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December 23rd, 2022
Key Sports Law Cases & Developments 2022
Sports Group Partner Christopher R. Chase speaks with LawInSport on the most important legal cases and developments from the world of sports law in 2022. Christopher contributes his thoughts on the implosion of the cryptocurrency exchange FTX:
“The implosion of cryptocurrency exchange FTX and its subsequent bankruptcy filing will likely change the structure and contractual obligations of both athlete endorsements and corporate sponsorships going forward. For example, several class action lawsuits have been filed against athletes and celebrities for their role in promoting FTX (as well as other crypto and NFT brands), arguing that such promotion was an unfair and deceptive practice under federal and state law – placing a spotlight on endorser liability. To avoid potential claims, athlete and celebrity endorsers should ensure that proper substantiation exists for any advertising claims that the endorser makes on behalf of a brand and that the endorser has a good faith belief in such advertising claims. While an indemnity from the advertiser for claims about its product is generally standard and protects an endorser from liability to some extent, it may not be worth much when the brand has little ability to back it up – so the athlete or celebrity endorser would be wise to consider the actual evidence for the advertising claims before agreeing to endorse the product or service.
Regarding sponsorships, the FTX situation is yet another cautionary tale for rights holders – particularly when entering into agreements with entities in nascent industries. Seeking more payments up-front (and in dollars!), limiting the length of the contractual term, expanding the ability to terminate, and seeking regular audits or reviews of financial statements from sponsors (particularly ones that do not have publicly available financial statements) are all considerations rights holders may want to take going forward. Now that FTX has filed for bankruptcy, rights holders have to file motions to have the court reject the sponsorship agreement or otherwise lift the automatic stay so that the rightsholder can terminate the agreement – both procedural and substantive situations in which rights holders do not want to be.”
See the full article here. (Behind paywall).
Other Quoted
In Suits and Ties, Lawyers Protest Trump’s Attacks on the Legal System
The New York Times quotes Ronald C. Minkoff in its coverage of the May 1, 2025 National Law Day of Action, in which approximately 1,500 people in Manhattan protested the U.S. president’s threats against judges, lawyers and the rule of law. Legal groups organized attorneys across the country to show their opposition to the Trump administration’s defiance of court orders, targeting of law firms, and wrongful deportations. The lawyers reaffirmed their promise to uphold the rule of law and recited the Pledge of Allegiance. Foley Square protest organizers requested that attorneys dress in suits—as if going to court and carry pocket Constitutions. “‘We want people to see that we treat this issue with utmost respect,’ said Ronald C. Minkoff, a defense lawyer and an organizer. ‘This is like the courtroom to us.’” View Article
May 1 2025
Attys Join Nationwide ‘Day Of Action’ Rallies For Rule Of Law
Law360 quotes Ronald C. Minkoff on the thousands of attorneys who rallied across the country on May 1, National Law Day, to publicly oppose the Trump administration’s attack on the rule of law. The article stated, “New York County Lawyers Association vice president and noted legal ethics expert Ron Minkoff of Frankfurt Kurnit Klein & Selz, PC, said the rallies came together fairly organically as bar associations across the country began looking at ways to spotlight the Trump administrations actions against judges and lawyers and then realized National Law Day of Action was just a few weeks away.” Mr. Minkoff stated that he doesn’t normally go to demonstrations but these are things that stir him to action. “’When the ability of lawyers to represent their clients is under threat, that is an attack on one of the pillars of the American system, the American experiment,’ he added.” View article. (Behind paywall)
May 1 2025
Jonah Brill and Spouse Emma Brill Featured on Cardozo Law School Podcast
Jonah Brill and his wife Emma Brill are interviewed on their alma mater’s audio publication SPARKS: A Cardozo School of Law Podcast | Cardozo Law. Having met as first-year law students at the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law, they discuss how their law school affected their personal lives and chosen career paths. They share their class recommendations, “insights into the complexities of tax law,” and “lessons learned along the way.” Listen here.
April 8 2025
