allow schools to pay for guardians to accompany recruits on visits.
• Attorney blames NCAA for UNC fraud scandal. Here’s the NCAA’s Amended Notice of Allegations against UNC.
• Loyola Chicago investigating coach Sheryl Swoopes after mass transfers.
• Pressure to pay athletes carries Title IX questions.
• Report says Baylor knew about Shawn Oakman’s assault in 2013.

Best of the Rest

• Pay disparity in U.S. Soccer? It’s complicated.
• Prescription steroids get quiet exemption from USADA.
• Lydia DePillis: the battle to protect MMA fighters.
• Jaime Miettinen: throwing an octopus or other NHL mascot could be fun, but it could cost you.
• Jury concludes that the 96 people who died in the Hillsborough soccer disaster in 1989 were unlawfully killed.