Entertainment & Sports Law

Marion Jones Gets 6 Months; Disgraced Olympian Lied About Steroids Use

Former Olympic champion Marion Jones was sentenced today in federal court in New York to six months in jail for lying in two separate grand jury investigations about her use of the performance-enhancing steroids she now admits she took and her participation in a check-cashing scam run by a fellow…

Jan 11, 2008 5:51 PM CST

Folsom Prison Cancels Johnny Cash Tribute Concert

A 40-year anniversary tribute to the Jan. 13, 1968 concert that made both Johnny Cash and Folsom State Prison in California famous has been canceled. The event was to have taken place Sunday in the same prison cafeteria as his 2 million-selling Johnny Cash at Folsom Prison live album, and…

Jan 9, 2008 8:00 PM CST

Jury Swats Ex-Prosecutor Seeking ‘Sopranos’ Consulting Fees

A former prosecutor and judge who contended he is owed consulting fees for assisting the producer of the Sopranos television show has lost his lawsuit. A jury ruled against Robert Baer yesterday after deliberating about 80 minutes, “slightly longer than a Sopranos episode,” notes the New York Post. Baer says…

Dec 20, 2007 2:33 PM CST

Julia Roberts Character Doesn’t Cuss So Much, Thanks to Houston Lawyer

Houston lawyer Dick DeGuerin had a hand in making some script changes in the movie Charlie Wilson’s War—and was a guest at the premiere. The movie (video), which opens in theaters Dec. 21, is based on the true story of a Texas congressman who helped secure funds for the mujahedeen…

Dec 18, 2007 7:07 PM CST

After Mitchell Report, Shame, Blame ... and Reform?

George Mitchell called it as he saw it and named 88 names yesterday in a long-anticipated landmark report about the use of steroids and other performance-enhancing drugs in Major League Baseball. Now the question is, what are those in charge of the game going to do about it? Surely, no…

Dec 14, 2007 7:13 PM CST

Mitchell: MLB Steroid Use Rampant

Updated: In a press conference this afternoon that culminates a 20-month investigation, George Mitchell has reportedly described steroid use as rampant among Major League Baseball players, described the league as slow to respond to the problem and, in a written report, named players who may have been involved in steroid…

Dec 13, 2007 7:15 PM CST

Big Baseball Names Named in Steroids Report, Better Drug-Testing Sought

Updated: Although baseball fans are still awaiting official word of what George Mitchell says in the report to be released this afternoon concerning steroids use in Major League Baseball, word has leaked of some of the high-profile players allegedly on the list of at least 50 who have used steroids…

Dec 13, 2007 5:37 PM CST

Former Judge v. ‘Sopranos’ Creator

A former prosecutor and judge is squaring off in federal court with the creator of the Sopranos television series, contending that he is entitled to compensation for coming up with the idea of the show. Jury selection was to begin today in Trenton, N.J., in the culmination of a five-year…

Dec 12, 2007 9:08 PM CST

MLB Steroids Scandal: 50 Named in Mitchell Report

Updated: A much-awaited report on steroid use in Major League Baseball will be released tomorrow, and it reportedly will identify at least 50 current and former players who may have cheated on the game with steroids, stimulants and human growth hormone. Apparently, former Sen. George Mitchell, a former federal prosecutor…

Dec 12, 2007 6:16 PM CST

Isiah Thomas Settles Sex-Harass Suit

A settlement in an undisclosed amount was reached today by Madison Square Garden and New York Knicks coach Isiah Thomas with a former female team executive in a sexual harassment and retaliation case. One apparent impetus for the pact: additional compensatory damages beyond the $11.6 million in punitives previously awarded…

Dec 11, 2007 12:06 AM CST

Barry Bonds Pleads Not Guilty

Barry Bonds, major league baseball’s home run king, pleaded not guilty in federal court in San Francisco today to perjury and obstruction of justice charges. The court event was a media frenzy, as fans and at least one business outside the courthouse rallied in seeming support of the 43-year-old slugger,…

Dec 7, 2007 6:12 PM CST

Burn Victim Ridiculed By Shock Jocks Gets $1M Settlement

A lawsuit brought by a burn victim who was publicly ridiculed by radio shock jocks on their program will reportedly be settled for $1 million. Athena Andrikopoulos, 26, who was severely burned when she was a small child, is facially disfigured despite having undergone 60 surgeries, reports the Associated Press.…

Dec 6, 2007 10:14 PM CST

Bonds May Be Beefing Up ‘Legal Dream Team’

All-star slugger Barry Bonds is said to be assembling his own star-studded team, this one to defend him against perjury and obstruction of justice charges starting with a court appearance next week. On the possible short list is John Keker, a well-known San Francisco criminal defense attorney, according to the…

Nov 29, 2007 11:53 PM CST

Black Sox Trial Docs on Auction Block

A box containing trial documents, letters and memos related to the 1919 White Sox World Series scandal is set to be sold this week in the Chicago area. Collectors happened upon the documents, though details about their origins remains unclear, according to the Chicago Tribune. Among the collection are thousands…

Nov 26, 2007 6:05 PM CST

Grinch Live on Broadway: N.Y. Judge Grants Injunction

Saying that one Grinch in New York right now is enough, a state court judge has granted an injunction that provides for a Broadway show based on the Dr. Suess book How the Grinch Stole Christmas to go on. The play had been shuttered by an ongoing stagehands strike that…

Nov 21, 2007 9:05 PM CST