Put Me In, Coach. I’m Ready to Testify
Football season is underway and we will soon know who is headed to the Major League Baseball playoffs. But the thrill of victory and agony of defeat don’t always happen on the court. Sometimes they happen in the courtroom.
In 1921, “Shoeless Joe” Jackson was among the players found not guilty of conspiracy to fix the outcome of the 1919 World Series. In 1995, viewers were transfixed by the O.J. Simpson trial. The Duke Lacrosse Team trial is still discussed in legal curricula today. These cases don’t always start on the field, however. From flying fists to flying concessions, here is a look at some of the most interesting sports law stories involving the other stars of the stadium: the fans.
Hehr v. Harris County Sports & Convention Corp. Two Colorado tourists attended a Houston Texans game, where their game day experience included getting injured in a fight. They sued the venue managers in Texas District Court for medical expenses and pain and suffering.
Final Score: Case dismissed for lack of jurisdiction.
Mancina v. Goodell. When the NFL punished the New Orleans Saints for paying players to injure opponents, one fan sued them and Commissioner Roger Goodell for wrongfully imposing sanctions, “causing his [season] tickets to diminish in value, and damaging the Saints ability to field a competitive team.” (2013 WL 5816176 (C.C.H.))
Final Score: Defendants could not be held liable.
Coomer v. Kansas City Royals Baseball Corp. A Kansas City Royals fan underwent two surgeries after being hit in the eye by a wrapped hotdog that was tossed into the stands by the team’s mascot, Sluggerrr. He sued the team.
Final Score: Vacated and remanded by the Missouri Supreme Court.
Rector v. Major League Baseball Advanced Media. Many fans love being caught on camera at the stadium. This was not the case when a Yankees fan was filmed snoozing during a matchup with the Red Sox. He sued MLB and ESPN for defamation after the two announcers marveled on air about his ability to sleep through the game.
Final Score: The $10 million lawsuit was dismissed.
Overtime. Those who don’t follow the Seattle Seahawks may not know that the origin of the famous “12” seen on flags and jerseys is a court case involving Texas A&M University. (LE)
