TortsCenter Podcast: Where Torts Law Meets Sports Law

The Future of Litigation: Adapting to the Era of Nuclear Verdicts

In this episode of TortsCenter, hosts Carla Varriale-Barker and Courtney Dunn sit down with Segal McCambridge Shareholder Paul Motz to discuss the escalating trend of nuclear and thermonuclear verdicts—and how defense attorneys can adapt. Paul shares practical insights on trial strategy, voir dire, early expert engagement, and why the defense bar must embrace a proactive approach to damages. The conversation also explores how litigation funding, generational jury bias, and insurer dynamics are shaping the litigation landscape.
🔗 Resources referenced in this episode:• The Reverse Reptile Theory by Paul Motz, Bill Kanasky, PhD, and Melissa Loberg, PhD: https://bit.ly/44BEpFX  
• University of Iowa Law Review study on anchoring and damage awards: https://bit.ly/44BEpFX

Law in the Arena: Exploring Equine Legal Matters with Kimbrell Hines

In this episode of TortsCenter, hosts Carla Varriale-Barker and Courtney Dunn sit down with Segal McCambridge senior associate Kimbrell Hines to explore the unique and often misunderstood world of equine law. Kimbrell draws from her personal and professional experience to discuss common legal issues involving horses and horse businesses, including sale disputes, personal injury, faulty equipment, veterinary malpractice, and regulatory rule violations. The conversation covers the role of national governing bodies like USEF and FEI, the strict liability standard for drug testing, and the importance of strong contracts in a growing, high-value industry. Whether you're new to equine law or looking for insights into a specialized practice area, this episode delivers a compelling overview of litigation in the arena—literally.

Hoops and Legal Loops: The Dearica Hamby Case Explained

Carla and Courtney welcome Masood Ali, Associate in Segal McCambridge's Detroit office, to discuss a high-profile employment law case involving WNBA player Dearica Hamby. The suit alleges pregnancy discrimination and retaliation by her former team, the Las Vegas Aces, and the WNBA. After informing her team of her pregnancy, Hamby claims she faced isolation and was subsequently traded to the Los Angeles Sparks.
This episode explores the legal intricacies of the case, including Title VII discrimination and retaliation claims, the role of collective bargaining agreements, and the strategic considerations of an upcoming settlement conference.

Gambling and Harassment: Wyoming’s Game-Changing Ban

In this episode of the TortsCenter Podcast, titled "Gambling and Harassment: Wyoming’s Game-Changing Ban," Carla Varriale-Barker and Courtney Dunn delve into the Wyoming Gaming Commission’s recent decision to ban gamblers who harass athletes, coaches, and officials. Inspired by a thought-provoking post from Jason Van't Hof, the hosts explore the dark side of sports betting, the impact of harassment on the integrity of athletics, and how this precedent-setting ban could influence legislation in other states. Tune in for an insightful discussion on the intersection of gambling, sports safety, and legal innovation.

Fair Game: Diving into Sports ADR

In this episode of the TortsCenter Podcast, hosts Carla Varriale-Barker and Courtney Dunn talk with independent arbitrator and mediator Danielle Menitove about the world of sports arbitration. As co-chairs of the NYSBA’s Sports ADR subcommittee, Carla and Danielle explore Danielle’s journey from litigation to ADR and dive into key issues in sports law. Danielle explains the appeal of arbitration for resolving sports disputes, the role of confidentiality, and the impact of the “field of play” doctrine.
They discuss high-profile cases like Olympic eligibility disputes and current challenges in the NFL involving Brian Flores and John Gruden, which question the role of league commissioners as arbitrators. For anyone interested in the evolving dynamics of sports ADR, this episode offers valuable insights into how arbitration is transforming dispute resolution in the sports industry.

Fielding the Future: Title IX and NIL

In this episode, hosts Carla Varriale-Barker and Courtney Dunn welcome special guest Morgan Chall, a former Division I gymnast and NCAA Board member. Morgan discusses her journey from Cornell gymnast to UC Irvine law student, her contributions to sports law reform, particularly in gender equity and NCAA regulations, and her involvement in Title IX and NCAA settlements. The conversation covers key legal and social issues in college athletics, including NIL rights and international athlete considerations, while Morgan offers insights on legal challenges and the influence of figures like Judge Claudia Wilkin on sports law.

Higher Standards or Higher Stakes

In this episode of TortsCenter, hosts Carla Varriale-Barker and Courtney Dunn welcome Jason Van't Hof, the Vice President of Investigations at IC 360. Jason shares his extensive experience in monitoring integrity in sports betting and tackles key topics such as the difference between regulation and compliance, the potential benefits of federalizing sports betting requirements, and the role of technology in monitoring betting integrity. Jason also delves into the growing issue of player harassment and threats related to betting outcomes, shedding light on real-world cases and the need for greater awareness and regulation in this nascent market.

The Bold and the Branded

In this episode of the Tort Center podcast, hosts Carla Varriale-Barker and Courtney Dunn are joined by Laurajean (LJ) Holmgren, Deputy Academic Director in Columbia University's Sports Management Program. LJ discusses her experiences with the NFL, New York Jets, and various universities, highlighting the evolution of athletes into brands through social media and content creation. She emphasizes authenticity, strategic planning, and athlete-brand partnerships. The episode also explores Rule 40 of the Olympic Charter, sports marketing, social media trends, and safe sports venues, with LJ offering valuable advice for athletes looking to build their personal brands.
 
 

Bill of All Trades

This episode of TortsCenter goes beyond the courtroom! Hosts Courtney Dunn and Carla Varriale-Barker chat with sports management legend Bill Squires. Bill discusses his fascinating career journey, from flying jets to managing iconic stadiums like Yankee Stadium. He dives deep into sustainability in sports, security challenges, and even shares his personal story of overcoming a health battle. You won't want to miss this inspiring and informative episode.

The Buc Stops Here | Part Two

Hosts Courtney Dunn and Carla Varriale-Barker continue their insightful conversation with special guest Micah Day, delving into inclusivity and cultural representation within the Tampa Bay Buccaneers organization. Micah shares effective strategies for authentic branding and fostering meaningful community relations, emphasizing genuine connections over mere token gestures. The discussion also covers the NFL's successful engagement with women fans, significantly influenced by the 'Taylor Swift effect,' which has led to a notable surge in revenue and interest from female demographics.
Micah recounts his career highlights, including managing a game cancellation in Mexico City and navigating the complexities of building the NBA bubble during the pandemic. He highlights the importance of personal connections within the staff and community to cultivate a loyal fan base.
To wrap up the episode, Micah reveals his musical talents and hints at future discussions at Columbia University's sports management program on critical topics like eminent domain, lease agreements, and reciprocal indemnification agreements.