Entertainment & Sports Law

Best Be Behavin’ in Beijing

See related feature “U.S. Lawyers Go for the Gold!” China’s human rights record has prompted concerns for both Olympic participants and spectators, including people who plan to protest the policies of the Chinese government. Though many organizations are strategizing how to protect visitors to China, none can confidently predict how…

Aug 1, 2008 1:00 PM CDT

Ex-NBA Referee Tim Donaghy Gets 15 Months in Gambling Case

Disgraced former professional basketball referee Tim Donaghy was sentenced today to a little over a year in prison after pleading guilty last year in a gambling scheme. “Fifteen months followed by three years of supervised release is the price Donaghy, 41, must pay after pleading guilty last year to betting…

Jul 29, 2008 10:31 PM CDT

Pitcher Charged With Felony for Hitting Fan With Ball

A minor league baseball pitcher who allegedly threw a ball into a fan during a bench-clearing brawl has been charged with felonious assault. Julio Castillo, 21, of the Peoria Chiefs was arrested yesterday and arraigned today in Montgomery County, Ohio, where he is being held in lieu of $50,000 bond,…

Jul 25, 2008 8:47 PM CDT

Rudy Giuliani’s Son Sues Over Duke U Golf Team Dismissal

Updated: The son of New York’s former mayor, Rudy Giuliani, has sued Duke University over being kicked off of the golf team. Andrew Giuliani, a 22-year-old incoming senior, had hopes of turning pro. But a 198-page lawsuit filed in federal court by Durham, N.C., attorney Robert Ekstrand contends that his…

Jul 24, 2008 7:40 PM CDT

Sprinter Marion Jones Seeks Pardon; US Track Program Head Objects

A disgraced Olympic champion sprinter who lost her five gold medals due to her eventually admitted use of performance-enhancing steroids is seeking a pardon or a commutation of her six-month federal conviction for obstruction of justice from President George W. Bush. However, the head of USA Track & Field has…

Jul 22, 2008 8:58 PM CDT

Big Firm Lawyer Among Those Bidding to Own Cubs

A lawyer at Hinshaw & Culbertson in Chicago would like to become one of the new owners of the Chicago Cubs. Labor and employment partner Thomas Mandler is among a group of investors submitting a bid to buy the team, the AmLaw Daily reports. He is also reportedly lead counsel…

Jul 22, 2008 3:29 PM CDT

Who Says Law Ain’t a Thrill Ride?

Hollywood labor lawyer finds a theme in theme parks

Jul 1, 2008 1:00 PM CDT

Speedo Suit Rules Pool, Sparks Lawsuit

Updated: A form-fitting swimsuit manufactured by Speedo is credited with helping athletes set 38 world records since February. Meanwhile, the LZR Racer suit has also sparked at least one lawsuit and possible breaches of contract. A manufacturer has sued over Speedo performance claims, and athletes under contract with other manufacturers…

Jun 24, 2008 4:59 PM CDT

Are Pro Tennis Players Being Paid to Throw Games at Wimbledon?

As the annual Wimbledon professional tennis championships begin today in England, growing doubt is being cast on the integrity of the international sport by investigations of alleged match-throwing, there and elsewhere. Potential betting profits can far exceed the prizes for winning, so illegal gambling syndicates reportedly can afford to bribe…

Jun 23, 2008 3:34 PM CDT

National Fishing Registry—and Fee—Planned for US Anglers

A national registry for U.S. recreational anglers was proposed yesterday by the National Marine Fisheries Service, as part of a plan to keep track of the fish that are being caught throughout the country. The registration requirement, which would begin next year, will not immediately require individuals to pay a…

Jun 12, 2008 6:06 PM CDT

Big Brown Licensing Lawyer Especially Eager for Triple Crown Win

Lots of horse-racing fans would love to see favorite Big Brown come in first at the Belmont Stakes in New York on Saturday for a rare Triple Crown win. But Harrisburg, Pa., attorney Michael Doctrow and others at his law firm, McNees Wallace & Nurick, are especially eager to see…

Jun 6, 2008 3:34 PM CDT

‘Assassination’ Artwork in NYC Draws Police Critics

A young artist hadn’t even finished setting up his latest exhibit in a makeshift New York City gallery yesterday before the first critics arrived. City police and federal secret service agents rushed to the Manhattan site after Yazmany Arboleda, 27, hung two red- and black-lettered signs in a window giving…

Jun 5, 2008 11:02 PM CDT

NBA to Ban Flopping, But Won’t Prohibit Hack-a-Shaq Strategy

Clear cases of theatrical “flopping” to the floor in response to claimed fouls on the basketball court will bring NBA fines next year, but intentional fouls meant to take advantage of a particular player’s poor foul-shooting skills won’t incur additional penalties. The latter strategy is known as “Hack-a-Shaq,” because it…

May 29, 2008 3:46 PM CDT

UK Wealth Mgmt. Co. Wants to Buy British Law Firm

Right now, the Formation Group looks to two outside law firms, Halliwells and DLA Piper, to handle the legal needs of its well-heeled clients. But, thanks to new legislation, the U.K. wealth management company for entertainers and professional sports figures is now looking to buy a law firm to service…

May 27, 2008 4:10 PM CDT

Ex-NBA Ref’s Attorney Says League is Ignoring Gambling Issues

Betting among NBA officials, players and coaches “affected the outcome of games,” states a letter sent by a former referee’s lawyer to a federal court as he awaits sentencing for his own basketball gambling misconduct. But the NBA is downplaying claims by former ref Tim Donaghy, through his lawyer, John…

May 21, 2008 6:44 PM CDT