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 new NFL concussion policy, the Dennis Wideman case, and more.

NFL

• The NFL and NFLPA announced new policy to enforce concussion protocol. Paul Anderson breaks down the protocol and why it’s a win-win for owners.  However, new lawsuits show that the NFL concussion controversy is far from over.
• NFL clears Peyton Manning after HGH investigation. Michael McCann explains why this is as good as it gets for Manning.
• NFL reinstates Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon.
• Thomas Baker writes an obituary for Deflategate.
• The NFL and NFLPA establish a field surface and performance committee.

NCAA

• Art of the deal: how ESPN and the ACC negotiated the ACC Network agreement.
• Tennessee athletes take pay for play to court.
• Todd McNair’s lawsuit against the NCAA is on hold again.
• The NCAA and Maryland have reached a settlement with the family of Derek Sheely.
• Inside the Baylor sexual assault scandal: how the school’s policies forced victims into silence.

NBA

• NBA players union votes to pay for health insurance for retired players.
• Derrick Rose loses summary judgment in the sexual assault case against him.
• Arbitrator orders Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to pay $900,000 to auction house.

Best of the Rest

• Adrienne Lawrence looks into Dennis Wideman’s concussion defense. Michael McCann analyzes the NHLPA’s motion to dismiss the NHL lawsuit over the Wideman arbitration.
• Several leagues and Auburn University have filed suit over the sale of counterfeit goods.
• New Jersey appeals court affirms strong standard for youth sports tort liability.
• Regulated fantasy sports are coming to Missouri.
• Budget failures, displacement, Zika: welcome to the Rio Olympics.