Category Archives: Sports

Legalized Sports Gambling Strikes Out, For Now

“There’s no place like home.”

The NFL, MLB, NBA, and NHL were quick to remind New Jersey that there’s no such thing as a safe bet. The major professional sports leagues have filed a lawsuit against a recently passed law that had the hopes of on-site legalized sports gambling. Currently, the only place in the United States where you can place a live bet on pro sports is Las Vegas, but NJ Governor Chris Christie has other ideas in mind. Monmouth Park, a racetrack in South Jersey, was on the verge of being able to accept bets for NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL, and NCAA games before the lawsuit was filed. The federal court quickly agreed with the sports leagues, and now New Jersey will have to find an alternative route to taking legal sports bets.

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Offside: Lawyer Sued While Buying Soccer Club

Golazo, or no-lazo?

Although Italian sports have a reputation for being less-than-upfront, this time the trouble is being caused in America. Joe Tacopina, the rockstar lawyer who has represented the likes of Alex Rodriguez, is being sued by a former client at a very inconvenient time. Tacopina recently arrived in Bologna, Italy and is entering the final stages of purchasing the soccer club Blogona F.C. 1909, known as Bologna. According to reports, the lawsuit was filed with the intention to freeze Mr. Tacopina’s assets while he is abroad and looking to become a part owner of the franchise. The suit also claims the plaintiff was misled by the defendant, who was searching for representation in Connecticut (Mr. Tacopina is not registered to practice law in that state). The suit was officially filed in New York City. Read more

A Bronx Tale: MLB Fan Falls Asleep, Sues

“I made a Yankee hat more famous than a Yankee can”

As the World Cup in Brazil continues to captivate millions across the globe, it seems that baseball (not soccer) is the sport putting fans to sleep. Just ask Andrew Rector, a baseball fan who recently fell asleep during a nationally televised New York vs Boston game. ESPN cameras caught Rector dozing off, at which time announcers John Kruk and Dan Shulman began to poke fun at his expense. Embarrassed and humiliated, the fan consulted a lawyer and filed a lawsuit to the tune of $10 million. He specifically named all parties involved, including ESPN, the announcers, the Yankees, and Major League Baseball. Read more

NFL Star Goes to Arbitration Over His Position

Tight End or Wide Receiver?

A recent hearing may cause waves in the sports world, and it all comes down to where a player is standing when he takes the field. Jimmy Graham, whose position is listed at Tight End, is one of the best players in the National Football League. A perennial Pro-Bowl starter for the New Orleans Saints, the 6’7″ athletic freak continues to strike fear in the hearts of opposing teams. Under league rules, the Saints have enabled a “franchise tag”, which is a cap-room move designed to essentially pay a player a little less than he’s worth on a 1-year deal, which avoids offering a long-term big money contract. However, Graham recently filed a grievance against the league that has gone to arbitration. Read more

A-Rod Suing MLB for Alleged Witch Hunt

Swing and a miss

Thursday, October 3, 2013, Alex Rodriguez filed a lawsuit against Major League Baseball and Commissioner Bud Selig accusing them of a “witch hunt” designed to defame the reputation of the baseball star. The Huffington Post states, “The lawsuit, filed Thursday in New York State Supreme Court, seeks unspecified compensatory and punitive damages for what it alleges was a relentless campaign by the league and Selig to “destroy the reputation and career of Alex Rodriguez.” The suit was filed during initial hearings to overturn the 211 game suspension after violations by Rodriguez in regards to baseball’s drug agreement. Rodriguez is claiming that Bud Selig is going after him to make up for previous inaction in relation to other cases concerning performance enhancing drugs. Additional allegations claim criminal and unethical activity by the MLB including intimidating witnesses and pay outs for testimonies. Read More