Entertainment & Sports Law

Atty to Get 33 Months for Steroids Leak

A San Francisco lawyer who disclosed grand jury testimony by professional baseball players about alleged steroids use has agreed to a plea bargain that involves 33 months in jail. Troy Ellerman earlier gave up his license to practice law in California, after authorities learned that he had been the person…

Jul 6, 2007 1:16 AM CDT

Affidavit: Wrestler Got ‘Excessive’ Steroids

Before murdering his wife and 7-year-old son and committing suicide at his suburban Atlanta home late last month, professional wrestler Chris Benoit reportedly got “excessive” amounts of steroids using prescriptions from his personal physician. Doctor Phil Astin, charged yesterday with improperly administering painkillers, prescribed, AP reports, “a 10-month supply of…

Jul 3, 2007 8:35 PM CDT

Agony of Defeat for Raiders

A California Supreme Court justice sounded something like the late sportscaster Howard Cosell in explaining why the Oakland Raiders will not get a retrial in a territorial rights suit against the National Football League. The trial judge had cited juror misconduct in granting a new trial but failed to clearly…

Jul 3, 2007 12:58 PM CDT

Wrestler’s Doc Charged in Drug Case

A personal physician for a professional wrestler who recently committed a double murder-suicide was charged today in a federal drug probe. Phil Astin is accused of having improperly dispensed painkillers and other drugs, in a case that began after wrestler Chris Benoit, his wife and their 7-year-old son were found…

Jul 2, 2007 8:02 PM CDT

Steroid Link in Wrestler’s Murder-Suicide?

Authorities are investigating possible illegal steroid use in case of a well-known professional wrestler who strangled his wife, smothered his son and then hanged himself in the weight room of their suburban Atlanta home. Although the slayings are still being investigated, authorities believe Chris Benoit killed his wife, Nancy, 43,…

Jun 26, 2007 7:47 PM CDT

11th Circuit OKs Search of Football Fans

“Voluntary” pat-down searches of fans entering football stadiums do not violate the 4th Amendment prohibition of unreasonable searches and seizes, the 11th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals decided today. Ruling in a case brought by a Tampa Bay Buccaneers season-ticket holder Gordon Johnston, a civics teacher, the appeals court said…

Jun 26, 2007 7:24 PM CDT

A High-Impact Ruling for Athletic Rule

Yesterday’s Supreme Court ruling upholding a no-recruiting rule is likely to have an impact across the nation. The court upheld an athletic association rule barring high school coaches from recruiting athletes. The rule did not infringe the free speech rights of a coach who sent a letter to students, the…

Jun 22, 2007 3:45 PM CDT

Yankees’ Giambi to Testify About Steroids

A designated hitter for the New York Yankees will be the first baseball player to testify before a major league baseball steroids use investigator. Under an agreement announced today that could save him from suspension by major league baseball, Jason Giambi is expected to discuss with George Mitchell his own…

Jun 22, 2007 1:17 AM CDT

Trial Looks at Genesis of JT Leroy

A federal trial in Manhattan offers insights into the creation of the literary persona known as JT Leroy. A film production company is seeking to void a contract with a company owned by author Laura Albert, a Brooklyn Heights novelist who penned a book supposedly written by Leroy, the New…

Jun 15, 2007 3:57 PM CDT

Lawyer vs Lawyer: Bears Tickets Mine

Four years ago, Douglas Warlick and Donald Ramsell decided to share the cost of season tickets for the Chicago Bears, splitting the $10,000 application fee for four seat licenses. But as the team prospered, the two lawyers’ friendship faltered. Warlick liked to tailgate in the parking lot. Ramsell wanted to…

Jun 11, 2007 7:03 PM CDT

Heirs of Marilyn Monroe Lose Photo Rights

Marilyn Monroe’s popularity lives on, but laws passed after her death do not give heirs rights to her photos, a judge has ruled.

May 4, 2007 12:35 PM CDT

The Fun Forum

Our Forum on Entertainment and Sports Law Tackles Members’ Many Interests

Dec 20, 2004 8:46 AM CST