Tag: lawsuit

East Rutherford, NJ -- November 24, 2024 -- Baker Mayfield of Tampa Bay runs for a TD late in the first half as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers came to MetLife Stadium to play the New York Giants.

Reports: Baker Mayfield suing father’s company for $12M

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield has filed a federal lawsuit against his father’s company, claiming that his dad, James, stole millions from him and his wife without reimbursing the couple, multiple media outlets reported Tuesday.

Mayfield and his wife, Emily, filed the suit on Friday, and the two are looking for nearly $12 million in damages. Camwood Capital Management Group, which was founded by Mayfield’s father, is the defendant in the case.

According to the lawsuit, Camwood Capital transferred over $12.2 million from Mayfield and his wife “without authorization” for years (2018-21). The two sides agreed to a settlement that required James Mayfield’s business to dish out $11.7 million to the plaintiffs, but not a single payment for that settlement has been made.

Multiple companies are being sued, as they are considered “a collection of interconnected entities with common ownership.” Texas Contracting Manufacturing Group, Unitech Tool & Machine, Apex Machining and Lor-Van Manufacturing join Camwood Capital on the defense.

Baker Mayfield and his wife are claiming that those entities breached contract following the settlement.

“Once Plaintiffs began to uncover Defendants’ misconduct and sought answers to explain the taking of their assets, Defendants attempted to obscure the relevant information, avoided Plaintiffs’ inquiries, and invented fictional explanations for their actions,” the lawsuit reads.

The first payment of the settlement — $250,000 — had a Sept. 30 deadline that was never met. None of the companies involved answered the Mayfields when they were reached out to regarding the missed payment.

Baker Mayfield, 29, is currently on a three-year, $100 million deal with Tampa Bay.

–Field Level Media

Nov 26, 2022; College Station, Texas, USA; LSU Tigers safety Greg Brooks Jr. (3) and safety Major Burns (28) in action during the game between the Texas A&M Aggies and the LSU Tigers at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Former LSU player with brain tumor sues school

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Former LSU free safety Greg Brooks contends the school and a local hospital were negligent in how they diagnosed and treated his brain tumor, leading him to becoming permanently disabled.

The allegations are detailed in a lawsuit he filed in August in East Baton Rouge Parish against LSU and Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center. Yahoo and local newspaper The Advocate obtained a copy of the suit and reported on the case Friday.

Brooks played in two games in the 2023 season before the brain tumor showed up in an MRI. But his medical problems predated the start of the season, he said in the lawsuit.

According to Brooks’ account, he vomited and ultimately passed out during practice on Aug. 5, 2023, witnessed by coaches and trainers.

“Greg told his coaches and athletic trainers that he was dizzy, had a headache and was nauseous — all which are neurological symptoms,” the lawsuit reads.

It further states that he was given Zofran, a drug to prevent nausea and vomiting, then sent back to practice. In subsequent weeks, he continued to let staff know when he felt dizzy but said coaches encouraged him to continue practicing and playing because he risked losing his starting job, per The Advocate.

In the lawsuit, he said he was not referred to a neurologist until mid-September, when the diagnosis was made, and said the inaction for a month caused “the pain and suffering” he went through.

Among those on the LSU side named in the lawsuit are Tigers head coach Brian Kelly, then-defensive coordinator Matt House, then-safeties coach Kerry Cooks, head athletic trainer Owen Stanley, and team doctors Stephen Etheredge and Vincent Shaw, according to The Advocate.

“While LSU cannot comment on ongoing litigation, Greg Brooks remains in our thoughts and prayers as he continues to work through the rehabilitation process,” LSU said in a statement to Yahoo. “Since the beginning of our agreement with our Championship Health Partner, Our Lady of the Lake, they have provided exceptional medical care for our student-athletes in all of our sports.”

In the lawsuit, Brooks also alleged that surgeon Brandon Gaynor committed malpractice, contending he has “catastrophic neurological injuries” and cannot walk one year after surgery.

“First, and foremost, our prayers remain with Greg for his continued healing and recovery,” the hospital said in a statement to Yahoo. “Due to patient privacy laws and pending litigation, we can’t comment on specific individuals or situations. The neurosurgical team at Our Lady of the Lake is among the most experienced in Louisiana and they give our patients the best opportunity for a positive outcome in any circumstance. Providing excellent healthcare to those we serve is our top priority.”

Brooks was a fifth-year senior last fall and played his final game on Sept. 9, a 72-10 win over Grambling in which he made four tackles.

–Field Level Media

Nov 26, 2023; Houston, Texas, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars place kicker Brandon McManus (10) makes a 40 yard field goal against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images

NFL has ‘insufficient’ evidence to punish ex-Jags K Brandon McManus

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The NFL said Monday that it has concluded its investigation into former Jacksonville Jaguars kicker Brandon McManus and would not be disciplining him at this time.

McManus is the subject of a lawsuit that alleges he sexually assaulted two women working on a team flight last year.

“There was insufficient evidence to support a finding that a violation of the personal conduct policy occurred,” NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said in a statement to several outlets Monday. “As always, if new evidence is presented it would be taken into consideration.”

The league interviewed 30 people as part of its investigation, but attorney Tony Buzbee, who is representing the two accusers, claimed his clients had yet to speak with the NFL.

“We are still working to schedule a meeting between the NFL’s investigators and our clients,” Buzbee said in a statement to ESPN. “The NFL hasn’t yet spoken with our clients so I’m a bit confused as to why anyone could conclude (there was insufficient evidence) at this point.”

McManus is a free agent and eligible to sign with any team.

Two women filed a lawsuit in May after McManus had signed a one-year, $3.6 million contract with the Washington Commanders. They accused McManus of rubbing and grinding against them while they staffed the Jaguars’ flight to London for a pair of games in October 2023.

One accuser said McManus tried to kiss her, and the other claimed McManus “smirked and walked away” after she confronted him about grinding against her.

The Jaguars also were named in the suit, as the women claimed the team did not provide a safe working environment on the flight. They said players, including McManus, disregarded air travel safety and the kicker passed out $100 bills to try to get the flight attendants to drink and dance.

Earlier this month, a Florida circuit court judge dismissed the accusers’ initial lawsuit because they used the pseudonyms Jane Doe I and Jane Doe II without “exceptional circumstances that outweigh the public interest in open proceedings.”

The women re-filed the lawsuits using their names three days later. They are seeking more than $1 million in damages and a jury trial.

In a counterfiling called a request for admissions, McManus’ lawyer claimed that the women drank on the job, had drug addictions, made sexually explicit social media posts and used a racial slur, among other things.

McManus, 33, spent the first nine seasons of his NFL career with the Denver Broncos before joining Jacksonville on a one-year contract in 2023.

–Field Level Media

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) throws as Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons (11) closes in during the first half of an NFL football game at Huntington Bank Field, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024, in Cleveland, Ohio.

Deshaun Watson’s accuser plans to meet with NFL

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A woman suing Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson intends to cooperate with the NFL as it reviews her allegations of sexual assault and battery, her attorney told ESPN.

The unidentified woman filed the civil lawsuit in Harris County, Texas, on Monday. She alleges that Watson assaulted her on a dinner date at her apartment in October 2020 when he played for the Houston Texans.

“We will be scheduling a meeting with the NFL and hope that can be accomplished in the next two weeks,” attorney Tony Buzbee wrote in an email to ESPN. “We have a video and two additional witnesses for the NFL to speak with. I’ve personally never had confidence in the NFL’s disciplinary process but my client has chosen to engage it.”

Buzbee represented two dozen other women who filed sexual misconduct lawsuits against Watson, which reportedly occurred during massage sessions. He settled 23 of the cases out of court.

The NFL is reviewing the most recent complaint to see if Watson violated its personal conduct policy. He has not been put on the commissioner’s exempt list since the investigation is only in the early stages, and Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said Watson will start against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday.

Watson, who turns 29 on Saturday, issued a statement through his attorney, denying the woman’s claims.

This lawsuit is the latest legal trouble for Watson. In 2021, he sat out the season as allegations of sexual misconduct emerged with the first lawsuit filed against him in March.

After the Texans traded him to the Browns in a blockbuster deal, Watson served an 11-game suspension in the 2022 season and was fined $5 million.

The Browns signed Watson to a five-year, $230 million contract extension — fully guaranteed.

The suspension and injuries have limited Watson to just 13 starts over two-plus seasons in Cleveland.

With the Browns, he has completed 59.1 percent of his passes for 2,386 yards with 15 touchdowns and 11 interceptions.

–Field Level Media

Sep 8, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Dallas Cowboys safety Juanyeh Thomas (30) tackles Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) during the fourth quarter at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images

Browns QB Deshaun Watson ‘strongly denies’ latest accusation

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Deshaun Watson “strongly denies” allegations that he sexually assaulted a woman in the Houston area nearly four years ago, his attorney said Wednesday.

The unidentified woman filed a civil lawsuit against the Cleveland Browns quarterback on Monday in Harris County, Texas, seeking $1 million in damages, claiming that he committed sexual assault and battery ahead of a dinner date at her apartment in October 2020.

Meanwhile, the NFL said Tuesday it is reviewing the allegations and any potential violations of the league’s personal conduct policy, and the Browns said they would follow the league’s guidelines.

On Wednesday, Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said Watson will play Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars. He said he knew nothing about the new allegations prior to the woman’s lawsuit and that he didn’t consider sitting Watson.

“We are 100 percent focused on Jacksonville, 100 percent focused on going on the road against a good football team, trying to find a way to get a W,” Stefanski said.

Still, in the background, is the Watson issue.

In a statement issued Wednesday, attorney Rusty Hardin said the allegations of sexual assault and battery were inaccurate.

“Deshaun strongly denies the allegations in the Jane Doe lawsuit filed Monday,” Hardin said in his statement. “We have asked him not to comment further while this matter works its way through the courts, but are comfortable he will ultimately be vindicated.”

Hardin concluded his statement by saying: “In the meantime, Deshaun is going to focus his energy and concentration on football.”

This lawsuit is the latest in a series of allegations against Watson. In 2021, Watson sat out the season as allegations of sexual misconduct emerged with the first lawsuit filed against him in March. In all, more than two dozen women came forward to accuse him of sexual assault and inappropriate conduct that occurred while he was getting massages.

In this latest case, the woman alleges unwanted sexual intercourse took place. The suit states that the woman had invited Watson to dinner at her home, where she found him in her bedroom “completely naked on her bed, lying face down on his stomach.” She alleged he “partially disrobed (her) and penetrated her vagina without consent, implicit or explicit.” After being sexually assaulted for “several minutes,” the woman was able to break free from Watson, and she grabbed a heavy object to protect herself, she said.

Tony Buzbee, the attorney for the current and other plaintiffs, issued his own statement Wednesday.

“We knew this case was the most serious and egregious case brought against Watson to date and our client, who is rightly traumatized by these events, wanted to attempt a private resolution,” Buzbee said. “We thought this was the best approach given the media storm that occurred surrounding the legion of other claims. Unfortunately, Watson’s team or maybe his lawyers couldn’t or wouldn’t give this case the attention it was due. Mr. Hardin now has tried to contact us since we filed suit. Unfortunately, we see that now as too little, too late.”

Watson was suspended for the first 11 games of the 2022 season, after he was traded to Cleveland. Criminal charges were never filed against Watson, who by the summer of 2022 had reached settlements in 23 civil lawsuits that he was facing.

Watson, who turns 29 on Saturday, was traded to the Browns in March 2022. He started under center in Cleveland’s season-opening, 33-17 loss to the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, completing 24 of 45 passes for 169 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions.

–Field Level Media

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) reacts after failing to convert on third down during the first half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys at Huntington Bank Field, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024, in Cleveland, Ohio.

NFL reviewing latest allegation against Deshaun Watson

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The NFL said it is reviewing the latest allegations made against Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson under the league’s personal conduct policy.

NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy added in his statement on Tuesday that the commissioner’s exempt list is not being considered because “there’s been no formal charges and the league’s review has just begun.”

A woman in Houston filed a civil lawsuit against Watson on Monday, seeking $1 million in damages, claiming that he committed sexual assault and battery ahead of a dinner date at her apartment in October 2020.

The Browns issued a statement. “We will respect the due process our legal system affords regarding the recently filed civil suit and follow the NFL’s guidelines on this matter.”

According to the lawsuit, Watson, who was playing for the Houston Texans at the time, met the woman identified as “Jane Doe” at a local restaurant, got her number and suggested that the two go out on a date at a mall. The woman didn’t want to be in public with Watson, leading her to propose the dinner date at her apartment.

Before Watson even arrived at her residence, the woman alleges that he called her and yelled at her on the phone because he struggled to find where she lived. He eventually showed up, and the suit states that after getting ready in the bathroom, the woman returned to her bedroom, where Watson was “completely naked on her bed, lying face down on his stomach.”

Watson then demanded a massage, motioning toward his knees and groin, per the lawsuit. The woman said she was not a masseuse, but Watson proceeded to ask her if there was anything she would rather do instead.

The suit states that the woman didn’t have time to answer before Watson “partially disrobed (her) and penetrated her vagina without consent, implicit or explicit.” After being sexually assaulted for “several minutes,” the woman was able to break free from Watson, and she grabbed a heavy object to protect herself.

Watson was “enraged” as he “stormed out of” the woman’s apartment to end the alleged interaction, the suit states.

Back in 2022, Watson was suspended for 11 games after more than 24 women came forward to accuse him of sexual assault and inappropriate conduct that occurred while he was getting massages.

Criminal charges were never brought up against Watson, but in the summer of 2022, he reached settlements in 23 of the 24 civil lawsuits that he was facing.

Watson, 28, was traded to the Browns in March 2022. He started under center in Cleveland’s season-opening, 33-17 loss to the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, completing 24 of 45 passes for 169 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions.

–Field Level Media

Dec 31, 2023; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars punter Logan Cooke (9) holds the ball andnkicker Brandon McManus (10) make the field goal against the Carolina Panthers in the second quarter at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Reper-Imagn Images

Judge: Accusers of ex-Jags K Brandon McManus must drop pseudonyms

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A Florida circuit court judge dismissed a lawsuit Monday alleging that former Jacksonville Jaguars kicker Brandon McManus sexually assaulted two women on a team flight last year.

But McManus’ accusers plan to re-file their case without the use of pseudonyms Jane Doe I and Jane Doe II, their attorney told ESPN.

According to court documents obtained by multiple outlets, Judge Michael S. Sharrit granted a motion to dismiss the lawsuit because under Florida law, anonymous filings of lawsuits “should be reserved for those exceptional circumstances that outweigh the public interest in open proceedings.” Sharrit also said that “fairness requires” the plaintiffs to “stand behind their charges publicly in the same way Defendant McManus must openly refute them.”

The judge ruled that the women have 10 days to amend their lawsuit using their names. Attorney Tony Buzbee told ESPN that that’s what they plan to do.

“Most defendants in sexual assault cases file these types of motions thinking that the victims won’t proceed if they have to publicly reveal their names,” Buzbee told ESPN in a statement. “We anticipated this ruling. To be clear, these women have no intention to run and hide, and will comply with the court’s order in a timely fashion. We look forward to continuing to pursue this important case.”

“We are very pleased with the court’s order in connection with Mr. McManus’ motion to dismiss these baseless allegations,” McManus’ attorney, Brett Gallaway, said in a statement. “We look forward to him returning to the NFL playing field as soon as possible.”

McManus is accused of rubbing and grinding against two women who were staffing a team flight to London for a game in the 2023 season. Jane Doe I said McManus tried to kiss her and Jane Doe II said McManus “smirked and walked away” after she confronted him about grinding against her.

The Jaguars are also named in the lawsuit, as the women claim the team did not provide a safe working environment on the flight.

The lawsuit was filed in May, after McManus had signed a one-year, $3.6 million deal with the Washington Commanders. The Commanders soon released him, though it was later reported that the team paid out his full signing bonus.

McManus, 33, spent the first nine seasons of his NFL career with the Denver Broncos before joining Jacksonville in 2023. He is not currently signed to a team for the upcoming season.

–Field Level Media

Nov 26, 2023; Houston, Texas, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars place kicker Brandon McManus (10) makes a 40 yard field goal against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports

Two women sue K Brandon McManus, alleging sexual assault

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Former Jacksonville Jaguars kicker Brandon McManus has been accused of sexually assaulting two women on a team flight last year.

McManus and the Jaguars are named in a lawsuit by women identified as Jane Doe I and Jane Doe II, filed last Friday in Duval County, where Jacksonville is located.

The women said the Jaguars did not provide a safe environment for staff on the flight, which took the team to London for consecutive games last fall.

They allege McManus of rubbing and grinding against them during the flight. Jane Doe I said McManus tried to kiss her and Jane Doe II said McManus “smirked and walked away” after she confronted him about grinding against her.

McManus and his attorney have yet to respond to the lawsuit, first reported by ESPN. The Jaguars declined to comment about the lawsuit, which is seeking more than $1 million in damages and a jury trial.

McManus was not re-signed by Jacksonville this offseason and has since joined the Washington Commanders on a one-year, $3.6 million contract.

“Earlier today, we were made aware of the civil lawsuit filed on May 24 against Brandon McManus,” the Commanders said in a statement. “We take allegations of this nature very seriously and are looking into the matter. We have been in communication with the League Office and Brandon’s representation, and will reserve further comment at this time.”

McManus, 32, spent the first nine years of his 10-year NFL career with the Denver Broncos and signed with the Jaguars in May 2023.

–Field Level Media

ASU quarterback Jaden Rashada (5) throws a pass during a spring practice at the Kajikawa practice fields in Tempe on April 16, 2024.

Jaden Rashada sues Florida’s Billy Napier over NIL deal

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Former Florida recruit Jaden Rashada is suing Gators football coach Billy Napier and a prominent booster over a $13.85 million name, image and likeness deal that went awry.

A lawsuit filed Tuesday in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida alleges that they made “false and fraudulent promises” to induce Rashada to sign with the program in 2022.

Rashada initially committed to the University of Miami, where he reportedly had a $9.5 million NIL deal on the table. He flipped to Florida after agreeing to a $13.85 million deal with the now-defunct Gator Collective.

The lawsuit claims that Napier promised a $1 million “partial payment” to Rashada’s father when the quarterback prospect signed his national letter of intent, but that the payment never was received.

“As the first scholar-athlete to take a stand against such egregious behavior by adults who should know better, Jaden seeks to hold Defendants accountable for their actions and to expose the unchecked abuse of power that they shamelessly wielded,” states the lawsuit, according to a copy obtained by USA Today.

Florida booster Hugh Hathcock and a former Florida staffer, Marcus Castro-Walker, are named in the lawsuit along with Napier.

“Once Jaden committed to UF, rather than make Jaden ‘rich’ as promised, these people — with Hathcock leading the charge — changed their tune and went back on their word. The amount of UF-affiliated NIL money available for Jaden decreased drastically,” the lawsuit states.

Florida athletic department spokesman Steve McClain issued a statement on Tuesday.

“We do not comment on ongoing litigation, and neither the University Athletic Association nor the University are named in the complaint. The UAA will provide for Coach Napier’s personal counsel, and we will direct all questions to those representatives,” read the statement.

Rashada ended up withdrawing his letter of intent with Florida and enrolled at Arizona State. He appeared in three games for the Sun Devils as a freshman in 2023, passing for 485 yards, four touchdowns and three interceptions.

He transferred from Arizona State to Georgia for the upcoming 2024 season and has four years of eligibility remaining.

–Field Level Media

Apr 25, 2024; Detroit, MI, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. poses after being selected by the Arizona Cardinals as the No. 4 pick in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft at Campus Martius Park and Hart Plaza. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Reports: Fanatics sues Marvin Harrison Jr.

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Sports collectibles and apparel merchandiser Fanatics is suing wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., alleging breach of contract, multiple outlets reported.

The lawsuit was filed Saturday in New York Supreme Court against Harrison, who was selected No. 4 overall by the Arizona Cardinals in last month’s NFL Draft.

Per a Sunday report from The Athletic, Harrison initially signed a limited, non-exclusive promotion and license agreement with Fanatics while he played for Ohio State. The parties then negotiated a longer contract with Harrison, which included what the filing called “significant” compensation, with both sides signing off on it in May 2023.

In the lawsuit, reviewed by The Athletic, Fanatics charges that Harrison hasn’t lived up to his end of the contract, despite receiving paychecks last August and October, and that he has denied he had an agreement with the company.

While details of the purported agreement, including his contractual obligations, were redacted in the suit, ESPN reported that a source earlier this month said Harrison agreed to signing autographs and trading cards, providing game-worn apparel and “other marketing opportunities.” The Athletic said Harrison has ignored requests from Fanatics to fulfill that the company says exists.

Fanatics is seeking a jury trial and estimates in potential losses as totaling “millions of dollars.”

Harrison also has not yet signed the NFL Players Association’s group licensing agreement, which is holding up the sale of his licensed jerseys and other memorabilia.

Anyone itching to buy Harrison gear can do so at The Official Harrison Collection, a website that sells autographed jerseys, helmets, photos, mini-helmets and such. There also are limited items signed by his father, Pro Football Hall of Fame receiver Marvin Harrison Sr., on the site.

–Field Level Media