K&C Sports & Entertainment Law Weekly Roundup - May 2025

Sports:

• FIFA is demanding attorney fees from plaintiffs for misusing artificial intelligence in an antitrust suit against the soccer federation in Puerto Rico, with a formatting error revealing that it is seeking more than $50,000 for work performed by Paul Weiss Rifkind Wharton & Garrison LLP and a local firm, according to court documents. FIFA Seeks Fees After Citation Mistakes In Antitrust Case – Law360

NCAA

• Michigan is expected to hand coach Sherrone Moore a two-game suspension during the 2025 season as a self-imposed punishment for the alleged advanced scouting scheme orchestrated by formal football staffer Connor Stalions, according to ESPN. Michigan suspends coach Sherrone Moore for two games in 2025 as part of Connor Stalions scandal, per report – CBS Sports

NFL

• Former Panthers and Ravens receiver Steve Smith Sr. has been sued in North Carolina under a “homewrecker” law. Steve Smith Sr. is sued under “homewrecker” law – NBC

MLB

• Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred said he discussed Pete Rose with President Donald Trump at a meeting two weeks ago and he plans to rule on a request to end the sport’s permanent ban of the career hits leader, who died in September. Rob Manfred says he discussed Pete Rose’s status with Donald Trump and will rule on reinstatement – AP

GOLF

• A professional golfer urged the Eleventh Circuit on Friday to revive two defamation lawsuits against various news and media publications, saying he was wrongly targeted as the “villain” or “bad boy” of golf due to false accusations of cheating and reports over his defection from the PGA Tour. Pro Golfer Urges 11th Circ. To Revive Media Defamation Suits – Law360

Entertainment:

FILM & TELEVISION

• The cousin of a Top Gun: Maverick screenwriter has sued Paramount Pictures in NY federal court, alleging he penned many of the film’s key scenes but never received any credit or compensation for his purported contribution to the 2022 blockbuster. Paramount Sued by ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ Writer’s Cousin Over Credit

MUSIC

• A GA federal judge refused to free President Donald Trump from a copyright infringement claim levied against him over his election campaign’s use of artist Isaac Hayes‘ song “Hold On, I’m Coming” at rallies. isaac hayes.pdf
• A lawsuit accusing pop stars Sam Smith and Normani Hamilton of creating their 2019 hit “Dancing With a Stranger” by lifting key musical elements from an earlier song was revived by a federal appeals court. ‘Dancing With a Stranger’ Copyright Lawsuit Revived on Appeal

LAWSUITS OF THE RICH & FAMOUS

• Sean “Diddy” Combs asked a Manhattan federal judge to direct attorneys representing his accusers to not make extrajudicial statements until his upcoming trial on sex-trafficking charges concludes. Diddy’s legal team asks judge to place gag orders on victims’ attorneys on eve of trial | Daily Mail Online