K&C Sports & Entertainment Law Weekly Roundup (July 2, 2024)

Sports:

NFL

• The National Football League must pay more than $4.7 billion in class-action damages for overcharging subscribers of its “Sunday Ticket” telecasts, a California federal jury said on Thursday. NFL hit with $4.7 billion verdict in ‘Sunday Ticket’ antitrust trial – Reuters
• A judge has dismissed a lawsuit claiming sexual assault against Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott. Collin County Judge Angela Tucker’s ruling Wednesday comes on the heels of Dallas police announcing in May that they had found “insufficient evidence” to support a criminal case against Prescott and would not pursue charges. Judge drops sexual assault suit against Cowboys’ Dak Prescott – ESPN
• A professional photographer suing over the alleged unauthorized use of his photo to create a statue of Detroit Lions’ legendary running back Barry Sanders has urged a New York federal judge not to drop the team from his lawsuit, arguing that its jurisdictional claim is not grounded in law. Sanders Photographer Angles To Keep Lions In Statue Suit – Law360
• The Kansas City Chiefs could find themselves moving states if a deal is not struck with the taxpayers of Jackson County, Missouri. Back in early April, local taxpayers shut down a proposal that would have led to renovations for Arrowhead Stadium along with a new ballpark for the Kansas City Royals. Missouri Governor Plans to Be Aggressive to Keep Kansas City Chiefs From Moving – Newsweek

NBA

• New York judge on Friday ruled NBA commissioner Adam Silver should resolve a dispute between the New York Knicks and Toronto Raptors over the alleged theft of thousands of confidential files. Judge sends Knicks-Raptors dispute to NBA commissioner Silver – ESPN
• A Manhattan federal jury on Friday found a Seattle doctor guilty of healthcare fraud and other charges related to a scheme to submit bogus claims for payment to an NBA healthcare plan, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York. Jury Convicts Seattle Doctor In NBA Health Fraud Case – Law360

NCAA

• A team of investigators led by former U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch is recommending Northwestern University enhance its hazing prevention measures, after a scandal that rocked the school’s athletic department. Northwestern released report on accusations of hazing in the athletic program – WBBM Radio Chicago

TENNIS

• Tennis pro Kylie McKenzie has urged a Florida federal court to keep intact a $9 million judgment and deny the U.S. Tennis Association’s bid for a new trial, arguing the organization is liable for the sexual assault she suffered at the hands of her coach. Tennis Player Looks To Preserve $9M Verdict Against USTA – Law360

Entertainment:

MUSIC & FASHION

• Sirius XM Radio Inc. has been tricking customers into paying an extra 21% every month by tacking a hidden “royalty fee” onto bills, according to a new proposed class action alleging that the fee is responsible for every bit of the company’s profits for the last several years. SiriusXM class action claims co. falsely advertises music plans at lower prices than it charges – Top Class Actions
• Two artificial intelligence startups are facing copyright litigation by a group of major record labels, including Universal Music Group, Sony Music Entertainment and Warner Music Group, claiming they rip off artists’ songs without getting consent. U.S. record labels are suing AI music generators, alleging copyright infringement (nbcnews.com)
• Democratic lawmakers launched an initiative to shape policy aimed at slowing the environmental damage caused by fast fashion giants such as Shein and Temu, who are causing mounting textile waste pollution. Dems launch caucus on fashion’s climate, waste impacts – E&E News by POLITICO (eenews.net)

FILM & TELEVISION

• A CA federal judge threw out some antitrust claims in a sprawling proposed class action over Disney’s ESPN livestreaming carriage agreements, although he permitted other portions of the suit to proceed, finding that consumers have adequately alleged Disney’s actions could have hobbled competition through ownership of both ESPN and Hulu. Disney Antitrust: Court Denies Dismissal of Lawsuit Over Hulu and ESPN (hollywoodreporter.com)
• Buster Murdaugh, child of convicted killer Alex Murdaugh, is suing multiple companies, including Netflix and Warner Bros. Discovery, for defamation over documentary series they were involved in. Buster Murdaugh sues Netflix, Warner Bros. for defamation over documentaries (thehill.com)
• Bill Nye the Science Guy urged a CA appellate court to revive allegations that The Walt Disney Co. cheated him out of millions in royalties for his famous educational show, arguing the trial judge erred by deciding the contract and accounting dispute instead of sending it to a jury. Bill Nye Asks Calif. Panel To Reboot His Disney Royalty Fight – Law360
• Warner Bros. Discovery is facing a suit by a YouTuber in CA federal court claiming it has refused to offer social media creators streaming and commentary rights for the presidential debate. Warner Bros. Sued Over Presidential Debate Streaming Rights – Law360

MEANWHILE, IN HOLLYWOOD…

• The 11^th Circuit upheld the tax evasion and fraud convictions of former reality TV stars Todd and Julie Chrisley but ordered a GA federal judge to resentence Julie Chrisley after finding that the judge failed to fully explore her discrete role in the $36 million scheme. Julie Chrisley will be resentenced for bank fraud and tax evasion charges – ABC News (go.com)
• Katt Williams won’t be able to escape a lawsuit brought by four women who say they were jumped and threatened at gunpoint by the comedian and his entourage outside an Atlanta nightclub, after a GA federal judge allowed most of their case to go forward. Katt Williams Must Face Atlanta Assault Claims, Judge Says – Law360
• An MA credit union must give Susan Sarandon some of the personal financial records of a contractor who she says failed to properly oversee construction of her $2 million sustainable home in VT, a federal magistrate judge ruled. Susan Sarandon Can Get Home Contractor’s Bank Records – Law360