Conduct Detrimental: THE Sports Law Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Panthers Potentially Joining Flores Lawsuit, TeeGate: Rory v. Reed, and MLB HOF's Transparency Issue Jan 27, 2023

Show notes

Welcome to THE Sports Law Podcast! We keep you up to date on everything at the intersection of sports and the law! In this episode, Dan Lust is joined by John Nucci (@JNucci23) to discuss breaking issues in the world of Sports Law.

The Carolina Panthers hired Frank Reich as their next head coach causing the lawyers in the Brian Flores case to release a statement calling out the organization for not hiring Interim Head Coach Steve Wilks. (3:48) Wilks previously retained the lawyers handling the Brian Flores case accusing the NFL of discriminatory hiring practices. They stated, “We are shocked and disturbed that the incredible job Coach Wilks did as the interim coach, including bringing the team back into Playoff contention and garnering the support of players and fans, that he was passed over for the Head Coach position by David Tepper.“

The MLB created a Contemporary Committee made of former players and executives to select Hall of Fame members who contributed from 1980 to the present. (14:40) These players include Chipper Jones, Greg Maddux, Jack Morris, Ryne Sandberg, Lee Smith, Frank Thomas and Alan Trammell. With this new committee players who have been kept at bay before are now getting votes to enter the Hall of Fame.

There has been an update in the PGA v. LIV lawsuit involving the deposition of the leader of the Saudi Public Investment Fund, Yasir Al-Rumayyan. (25:24) Al-Rumayyan has argued that sovereign immunity will block the PGA from coming after him. The PGA filed a motion for leave to bring in Al-Rumayyan, the Saudi Public Investment Fund and others associated with its business.

Golfer, Patrick Reed has made headlines again for threatening to file another defamation lawsuit against multiple parties as well as an interaction with Rory McIlroy caught on camera at a recent golf event. (32:21) The video shows Reed attempting to talk to McIlroy and when he is rebuffed, he walks away and flicks a tee in his direction. In a later interview, McIlroy explains that he was served papers by Reed on Christmas eve which explains his actions towards Reed.

Dan and John also provide a short segment on helpful tips for new and upcoming lawyers. (38:15) These tips include being aware of legal research subscriptions and finding the right mentor.

***

Have a topic you want to write about? ANYONE and EVERYONE can publish for ConductDetrimental.com. Let us know if you want to join the team.

Dan Wallach (@WallachLegal) | Dan Lust (@SportsLawLust) | Mike Lawson (@mike_sonof_law) | Justin Mader (@MaderLaw)

California's NIL Revenue Sharing Bill, Alleged Lies and "Computer" Crimes at Michigan, Alec Baldwin Involuntary Manslaughter, & LIV's CW Deal Jan 20, 2023

Show notes

Welcome back to THE Sports Law Podcast! We keep you up to date on everything at the intersection of sports and the law! In this episode, Dan Lust is joined by Justin Mader (@MaderLaw) to discuss breaking issues in the world of Sports Law. Conlan Farrell (@Conlan_Farrell) also joins the podcast to discuss his bets for the weekend.

A recent valuation of college prospect Jaden Rashada has muddied the waters surrounding his NIL saga with the University of Florida. (1:52) Now it seems that his initial contract was worth way more than this valuation. This is leading some to criticize the initial NIL deal.

The California legislature has introduced a bill that would require California colleges and universities to share sports revenue with their athletes. (9:18) This bill provides two avenues that schools can follow either paying 50% of their revenue or the growth in revenue year-to-year.

Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh has been accused by the NCAA of lying during their investigations into Level II infractions by the school. (23:27) Harbaugh has denied that he ever lied and claims that he simply does not recall whether those events happened. This has led to a stalemate between the two parties.

Matt Weiss, the co-offensive coordinator for the Michigan Wolverines, has been accused of computer crimes related to unauthorized access of emails. (32:06) He has been placed on leave while the investigation is underway.

Drawing comparisons to the Weiss situation, Dan and Justin revisit the story of Cardinal's employee Chris Correa. (37:07) Correa was sentenced to 46 months in prison following his unauthorized access to Astro's emails and scouting databases.

In pop culture news, Alec Baldwin has been charged with involuntary manslaughter following the incident he was involved in while filming Rust. (50:16) Baldwin's lawyers have stressed that they feel these charges will not hold up.

LIV Golf has found a TV broadcasting home at the CW network. (54:53) While an unlikely spot, if successful, this could allow the Saudi-backed league to acquire a more lucrative TV deal in the future.

Finally, in the ever popular segment "What to Watch For", both Dan and Justin give their picks for the best sports programs to check out right now. (1:04:49)

***

Have a topic you want to write about? ANYONE and EVERYONE can publish for ConductDetrimental.com. Let us know if you want to join the team.

Dan Wallach (@WallachLegal) | Dan Lust (@SportsLawLust) | Mike Lawson (@mike_sonof_law) | Justin Mader (@MaderLaw)

Jaden Rashada NIL Drama, $50M Exotic NHL Snake Farm, OBJ Flightmare, Kingsbury Buyout & Darius Miles Allegations Jan 18, 2023

Show notes

Welcome back to THE Sports Law Podcast! We keep you up to date on everything at the intersection of sports and the law! In this episode, Dan Lust is joined by Evan Mattel and Matt Tympanick to discuss breaking issues in the world of Sports Law.

Jeff Molina is a UFC fighter who was suspended due to involvement with a betting scandal created by a former UFC coach, James Krause. (8:06) Providing an update to the story, the UFC officially suspended Molina after completing the investigation into the betting scheme led by Krause. The betting scheme came to light because it seemed that Krause, as a coach in the UFC, used inside information to recommend bets.

Jaden Rashada's NIL deal in Florida. (11:47) Jaden Reshada is one of the top high school quarterbacks in the country. There were reports that he was trying to decide between the University of Miami and the University of Florida. Rashada chose Florida following a NIL contract that was signed with the University of Florida collective. On December 7th, the CEO of the collective sent a termination letter regarding the contract. The NIL deal reportedly changed from eight figures to seven figures.

Rusty Hardin is being sued for legal malpractice in relation to his representation of a sports agent Ben Dogra. (21:03) Dogra previously worked at CAA and upon leaving the company sued for unearned wages. Dogra retained Hardin at a fee of $1.575 million. It later came to light that Hardin’s firm stipulated that the damages amounted to $2,756,503. Dogra is now coming at Hardin alleging that the law firm committed malpractice.

The Las Vegas Golden Knights goalie Robin Lehner has filed for bankruptcy following his purchase of an exotic snake farm for $1.2 million. (30:03) These snakes were purchased from a world-renowned snake breeder, Ben Renick, with the agreement to be broken into installment payments. Now the goalie is in hot water as he claims the snakes are breeding uncontrollably and he cannot afford the rest of the payments owed to the Renick estate.

Kliff Kingsbury has been let go as the Arizona Cardinal’s head coach after an abysmal 4-13 record. This comes as the Cardinals gave Kingsbury a 6-year extension through 2027. (35:40) Following this firing stories emerged that Kingsbury allegedly purchased a one-way ticket to Thailand. However, the contract contains a clause that states Kingsbury is not entitled to payments if he fails to attempt to secure other employment.

Odell Beckham, Jr. was recently captured on video during a flight after flight attendants informed OBJ that he needed to put on his seatbelt before takeoff. (51:13) OBJ’s refusal to do so led to the passengers to be de-planed and caused a significant delay in the flight. While the stories highlight unruliness, the actions did not lead to any sort of criminal charges.

***

Have a topic you want to write about? ANYONE and EVERYONE can publish for ConductDetrimental.com. Let us know if you want to join the team.

Dan Wallach (@WallachLegal) | Dan Lust (@SportsLawLust) | Mike Lawson (@mike_sonof_law) | Justin Mader (@MaderLaw)

WWE Corporate Coup, Gio Reyna Family Feud, & Jake Paul's Groundbreaking MMA Deal Jan 12, 2023

Show notes

Welcome back to THE Sports Law Podcast! We keep you up to date on everything at the intersection of sports and the law! Dan Lust is joined by Mike and Tarun as well as guest Andrew Bua, who is an attorney with Wasserman.

Vince McMahon is back and issues immediately arise. (4:47) McMahon had initially stepped down as CEO last summer amidst allegations of misconduct and his daughter Stephanie McMahon and her husband WWE start Triple-H have taken over. Recently, Vince has returned and is now being accused of voter misuse and stacking the board in his favor. Vince was also accused of timing his return with the WWE media rights negotiations. WWE shareholders have filed a class-action lawsuit claiming breach of fiduciary duty against Vince.

Jake Paul signs major deal with the Professional Fighters League. (33:44) The PFL is an MMA league that has been gaining popularity for their season-style fighting schedule. Jake Paul, and business partner Nakisa Bidarian (former CFO of the UFC), are equity shareholders in the PFL and created the Super Fight division. This new division is to encourage fighters with an already big draw to compete in this division and the fighters receive 50% of the pay-per-view (PPV). Fighter pay has been a long-standing issue with the UFC and Dana White. Many UFC fighters have called out Dana for better shares of PPV and Jake Paul has also criticized White.

USMNT head coach Gregg Berhalter no longer had a contract with the team following report of domestic violence. (45:23) A report was provided to USSF officials that Berhalter had kicked his now-wife over 30 years ago in a bar. This allegation was confirmed by Berhalter and his wife, in that it was back in 1991 when they were dating. Berhalter released a statement apologized for his actions and his wife stated that she has forgiven her husband. The interesting part of this story is the person who told the USSF was Danielle Renya, who is the mother of Giovanni Reyna and the wife of soccer legend Claudio Reyna. The Reynas and Berhalters have known each other since college and apparently the Reynas were not happy with the amount of playing time that their son received during the world cup. There were apparent behavior issues with Gio during the world cup that Berhalter had addressed the media about, another thing the Reynas were most likely unhappy about. Moving forward we will see if a tortious interference lawsuit arises.

Dan and Conlan are back with the betting segment sponsored by Bettor Edge. (1:10:03) Make sure that you head over to bettoredge.com and use the promo code "Conduct" for $20 free for bets or go to bettoredge.com/conduct.

***

Have a topic you want to write about? ANYONE and EVERYONE can publish for ConductDetrimental.com. Let us know if you want to join the team.

Dan Wallach (@WallachLegal) | Dan Lust (@SportsLawLust) | Mike Lawson (@mike_sonof_law)

Damar Hamlin and NFL Response, NCAA Transformation Committee Recs, Carlos Correa, Dana White, & Gregg Berhalter Jan 06, 2023

Show notes

Welcome back to THE Sports Law Podcast! Happy New Year everyone, and here's to a great year of sports law stories. The Dans are joined by Gregg Clifton (@Gregg_Clifton).

Tragedy struck the football world during the Monday night football game between the Bills and Bengals. (2:50) Bills' safety Damar Hamlin suffered cardiac arrest following a collision with Tee Higgins. The medical staff worked tremendously fast to save Hamlin's life. There has been an incredible amount of support backing the Hamlin family, especially for Hamlin's foundation which has over $7 million in donations. We also discuss the CBA and protections that players have and the retirement benefits. As it currently stands, 24-year-old Hamlin does not qualify for the retirement package. With the Bills/Bengals game being cancelled, how is the NFL going to handle to playoff seeding?

The DI Board of Directors appointed a Transformation Committee to lead the modernization efforts after the new NCAA constitution. (15:35) The Committee's final report has been presented to the DI Board regarding NIL and rule changes for recruiting and personnel.

Carlos Correa and the Mets deal is still not a done deal. (25:05) The medical experts are still assessing the risk of signing Correa to a long-term deal regarding the results of his physical. Gregg gives insight into these deals and negotiations. Can the Mets revise the contract structure? Will there be some exclusionary language? There is a very important difference between a "reported deal" and a "done deal."

US Men's National Soccer team head coach Gregg Berhalter has revealed an alleged domestic issue from 1991 with his now wife. (40:24) There has been no reported punishment.

Dana White was in a physical altercation with his wife at a New Year's Party. (42:37) White's Power Slap League was supposed to debut on TBS January 18th, but has been delayed. There has been no reported punishment for White nor anything from UFC sponsors.

Chris Beard was fired from his men's basketball head coaching position at Texas. (47:00) Beard was arrested on domestic violence charges a month ago for alleged strangulation of his wife. Texas immediately suspended Beard without pay following the arrest. His wife has since retracked her allegation.

Dan and Conlan are back with the betting segment sponsored by Bettor Edge. (49:36) Make sure that you head over to bettoredge.com and use the promo code "Conduct" for $20 free for bets or go to bettoredge.com/conduct.

***

Have a topic you want to write about? ANYONE and EVERYONE can publish for ConductDetrimental.com. Let us know if you want to join the team.

Dan Wallach (@WallachLegal) | Dan Lust (@SportsLawLust) | Mike Lawson (@mike_sonof_law) | Justin Mader (@MaderLaw)

2022 Sports Law Recap: Biggest Sports Law Stories Dec 27, 2022

Show notes

Welcome back to THE Sports Law Podcast! Another wonderful year of sports law coverage for the Conduct Detrimental family. This episode features some of our amazing team and their arguments for the largest news story of 2022. There will be a poll on Twitter where you can vote for what you think the largest sports law story of the year was.

Tarun Sharma (@tksharmalaw), who is our head of the newsletter, talks about the world of name, image, and likeness. (3:03) Evan Mattel (@Evan_Mattel21), who is our head editor of articles for the website, talks about the cheating scandal that shook up the world of Chess when the world champion Magnus Carlsen accused grandmaster Hans Niemann of cheating. (11:28) Stephanie Weissenburger (@Steph_TheLawyer), who is our head website designer, talks about the Washington Commanders and the Daniel Snyder saga. (18:35) Mike Lawson (@Mike_sonof_Law), who is our head of production for the podcast, talks about the Brian Flores class-action lawsuit against the NFL and numerous teams for racial discrimination. (30:55) Dan Lust (@SportsLawLust), who is our co-leader and co-host, talks about the Deshaun Watson saga. (39:05)

***

Have a topic you want to write about? ANYONE and EVERYONE can publish for ConductDetrimental.com. Let us know if you want to join the team.

Dan Wallach (@WallachLegal) | Dan Lust (

Carlos Correa Rescinds, WWE's Mandy Rose & the Independent Contractor Issue, $4B Suns Sale, and Facial Recognition Security at MSG Dec 23, 2022

Show notes

Welcome to THE Sports Law Podcast! We break down all of the latest at the intersection of sports and the law! Dan Lust is joined by Steph and Tony Iliakostas (@ailiakostas) AKA The IP Professor.

Carlos Correa was said to have signed with the San Francisco Giants, but amidst medical physical issues he has now signed with the New York Mets. (7:09) The Giants had signed Correa for 13 years $350 million but this was pending a physical. Apparently, Correa was cleared by doctors, but there was a difference in opinion on the Giants and wanted to renegotiate. Steve Cohen swooped in and signed Correa for 12 years $315 million. Correa will move over and play 3B for the Mets where Lindor is at SS.

Mandy Rose was fired from the WWE for making money on a social media platform similar to OnlyFans. (16:37) WWE issued a issued a letter to all wrestlers to end any third-party platform use that used their name, image, and likeness that may be detrimental to the WWE. Rose continued to use this social media platform and was terminated for it. WWE wrestlers are deemed independent contractors and do not have a union. Since her termination, it is estimated that she has made $500,000 on the social media application.

MSG imposed a policy in which they ban any attorneys at firms who are in active litigation against them from attending events at their facilities. (31:40) An attorney was attending a show with her daughter and other girl scouts when she was pulled out of the security line and denied access because she works at a firm that has an active litigation against MSG.

The Phoenix Suns have a pending sale for $4B. (39:30) Billionaire mortgage lender, Mat Ishbia, has agreed to buy the majority share of the Suns pending NBA approval.

A patent infringement lawsuit has been brought against Fox Sports. (47:47) Fox Sports has been accused of infringing on Recentive Analytics' patents by using predictive analytics to optimize the NFL schedule and broadcasts.

Dan and Conlan are back with the betting segment sponsored by Bettor Edge. (1:02:28) Also joining is the co-founder of Bettor Edge, Greg Kajewski (@gkajewski) who gives us his super bowl pick. Make sure that you head over to bettoredge.com and use the promo code "Conduct" for $20 free for bets or go to bettoredge.com/conduct.

***

Have a topic you want to write about? ANYONE and EVERYONE can publish for ConductDetrimental.com. Let us know if you want to join the team.

Dan Wallach (@WallachLegal) | Dan Lust (@SportsLawLust) | Mike Lawson (@mike_sonof_law)

Barstool Sportsbook "Suitability" Debate, Sean Kugler "Mistaken Identity" Arb v. AZ Cardinals, New NCAA President Charlie Baker, & $1.5M Aaron Judge HR Ball Dec 20, 2022

Show notes

Welcome back to THE Sports Law Podcast where we keep you up to date on the latest at the intersection of sports and the law. The Dans bring on two special guests to break down all things sports law.

Charlie McIntyre is the executive director of the New Hampshire lottery commission, and he joins to discuss Barstool/Penn National Gaming relationship. (20:52) The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has begun to question the integrity of PENN gaming and its relationship with Barstool Sports. PENN operates the Barstool Sportsbook and by 2023, PENN looks like it will be the 100% owner of Barstool Sports. A recent New York Times article discussed Dave Portnoy, part-owner and founder of Barstool Sports, is which they called him a "degenerate gambler." The Commission raised concerns about Barstool's marketing to college-aged students and issues as it relates to gambling.

Howard Balzer (@HBalzer721) is back on the podcast to break down a regarding the firing of Arizona Cardinals assistant coach Sean Kugler. (41:09) Kugler was accused of groping a woman in Mexico when the team was playing in Mexico City. However, Kugler is claiming this is a miscommunication or mistaken identity and has filed for arbitration on his termination. Balzer wrote an article about this situation, which you can read here.

***

Have a topic you want to write about? ANYONE and EVERYONE can publish for ConductDetrimental.com. Let us know if you want to join the team.

Dan Wallach (@WallachLegal) | Dan Lust (@SportsLawLust) | Mike Lawson (@mike_sonof_law) | Justin Mader (@MaderLaw)

Snyder Report Fallout, Mike Leach Litigation, Chris Beard's Charges / Contract, "Zero" Punishment for Sean Miller Dec 16, 2022

Show notes

Welcome to THE Sports Law Podcast where we keep you up to date on everything at the intersection of sports and the law. Dan Lust and Tarun dive into the latest in sports law. The House Oversight Committee report was released about Dan Snyder and his involvement in the toxic work environment with the Washington Commanders. (3:22) The Conduct Detrimental report found that Snyder was heavily involved and encouraged the toxic nature of the Commanders. A key piece of the report was that Bruce Allen alleged that the Commanders leaked the Jon Gruden emails, which Pat McAfee gave our very own Dan Lust a shoutout for pointing out. Mississippi State coach Mike Leach tragically passed away this past week. (19:25) Leach was the former coach with Texas Tech and was fired in 2009 after accusations that he had mistreated an athlete who complained of having a concussion. Leach filed a wrongful termination against Texas Tech which was dismissed but Wayne Dolcefino has been continuing a lawsuit against Texas Tech for Title IX violations. Sean Miller has been under investigation for the past four years for multiple NCAA violations. (30:08) This week a report came out that Miller and Arizona would not be punished and avoids penalties. Texas basketball coach Chris Beard is currently suspended after allegations of assault. (43:23) Beard was arrested following allegations that he assaulted his fiancé. The first female high school football athlete has an NIL deal in California. (40:39)

Dan and Conlan are back with the betting segment sponsored by Bettor Edge. (43:03) Make sure that you head over to bettoredge.com and use the promo code "Conduct" for $20 free for bets or go to bettoredge.com/conduct.

***

Have a topic you want to write about? ANYONE and EVERYONE can publish for ConductDetrimental.com. Let us know if you want to join the team.

Dan Wallach (@WallachLegal) | Dan Lust (

Brittney Griner Swap, Transfer Portal Floodgates, Deion Sanders' JSU Exit, UVA Exemption, & Gruden Bombshell Dec 10, 2022

Show notes

Welcome to THE Sports Law Podcast where we cover everything at the intersection of sports and the law. Today, Dan Lust and Justin Mader (@MaderLaw), who is an editor of our podcast, break down the latest in the sports law world.

The House Oversight Committee has released their report on the Washington Commanders. (4:26) We will have a full breakdown on the podcast next week.

Brittney Griner has returned to the United States after her time spent incarcerated in Russia. (7:15) Griner was initially detained in Russia on February 17, 2022 for drug smuggling charges after they discovered vape cartridges in her luggage. She was later sentenced to 9 years. In addition to playing in the WNBA, Griner spends her offseason playing in the Russian pro leagues. After almost 300 days incarcerated, she was exchanged by the US government for a Russian gun dealer.

The college football transfer portal opened on December 5 with record numbers of student athletes entering the portal. (15:49) This is not too surprising given the high volume of NIL deals and collectives around the college world. The wild wild west of NIL continues as players now take advantage of the transfer portal for better opportunities to earn NIL.

Following the UVA tragedy which took three UVA football players' lives, the NCAA has granted an exception for players on the UVA football team in their final year of eligibility by granting them an extra year of eligibility. (26:05) UVA football cancelled their final two games of the season for the team to grieve and attend the services of their teammates.

Deion Sanders has moved from Jackson State to the University of Colorado. (30:55) There are rumors and allegations on social media that Sanders left Jackson State because money was withheld from him and the football program. Sanders had contract incentives based on ticket sales and the allegations were that Jackson State undersold or misstated the actual sales figures. There are clips of Sanders stating that the games appeared to be sold out, but Jackson State's figures would be far less. The other rumors were that Sanders paid his own money to upgrade the facilities and to feed his players.

Dan and Conlan are back with the betting segment sponsored by Bettor Edge. (43:50) Make sure that you head over to bettoredge.com and use the promo code "Conduct" for $20 free for bets or go to bettoredge.com/conduct.

***

Have a topic you want to write about? ANYONE and EVERYONE can publish for ConductDetrimental.com. Let us know if you want to join the team.

Dan Wallach (@WallachLegal) | Dan Lust (@SportsLawLust) | Mike Lawson (@mike_sonof_law)

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Conduct Detrimental: THE Sports Law Podcast

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected