Tag: Lawsuit

Report: LIV Golf chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan could face $74 million lawsuit in Canadian court

The potential lawsuit comes at a bad time for not just LIV Golf, but also the PGA Tour.

Yasir Al-Rumayyan – the governor of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund and the chairman of LIV Golf  – could be facing a $74 million lawsuit, according to a report in The Athletic.

Legal papers that were sent to Al-Rumayyan at various PIF addresses in Saudi Arabia, New York and London (as well as the stadium of PIF-owned Newcastle United in England) allege the 53-year-old “carried out the instructions” of current Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman with “the malicious intent” of “harming, silencing and ultimately destroying” the family of the Kingdom’s former intelligence chief, Dr. Saad Aljabri. The Aljabri family is seeking $74 million in damages.

Aljabri was a top aide to former Saudi Prince Mohammed bin Nayef, who was removed from his post in 2017 and has been in detention since 2020. At the time, Reuters reported bin Nayef had been forced to step aside “in an effective palace coup,” but a Saudi official said the claim was “unfounded and untrue in addition to being nonsense.”

From The Athletic:

The claim Aljabri hopes to bring against Al-Rumayyan will, if the Canadian court grants permission, allege that defendants including Al-Rumayyan were “directly involved” in a three-and-a-half-year campaign between June 2017 and January 2021 to pursue the family of Saad Aljabri, who is a former top aide to Prince Mohammed bin Nayef.

Why a Canadian court? Aljabri fled Saudi Arabia for Turkey in 2017 and then made his way to Canada. Three years ago, Saudi state-owned firms claimed in a Canadian lawsuit that Aljabri had embezzled hundreds of millions of dollars of state funds, an accusation that Aljabri has denied.

The documents sent to Al-Rumayyan this month ask the Canadian court for permission for Al-Rumayyan and others to not only be added to an existing court case, but for a new claim to be brought against them as well. The PIF and board member Mohammed Al Al-Sheik have also been listed as intended co-defendants in the legal papers.

The potential lawsuit comes at a bad time for both LIV Golf and the PGA Tour. The Saudi-backed circuit is less than a month from hosting its first event of 2024 in Mexico and the Tour is currently engaged in conversations with the PIF and outside investors to form a for-profit entity, PGA Tour Enterprises. The PIF is governed by Al-Rumayyan and bin Salman is its chairman. Al-Rumayyan was also originally tabbed to be the chairman of the new entity’s board if an agreement is reached.

For more on the history of tension between Crown Prince Bin Salman and Aljabri and the Kingdom’s involvement in its sovereign wealth fund, read the full report here.

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Patrick Reed’s $750 million lawsuit against Golfweek, others has been dismissed again

“Reed does not meet the required pleading of actual malice to hold the press liable for defamation,” Corrigan wrote.

For a second time, Patrick Reed’s $750 million defamation lawsuit against a number of golf media members and outlets — including Golfweek — has been dismissed.

Originally filed in August of 2022 in Texas and later refiled in Florida the next month, the lawsuit included the likes of Golf Channel’s Damon Hack, Shane Bacon and Eamon Lynch, as well as Golfweek and its parent company, Gannett. Lynch serves as a host on Golf Channel’s “Golf Today,” but is also a Golfweek columnist.

The lawsuit alleged conspiracy, defamation, injurious falsehood and tortious interference and that the defenders had acted “in concert as joint tortfeasors.”

But U.S. District Judge Timothy Corrigan, who dismissed the suit last November, did so again on Wednesday as part of a 78-page ruling.

“Many of the statements are not about Reed. Some statements are about LIV Golf, of which Reed is a member, but not specifically about Reed. Others are matters of opinion or permissible rhetorical hyperbole. Still others are statements of fact, the truth of which are not challenged,” Corrigan wrote.

Larry Klayman, Reed’s attorney, earlier stated, “The PGA Tour’s and its ‘partner’ the NBC’s Golf Channel’s mission is to destroy a top LIV Golf Tour player, his family, as well as all of the LIV Golf players, to further their agenda and alleged collaborative efforts to destroy the new LIV Golf Tour. As alleged in the Complaint, these calculated malicious attacks have created hate, aided and abetted a hostile workplace environment, and have caused substantial financial and emotional damage and harm to Mr. Reed and his family.”

Yet Corrigan wrote:

“Reed does not meet the required pleading of actual malice to hold the press liable for defamation. While Reed may be frustrated at the negative media coverage he receives (some of which seems over the top), under Florida law and the First Amendment, Reed fails to bring actionable defamation claims and his cases therefore must be dismissed.”

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Report: Tony Finau facing lawsuits alleging he owes two men millions of his PGA Tour earnings

One investor says “we deserve to be compensated” for assisting Finau early in his golf career.

Tony Finau has won six times on the PGA Tour and has been a member of two U.S. Ryder Cup and two Presidents Cup teams.

He has made $37.3 million in on-course earnings, good for 27th all-time, since joining the PGA Tour in 2015. His overall net worth is estimated to be closer to $50 million thanks to endorsements.

Finau, however, is facing allegations from two separate people claiming he owes them millions of those earnings.

A report by the Deseret News, a news outlet based in Utah, where Finau grew up, details accusations by two men, Molonai Hola, described as a former business associate and family friend, and David Hunter, a Utah businessman.

Hola filed suit in 2020, while Hunter did so in 2021. Both men say they financially backed Finau – and his younger brother Gipper – which helped them get their pro careers started.

The Deseret News report states:

Both Hola and Hunter, who are not working together, say they want repayment for loans and other work and services they say they provided to the family from 2006 to 2009, totaling about $1.1 million. They also seek, separately, up to 20 percent each of Tony Finau’s career earnings, which could be in the tens of millions.

Tony Finau’s representatives, when asked for comment, would not respond to specific allegations.

“People ask why we think we’re entitled to his earnings. We ask back, ‘Who risks $500,000 on a 17-year-old kid who hadn’t done a thing yet in pro golf? We deserve to be compensated for that,” Hunter told the Deseret News.

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Reggie Bush to file defamation lawsuit against NCAA, continue fight for his Heisman Trophy

Former Saints RB Reggie Bush to file defamation lawsuit against NCAA, continuing to fight for his Heisman Trophy and records at USC:

Good on Reggie bush. The former New Orleans Saints running back and legendary USC Trojans star announced that he intends to file a defamation lawsuit against the NCAA, following 2021 claims that he participated in a prohibited “pay for play” scheme while a student-athlete at USC.

Bush is represented through the law firm McCathern, LLC, which released a statement on his behalf: “The lawsuit is based on the NCAA maliciously attacking his character through a completely false and highly offensive statement that was widely reported in the media and substantially and irreparably damaged his reputation.”

The NCAA issued a statement two summers ago which denied Bush’s appeal to have his Heisman Trophy returned to him despite changes to the organization’s NIL policy. Bush took offense at the phrasing from that statement, which included, “Although college athletes can now receive benefits from their names, images and likenesses through activities like endorsements and appearances, NCAA rules still do not permit pay-for-play type arrangements.”

Back in 2010, Bush was forcibly disassociated with USC and had the Heisman Trophy he won in 2005 revoked after an NCAA investigation revealed that his family had accepted improper recruiting benefits during his time with the Trojans. When that ten-year disassociation ended in 2020, both Bush, USC, and the Heisman Trust expressed a willingness to move forward and have him recognized for his accomplishments on the field. But the NCAA still refuses to play ball.

The McCathern statement continued: “The NCAA’s statement is completely false and highly offensive. The NCAA knew Mr. Bush was never even accused of, involved in, much less sanctioned for any ‘pay-for-play arrangement,’ which never occurred.”

We’ll see if this goes anywhere for Bush. He still has a lot of fans in New Orleans, and it would be great to see his trophy, records, and reputation restored. But as we’ve seen with the NCAA throughout its history of mismanagement, they won’t practice good leadership and take action until someone shows them how.

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NFL takes aim at New Orleans apparel business in trademark dispute

The NFL’s small army of attorneys are trying again to win a trademark dispute they lost a decade ago, taking aim at a New Orleans apparel business:

This is getting ridiculous. Nola.com’s Stephanie Riegel reports that the NFL has issued a cease-and-desist order to the New Orleans-based apparel brand DNO, claiming that its long-running “Defend New Orleans” logo infringes on a trademark owned by the league. Popular with New Orleans Saints fans, the logo features a spiked skull wearing a fleur-de-lis, often portrayed in black and gold. DNO founder Jac Currie began selling apparel with the signature logo in 2003.

It’s a battle the NFL has lost before. In 2010, the league issued similar letters to local T-shirt vendors in the New Orleans area, only to get drawn and quartered in a conference call with former Louisiana attorney general Buddy Caldwell.

“They’ve conceded and they’ve said they have no intention of claiming the fleur-de-lis, which would be ridiculous, or the ‘Who Dat,’ which would be equally ridiculous,” Caldwell said at the time.

But now the NFL is once again trying to carve itself an even larger piece of the pie. The $150 billion corporation retains a small army of attorneys with too little work to do, but billable hours stay winning, so about once every 10 years they try a stunt like this. We’ll see if they’re successful this time, but DNO is preparing to defend itself.

Currie’s attorney Scott Sternberg argues, as Caldwell did in 2010, that the NFL has no claim to the logo given its historical significance to the city. He wrote: “The fleur-de-lis has been synonymous with New Orleans since its founding in 1718. It has been featured on the city’s official flag since 1918. The area was named for Phillippe II the Duke of Orleans, whose family coat of arms used the fleur-de-lis.”

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Tiger Woods’ ex-girlfriend is dropping her $30 million lawsuit, per report

A hearing in the case was scheduled for August, but it has since been canceled.

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Tiger Woods’ ex-girlfriend, Erica Herman, is dropping her $30 million lawsuit against Woods’ estate, according to court documents obtained by the New York Post.

Erica Herman’s lawyer filed for dismissal of the lawsuit on June 29, pending Herman’s appeal of a judge’s decision that she must abide by a 2017 nondisclosure agreement she allegedly signed with Woods.

“The Plaintiff, Erica Herman, by and through her undersigned counsel, hereby dismisses without prejudice her Complaint, filed on October 26, 2022, pending resolution of the appeal in Herman v. Woods and determination of whether her claims are subject to arbitration,” the filing said, according to Post.

A hearing in the case was scheduled for August, but it has since been canceled.

Herman alleged in that public lawsuit that she had an oral tenancy agreement to stay at the residence for about five more years. She claimed more than $30 million in damages after she said she was locked out of the home in violation of the agreement.

In Herman’s appeal to release her from the NDA, Herman’s attorney disputes the validity of the NDA, which required her to keep her private life with Woods confidential. The disputed NDA also required her to resolve any disputes between the two former lovers in private arbitration proceedings instead of public court.

But Herman said she doesn’t remember signing it and even cited new federal laws that invalidate NDAs and forced arbitration agreements in cases of sexual harassment or assault.

By appealing the case, she will likely argue the judge was wrong and that it was never established with evidence the NDA is valid. Woods’ attorney has denied the sexual harassment allegation, which stemmed from her time as an employee at Woods’ restaurant in Florida.

In court records, Herman stated Woods pursued a sexual relationship with her when she was his employee, then forced her to sign an NDA about it – or be fired from her job if she did not.,

USA Today’s Brent Schrotenboer contributed reporting to this article.

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Alvin Kamara reaches confidential settlement in civil suit, submits written apology

Representing the victim in a civil suit, attorney Tony Buzbee shared a written apology from Alvin Kamara and news of a settlement. Now we wait for an NFL suspension:

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Houston-based attorney Tony Buzbee shared an announcement on social media that he reached a confidential settlement in a Louisiana civil lawsuit against New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara, having represented the victim in a beating at a Las Vegas nightclub in Feb. 2022. As part of their agreement, Kamara submitted a written apology to the victim, Darnell Greene.

The details of this out-of-court settlement remain unclear, but that should wrap things up as far as the law is concerned. Kamara agreed to a plea deal in Nevada court on a misdemeanor charge, avoiding more serious felony charges but paying out more than $100,000 in medical bills. Now that the criminal and civil suits are concluded and the legal process has wrapped up, the NFL will likely take action in handing down a suspension.

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Alvin Kamara strikes plea deal on misdemeanor charge in Las Vegas court

Alvin Kamara struck a plea deal on a misdemeanor charge in Las Vegas court, will avoid felony charges but may still face suspension:

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As first reported by 8 News Las Vegas’ David Charns and confirmed by NewOrleans.Football’s Nick Underhill, New Orleans Saints running back Kamara agreed to plea no contest on a misdemeanor charge stemming from his alleged involvement in a Feb. 2022 beating in Las Vegas. This means Kamara is no longer facing felony charges in Nevada, nor will he be required to miss time in training camp to attend his previously-scheduled court date.

Instead, Kamara will pay a $500 fine and foot the bill for more than $100,000 in medical bills to the victim, as well as fulfilling 30 hours of community service.

But this isn’t necessarily over. There is still a civil suit against Kamara filed in Louisiana, and now the NFL is likely to take action with affairs in criminal court concluded. The league has suspended players before despite a lack of convictions or charges being dropped and that precedent is still in play for Kamara.

So how much time could he miss during the season? That’s unclear. The NFL’s personal conduct policy says that violations involving “criminal assault or battery” with a felony charge would qualify for a six-game suspension, so that’s likely the higher end of any expected suspension. Three or four games feels more likely, and Kamara can appeal the decision to try and reduce it further, but we’ll have to wait and see how this plays out. At least this is one less distraction for the team to deal with during the offseason.

Update: Kamara agreed to an undisclosed settlement with the victim, Darnell Greene, per Greene’s attorney Tony Buzbee.

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Report: Jay Monahan told PGA Tour employees it couldn’t afford legal battle with Saudi Arabia

Monahan reportedly said the Tour had spent $50 million in legal fees and $100 million to pay increased purses.

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Details are starting to emerge about the reasons behind this week’s news about the PGA Tour’s merger with the Public Investment Fund and DP World Tour to form a new global golf entity.

The Wall Street Journal reported Saturday that PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan told Tour employees on Thursday it couldn’t financially afford to keep spending millions of dollars in its legal fight against the PIF while increasing purse sizes to combat players defecting to the LIV Golf League.

“We cannot compete with a foreign government with unlimited money,” Monahan reportedly told employees. “This was the time. We waited to be in the strongest possible position to get this deal in place.”

The report states Monahan told Tour employees the model wasn’t sustainable. The PIF has a reported $620 billion in assets. This meeting came two days after the announced deal to form a new for-profit entity.

Monahan reportedly told employees the Tour had spent $50 million in legal fees and dipped into reserves for $100 million to pay increased purses in designated events and other bonuses.

A PGA Tour spokesperson provided a statement to ESPN, saying: “To characterize that this agreement was made due to litigation costs and other use of reserves is an oversimplification. With the end of the fractured landscape in the world of men’s professional golf, the PGA Tour has never been a more valuable property.

RBC Canadian Open: Photos

“The Public Investment Fund has recognized that value and the opportunity for [return on investment] with their investment in the tour. Additionally, this transaction will make professional golf more competitive with other professional sports and sports leagues.”

The agreement ended all legal disputes between PIF and the PGA Tour.

During Tuesday’s PGA Tour players’ meeting in Toronto, Tour pros called PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan a hypocrite and said it was time for new leadership. The latter remark drew a standing ovation.

“Jay took the arrows, took the hit, he got lambasted and was burned in effigy, but is he going to lose his job? No,” a former Tour executive told Golfweek on Friday.

The PGA Tour’s 2023 season continued as is come Thursday, with the RBC Canadian Open continuing Saturday before the USGA’s U.S. Open in Los Angeles next week. The LIV Golf League’s season, which has seven events remaining in 2023, is expected to finish this year, too.

Further details on the merger are to be determined.

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Buccaneers take legal action against Saints in trademark dispute

The Bucs have taken legal action against the Saints in a trademark dispute centered on New Orleans’ cheerleading team:

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This is almost comical. Washington, D.C.-based trademark attorney Josh Gerben shared news on Friday that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are taking legal action against one of their division rivals, claiming that the New Orleans Saints’ 2022 rebranding of their cheer team violates a trademark.

Last year, the “Saintsations” were renamed the “Saints Cheer Krewe” as a nod to New Orleans’ centuries-long tradition of revelry krewes on Mardi Gras floats, and as a more inclusive practice given the addition of male performers to the team. It makes sense seeing as New Orleans also takes pride in its male dance groups like the 610 Stompers.

As for the merits to the Buccaneers’ complaint: Gerben notes that Tampa Bay has trademarked “krewe” for use in its loyalty club member program, team promotions and marketing, apparel, memorabilia and other merchandise, though the Saints have thus far exclusively used the term for their cheerleaders.

It’s kind of embarrassing that Tampa Bay is making a fuss over this, much less taking legal action when they could probably have settled things out of court. That could still be the conclusion, preventing anything from going to court, but it’s something to watch out for in the months ahead.

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