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Bally Sports' Bankruptcy, NCAA Officiating...Again, and NFL "Benefits"
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Bally Sports' Bankruptcy, NCAA Officiating...Again, and NFL "Benefits"

Feb. 12, 2023

On the Feb. 12, 2023 episode of Foul Play-by-play, we discuss Diamond Sports Group’s eventual bankruptcy and what it means for Bally Sports subscribers, NCAA officiating…again, and NFL benefits for retired and disabled players (or lack thereof). Also, the Waste Management Open.

Opening Arguments

Retired NFL Players v. the NFL

“A group of former National Football League players is suing the organization, alleging that it has a pattern of denying disability benefits for those with both physical injuries and mental impairments, despite evidence from medical and team records.”

(Source: https://www.npr.org/2023/02/10/1155930087/former-players-nfl-lawsuit-disability-benefits)

Emmanuel Acho v. the Philadelphia Eagles

“On Feb. 3, a three-judge panel on the Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court affirmed a workers’ comp award to Emmanuel Acho, who played for the Eagles from 2013 to 2015, when a thumb injury ended his career.”

(Source: https://www.sportico.com/law/analysis/2023/eagles-workers-comp-case-emmanuel-acho-1234708859/)

Duke University Men's Basketball v. NCAA Officials

“The officials in Saturday's Duke-Virginia game made an ‘incorrect adjudication’ on the final play of regulation, the ACC announced Saturday night,” costing Duke the game.

(Source: https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/35642530/officials-made-incorrect-adjudication-duke-virginia-game)

Sports Law News

Diamond Sports Group (i.e. Bally Sports) to File for Bankruptcy

Diamond Sports Group, a subsidiary of Sinclair Broadcasting (real pieces of shit), and owner of the Bally Sports regional sports networks (RSNs), is expected to declare bankruptcy this week. They owe $140 million to creditors.

  • MLB announced interest in taking over the Diamond RSNs to make sure games continue to be broadcasted.

    • What about the NBA and NHL?

    • What can we expect with MLB taking over?

  • What does this mean for teams whose rights are owned by Diamond?

  • What does this mean for Bally Sports subscribers?

Discussion about this podcast