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 NFL’s ongoing appellate litigation, the latest Penn State abuse allegations, and MLB’s increasing drug suspension issues.

NFL

• I went on the Sports Law Biz podcast to discuss the latest Deflategate decision with Peter Ott. The NFLPA added former Solicitor General Ted Olson to their Deflategate legal team.  Michael Hurley: How Brady can appeal to the Second Circuit for rehearing.
• The NFL has filed a letter in the Adrian Peterson appeal, highlighting Roger Goodell’s broad authority confirmed in Deflategate. The NFLPA filed a letter in response stating that NFL already conceded that Deflategate was irrelevant to Peterson’s case.
• Appellants in the NFL concussion litigation have filed a petition for rehearing en banc with the Third Circuit. Arthur Miller argues that the appeal is about lawyers fighting over fees.  And a number of former players have sued their lawyers over fees in the case.
• Tony Romo’s fantasy football convention secures a temporary restraining order against the NFL.
• In a lawsuit with insurance companies, the league will have to go through discovery related to concussions for the first time.
• Michael McCann looks at the potential legal fallout from Laremy Tunsil’s hacked social media accounts.
• Here’s Jason Pierre-Paul’s opposition to ESPN’s motion to dismiss his lawsuit over the release of his medical records.

NCAA

• Court documents reveal allegations that Joe Paterno knew of Jerry Sandusky’s sexual abuse of minors as far back as 1976. Michael McCann calls it troubling, but still unproven.  NBC reports that as many as six Penn State coaches may have witnessed Sandusky’s abuse.  One victim alleges that Paterno told him to drop the allegation.
• The NCAA has rescinded its satellite camps rule and will further review the issue.
• Penn State responds to allegations of coaching misconduct in women’s gymnastics and ice hockey programs.
• Court rules NCAA had duty to warn athletes about second-impact syndrome.
• An assistant football coach at Alabama is leaving his position after allegations of recruiting violations.
• Court dismisses college athletes’ right of publicity suit against DraftKings and FanDuel.
• Judge denies Tennessee’s motion to dismiss Title IX case.
• Ford Sheild interviews Nebraska AD Shawn Eichorst on his sports law path and NCAA legal issues.

MLB

• MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred is optimistic about a new CBA deal by the end of the season. Manfred also discussed his pending Jose Reyes decision.
• Maury Brown: What’s behind the unusually high MLB drug suspensions this year? Jonah Keri cautions against overreactions to the Gordon Dee suspension.
• Ohio Supreme Court allows Cleveland Indians fan to continue lawsuit after being hit by fly ball.
• After broadcast settlement, MLB still remains vulnerable to antitrust challenges.

Sports Gambling and Fantasy Sports

• Tennessee governor signs DFS bill into law.
• Good and bad news on the legal front for small DFS operators.
• MLS and investors dropped from DFS RICO case.
• DFS operators exit Idaho after agreement with the state attorney general.
• Marc Edelman proposes a framework for future DFS state legislation.

Best of the Rest

• Jason Cruz: Is the Muhammad Ali Act helping to protect fighters?
• IOC publishes anti-doping rules for Rio Olympics.
• Whistleblower alleges Russian gold medalists used PEDs at 2014 Sochi Olympics.
• Rafael Nadal sues French official for defamation over doping allegation.
• Jeremi Duru examines whether the WNBA’s age eligibility rule is illegal.