K&C Sports & Entertainment Law Weekly Roundup (May 13, 2025)

Sports:

• The Fourth Circuit on Friday seemed poised to unravel a federal court’s injunction allowing two NASCAR teams, including one co-owned by NBA legend Michael Jordan, to continue racing as chartered teams while they pursue antitrust claims against the organization, with one judge saying the teams “can’t have your cake and eat it too.” 4th Circ. Digests ‘Unappetizing’ Relief For Jordan’s NASCAR Team – Law360
• A Colorado trader pled guilty Thursday to charges that he stole money from professional athletes and falsified screenshots to convince them he was generating returns on their investments, agreeing to pay restitution of at least $1.2 million as part of the deal. Trader Cops To $1.2M Fraud Against Pro Athletes – Law360
• Nike Inc. and a patent owner are ending their dispute accusing the sportswear titan of infringement with sports bras incorporating built-in pockets. Nike, Inventor End Bra-Pocket Patent Dispute in Massachusetts – Bloomberg

NCAA

• President Donald Trump is reportedly preparing to launch a Presidential Commission focused on college athletics — a move that could reshape the future of the sport at the national level. President Trump announces plan to address the ‘ailing’ issues in college athletics – Yahoosports

NFL

• Several people who buy season tickets to Houston Texans games are suing the team for more than $1 million, claiming the team abruptly changed its policies, charging them more than other season ticket holders. Texans season ticket holders sue team claiming fraud, conspiracy, breach of contract – Fox

Entertainment:

MUSIC

• The songwriter who crafted Led Zeppelin’s 1969 song “Dazed and Confused” sued Sony Pictures and the band’s guitarist, Jimmy Page, alleging copyright infringement by exploiting the composition including in a new documentary. Jimmy Page, Sony Pictures sued by songwriter over Led Zeppelin song | Reuters

FILM & TELEVISION

• A CA judge said he intends to grant preliminary approval of a $43.25 million class action settlement in a suit alleging Disney paid thousands of women in middle management less than their male colleagues. Disney Nears Prelim Approval On $43M Gender Pay Bias Deal – Cohen Milstein

LAWSUITS OF THE RICH & FAMOUS

• Michael Pitt, Boardwalk Empire actor, was arrested on numerous charges, including assault and strangulation, based on encounters in 2020 and 2021 and pled not guilty. Michael Pitt, ‘Boardwalk Empire’ Actor, Is Arrested on Sex Abuse Charges – The New York Times
• Public figures including Prince Harry and Elton John urged a judge to force the publisher of the Daily Mail newspaper to hand over more information about what they allege was a “web of illegal acts” committed against them. Prince Harry’s lawyers back in court against Daily Mail publisher | Reuters
• Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter expanded his malicious prosecution claims against attorney Tony Buzbee over a rape suit that has since been dropped to also target a NY personal injury lawyer over what the music mogul alleged was a conspiracy to coerce him into paying off their client. Jay-Z Adds New Allegations to Defamation Lawsuit Against Rape Accuser
• A NY federal judge refused to toss charges against Sean “Diddy” Combs, rejecting the hip-hop mogul’s contention that federal prosecutors targeted him in a racketeering and sex trafficking suit for being Black. Judge rejects claim that Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs was treated differently because of his race | wwltv.com