The latest episode of the Foul Play-by-play podcast discusses five opening arguments, including the alleged defamation of New York Rangers star Artemi Panarin by Russian President Vladimir Putin. Gambling addict/expert Brad also shares a pair of bad beats betting NASCAR.
Family of Vincent Jackson v. NFL
Former NFL player Vincent Jackson was recently found dead in a hotel room and might have been dead for three days before being discovered. Jackson reportedly suffered from alcoholism and concussions. The Jackson family is hypothetically suing the NFL for damages, alleging the league’s delayed action to curb concussions it knew caused CTE.
NFLPA v. NFL and NFLPA Executive Director DeMaurice Smith
Many NFL players believe the current collective bargaining agreement DeMaurice Smith negotiated is excessively benefiting NFL owners at the players’ expense. NFL players approved the CBA last March by a margin of just 60 votes, and it won’t expire for 10 years. Hypothetically, the NFLPA alleges the CBA was not negotiated in good faith, challenging the validity of the agreement.
Artemi Panarin v. Vladimir Putin
The New York Rangers said the allegation that their star Artemi Panarin assaulted an 18-year-old girl over a decade ago is a fabricated response to his support of a Kremlin critic. In this hypothetical case, Panarin, citing emotional distress and lost wages, is suing Russian President Vladimir Putin for defamation.
The People of Texas v. Jerry Jones and Comstock Resources, Inc.
Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones is also the majority owner of fossil fuel company Comstock Resources, Inc. Shortages of natural gas combined with increased demand pushed natural gas prices up over 500 percent during a winter storm in Texas. The company, however, was already increasing production in anticipation of increased demand for natural gas. The hypothetical people of Texas allege price gouging and are hypothetically suing for refunds.
Timberwolves Associate Head Coach David Vanterpool v. Minnesota Timberwolves
The Minnesota Timberwolves fired head coach Ryan Saunders and hired Toronto Raptors assistant Chris Finch without conducting a formal search or offering associate head coach David Vanterpool the job on an interim basis. Vanterpool is suing, claiming racial discrimination, hypothetically speaking.
