Posted inLawsuits

Masking the Issue

A youth football team in blue and yellow uniforms prepares for a play on a grassy field. One player is set to hike the ball, surrounded by teammates in a formation against the opposing team. Trees are visible in the background.
Youth sports

As the pandemic continues to affect our daily lives, parents and coaches are attempting to bring the routine of America’s youth back to normalcy.  In particular, a group referred to as “Let Them Play MN” has taken legal action and is asking Minnesota Governor Tim Walz to end the COVID-19 mandate affecting youth athletics.  The restrictions require athletes participating in youth sports to wear masks during practice and game time.  Supported by medical experts, the group of parents and coaches are concerned about the masks hindering breathing abilities and visibility.  Both may lead to an increased potential for injury.

2 minutes
Posted inLawsuits

No Crying, Or Lawsuits, in Kickball

A young man in a blue sports outfit kicks a soccer ball on a grassy field. There are trees blurred in the background.
Kicked out of a job

A required element of any sport is competition.  There are times, however, that competitiveness can get out of hand, especially in recreational kickball.  On August 6, the South Carolina teams, “Recreational Hazard” and the “Toe Jammers” went toe to toe for a grueling eight innings before the tension rose to an incredible high. A disputed call at home plate resulted in a debate between player, Michael Lockliear and umpire, Graylnn Moran Jr.  A couple of days later, the umpire received a text message from his supervisor, stating that a third party no longer wanted Moran to officiate games, and was therefore terminated from his position. Moran has since filed a lawsuit, claiming slander, conspiracy, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and tortious interference with a contract.

2 minutes
Posted inLawsuits

Lawsuit Fumbles in Federal Court

A football rests on a grassy field, centered between two white yard lines. The field's textured surface underlines the presence of the ball, which is branded with "Wilson." The lines extend into the distance, creating a sense of perspective.
Push for a penalty

As we rapidly approach football season, excited fans are preparing for their fantasy drafts.  In the midst of their discussions about previous player injuries, training camp, predictions for the season, and whatever else football fans talk about, they can add a recently dismissed lawsuit to their rapport.  A US District Court judge in New Orleans dismissed one of three federal lawsuits involving a disputed call in the New Orleans Saints and Los Angeles Rams NFC title game this past January.  In the game, NFL officials failed to acknowledge a pass interference in the form of a helmet-to-helmet hit, exchanged between Rams cornerback Nickell Robey-Coleman and Saints receiver Tommylee Lewis.  If the rules of NFL football were strictly adhered to, the Rams player should have been flagged for a penalty at this point in the game. 

2 minutes
Posted inLawsuits Sports

Equal Pay is the Goal

A black and white soccer ball sits on a grassy field. The background is blurred, showing hints of green foliage and a soft, warm light, suggesting a late afternoon or early evening setting.
Bending the rules?

We have not seen the last of Hope Solo. Since her termination from the US women’s soccer team in 2016, Solo has stirred up some legal excitement. Last August, the former goalie filed a lawsuit against the US Soccer Federation under the claims of gender discrimination. According to the lawsuit, team members of the men’s division are allegedly paid higher or on a different scale than the women’s team, providing less of an opportunity for the women to make as much money. Solo encouraged her former teammates to file their own lawsuit.

2 minutes
Posted inSports

Woman Bruised by Hot Dog at Phillies Game

A food stall displays three hot dogs topped with mustard and ketchup, and a serving of fries in a cardboard tray. Two cans of Coca-Cola, one Classic and one Zero Sugar, are visible in the background alongside condiment bottles.
Beware of flying bats, baseballs, and hot dogs

Demonstrating good sportsmanship is valued in any competitive game.  Kathy McVay may be considered a good sport, but not for playing the game with a positive attitude.  On June 18, the Phillies baseball fan fell victim to the Phillie Phanatic’s hot dog cannon; and sustained facial bruising and a hematoma in her eye.  Instead of using the incident as an excuse to sue for personal injury, McVay is saving the accident as a funny story she can tell others.

2 minutes