Judge Rules Against NJTHA’s Case Seeking ‘Bad Faith’ Damages From Sports Leagues

News — Tue, 08 Dec 2020 16:59:51 +0000

Judge Freda Wolfson, U.S. Chief District Judge in New Jersey, issued a ruling Dec. 3 in the New Jersey Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association case seeking “bad faith” damages from sports leagues, reports bloodhorse.com. The case stems from the fall of 2014, when those leagues—including the NCAA, NBA, NFL, NHL, and MLB—filed a temporary restraining order against the NJTHA, owners of Monmouth Park, to prevent the track from taking sports wagers.

On May 14, 2018, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act, allowing sports wagering to commence in states like New Jersey.

The leagues had set aside $3.4 million in an injunction bond for the case, covering the 28-day period of the restraining order, but the NJTHA was seeking up to $150 million in “bad faith” damages for being unable to hold sports wagering from October of 2014 to May of 2018.

While Judge Wolfson is prepared to consider awarding horsemen the $3.4 million amount of the bond, pending a hearing to determine “provable damages,” she will not consider the “bad faith” damages claim at this time.

judge freda wolfson | Horse Racing Free Tips

Judge Rules Against NJTHA’s Case Seeking ‘Bad Faith’ Damages From Sports Leagues