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Cody Simonton

@codysimonton.bsky.social

221 followers 286 following 72 posts

Husband | Father | Lover of Sports | Higher Ed × College Athletics | UNCo M.S. Sport Admin '19 | UNH Law J.D. '26 | Former Coach | #BetOnYourself #GirlDad #SportsLaw NoCo ➡️ Gulf Coast ➡️ New England

Posts Replies Media

Reposted by Cody Simonton

Michael McCann @mccannsportslaw.bsky.social · 14/10/2026

The next major NCAA lawsuit might not be against an athlete. Instead, it might be against a governor. Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine's executive order challenges NCAA eligibility rules and could trigger a constitutional fight. My latest for @sportico.bsky.social: www.sportico.com/law/analysis....

Ohio Gov. DeWine’s NCAA Eligibility Order Could Face Lawsuit

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine has entered the litigious topic of NCAA eligibility with an executive order that could invite a legal challenge.

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Michael McCann @mccannsportslaw.bsky.social · 12/10/2026

The odds of the U.S. Supreme Court agreeing to review sports prediction markets are climbing as a federal circuit split is problematic for multiple reasons and major voices—including the NFL + ex-Senator Chris Dodd of Dodd-Frank (key legislation)—have filed amicus briefs that could be game-changers:

Will the NFL’s Prediction Market Push Influence Supreme Court?

The U.S. Supreme Court is being pushed to review sports prediction markets by individuals and businesses—including the NFL—with a lot of influence.

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Michael McCann @mccannsportslaw.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

The Chicago Cubs win their misappropriation and trademark lawsuit against Wrigley View Rooftop over sale of rooftop seats in a building across the street. The judge didn't agree that Wrigley View Rooftop can use its property as it sees fit. We have details + analysis at @sportico.bsky.social:

Chicago Cubs Win Wrigley Field Rooftop Lawsuit

A judge granted the Chicago Cubs a permanent injunction to stop Wrigley View Rooftop from selling seats to watch Cubs games from a nearby building.

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Michael McCann @mccannsportslaw.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

Backers of the Protect College Sports Act contend if it becomes law, the PCSA would hold agents of college athletes accountable, prevent excessive commissions and ensure NIL deals are paid out. They have a point, but the facts and the law are complicated: www.sportico.com/law/analysis....

PCSA’s Backers Lambast College Athlete Agents

College sports agents will be regulated much more closely if the PCSA becomes law, a point the bill's backers argue will increase athlete pay.

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Michael McCann @mccannsportslaw.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

From www.sportico.com/law/analysis...

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Michael McCann @mccannsportslaw.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

If limiting college athlete pay is necessary to "save" college sports, why not limit coach pay too? Some senators want to cap coaches at $5 million. Would that survive a legal challenge? And is it good policy? My @sportico.bsky.social legal column: www.sportico.com/law/analysis....

Cap on College Coach Cash Crashes Congress’ PCSA Debate

The Protect College Sports Act could feature a cap on coaches' compensation, which would probably withstand legal scrutiny but raises many questions.

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Michael McCann @mccannsportslaw.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

The SEC's legal battle with LSU, and the Big 12's now-resolved legal battle with Texas Tech, are signs we're entering a new era of college sports law: The conferences using the courts to enforce their rules. This is a big deal and will impact teams. My @sportico.bsky.social legal column:

SEC’s LSU Threat Puts Conference Autonomy to the Test

College sports has long been run by the NCAA but conferences are now taking their powers to court, as SEC v. LSU and Big 12 v. Texas Tech have shown.

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Michael McCann @mccannsportslaw.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

Wow. The NBA punishing the Clippers over Kawhi Leonard and salary cap circumvention has so much to unpack, both basketball-wise and legally. I have a new @sportico.bsky.social column up with the great hoops mind @levakabas.bsky.social on what this all means whether the Clippers can fight it:

NBA Docks Clippers’ Draft Picks, Suspends Ballmer in Cap Caper

The NBA severely punishes the Clippers by stripping team of 5 draft picks and other penalties as NBA finds cap circumvention in Kawhi deal.

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Michael McCann @mccannsportslaw.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

Is Meta's $18B settlement to resolve claims Instagram and Facebook caused harmful addictions among young people a warning sign for sports betting companies, which are being over alleged addiction-related harms? There are similarities and differences, as I write in a @sportico.bsky.social column:

Meta’s $18 Billion Settlement Sends Warning to Sports Betting Apps

Meta's settlement to resolve youth addiction claims for Facebook and Instagram is a warning sign for sports betting companies and their apps.

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Michael McCann @mccannsportslaw.bsky.social · 21/08/2026

Big sports law news today: the Tenth Circuit grants the NCAA a stay of the nationwide injunction in Wisne v. NCAA. A major legal win, but the core problem for the NCAA is that this same case could play out in different courts across the country with different results. Via @sportico.bsky.social:

NCAA Wins Stay of Nationwide Eligibility Injunction

The NCAA landed a big legal win on Friday with the 10th Circuit staying a nationwide injunction that let ex-college players to return to NCAA sports.

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Michael McCann @mccannsportslaw.bsky.social · 18/08/2026

It’s showtime for the nationwide injunction allowing college athletes from the HS class of 2022 to play another college season, as the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit could rule on a stay of the injunction at any moment. At stake: thousands of roster spots. More @sportico.bsky.social

Appeals Court Weighs Nationwide NCAA Eligibility Injunction

The NCAA hopes to convince the 10th Circuit to stay a nationwide injunction allowing athletes from the high school class of 2022 to play in 2026-27.

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Michael McCann @mccannsportslaw.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

From www.sportico.com/law/analysis...

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Michael McCann @mccannsportslaw.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

Are transgender women eligible to play in the WNBA under the league's CBA? This has become a political/social topic of late, but I take a look at the legal ramifications of that question in a new @sportico.bsky.social article, with insights from eligibility attorney Alan Milstein:

WNBA Trans Athlete Policy Gap Raises Legal Questions

Enes Kanter Freedom and Royce White might not be serious about playing in the WNBA, but they've raised a legal question for the league and union.

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Michael McCann @mccannsportslaw.bsky.social · 11/08/2026

From www.sportico.com/law/analysis....

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Michael McCann @mccannsportslaw.bsky.social · 11/08/2026

It's not Congress that can fix college sports. It's not the players. It's not the players' lawyers. It's not judges. It's colleges themselves: www.sportico.com/law/analysis....

Only College Sports Can Solve Its Own Chaos

The Protect College Sports Act faces a delayed vote in the Senate, but meanwhile, colleges could address the "chaos" by following their own rules.

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Michael McCann @mccannsportslaw.bsky.social · 11/08/2026

From www.sportico.com/law/analysis...

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Michael McCann @mccannsportslaw.bsky.social · 11/08/2026

A federal district judge last night denied the NCAA's motion to stay a nationwide injunction regarding athlete eligibility. The NCAA will now petition the Tenth Circuit for an administrative stay. It's all playing out as the fall semester starts. A really chaotic time for college sports.

Amid Roster Mayhem, Judge Refuses to Stay Nationwide NCAA Injunction

The NCAA came up short in seeking a stay of a nationwide injunction allowing thousands of ineligible college athletes another year of eligibility.

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Michael McCann @mccannsportslaw.bsky.social · 07/08/2026

The eligibility of thousands of college athletes could turn on four words: “or any NCAA bylaw” The NCAA and players in Wisne v. NCAA have dramatically different interpretations of those words authored by a judge and who's right could decide who can play this year. My @sportico.bsky.social take:

NCAA, Wisne Debate ‘Chaos’ of Rosters and Rules

Last week's nationwide injunction from a federal judge has sparked conflicting interpretations of what she meant, and the conflict is rising.

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Michael McCann @mccannsportslaw.bsky.social · 07/08/2026

At some point, the math for passing the Protect College Sports Act doesn’t work. The Congressional Black Caucus opposing the bill is its latest setback. A challenging road ahead for the PCSA to become law. I discuss for @sportico.bsky.social: www.sportico.com/law/analysis....

Congressional Black Caucus Opposes Protect College Sports Act

The Congressional Black Caucus has declared its opposition to the Protect College Sports Act, a move that further complicates the PCSA's future.

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Michael McCann @mccannsportslaw.bsky.social · 05/08/2026

Not to be lost in the sea of NCAA litigation is how the College Sports Commission reviews NIL deals with multimedia rights companies that do business with both a school and an athlete. It's a nuanced topic and Judge Wilken affirmed each situation is unique. I discuss for @sportico.bsky.social:

Judge Upholds House Settlement Ruling on NIL, MMR Companies

The College Sports Commission and the NCAA, led by Charlie Baker, got a favorable ruling on a House settlement issue.

Cody Simonton @codysimonton.bsky.social · 04/08/2026

static.klipy.com

Goofy's Son Max Jumps on Waterbed

Alt: Goofy's Son Max Jumps on Waterbed

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Michael McCann @mccannsportslaw.bsky.social · 03/08/2026

The NCAA's emergency motion for a stay in the Colorado nationwide injunction eligibility case is setting the table for an epic legal battle that could spark other lawsuits, including by freshmen student athletes who lose their roster spots. My @sportico.bsky.social legal column:

NCAA Seeks Stay of Eligibility Injunction, Citing Athlete Ousters

The NCAA seeks a stay from a trial judge as it pursues an appeal with the 10th Circuit, but the litigation map would widen if athletes are displaced.

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Michael McCann @mccannsportslaw.bsky.social · 02/08/2026

From www.sportico.com/law/analysis...

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Michael McCann @mccannsportslaw.bsky.social · 02/08/2026

It's been a good weekend for the NCAA. The Protect College Sports Act is now likely to pass the Senate, and while a trial judge issued a nationwide injunction on eligibility, a federal appeals court will likely reverse it and provide a useful opinion for NCAA precedent: More on these things:

SEC, Big Ten Support PCSA as Judge Issues NCAA Eligibility Injunction

Two big college sports law events happened Friday: a judge issued a nationwide NCAA eligibility injunction and the Big Ten & SEC now support the PCSA.

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Michael McCann @mccannsportslaw.bsky.social · 01/08/2026

The SEC and Big Ten now support the Protect College Sports Act, while a federal judge issues a nationwide injunction against the NCAA over eligibility (it will be appealed). It's a Congress and Judge showdown, and college sports is on the line. My @sportico.bsky.social column:

SEC, Big Ten Support PCSA as Judge Issues NCAA Eligibility Injunction

Two big college sports law events happened Friday: a judge issued a nationwide NCAA eligibility injunction and the Big Ten & SEC now support the PCSA.

Reposted by Cody Simonton

Michael McCann @mccannsportslaw.bsky.social · 31/07/2026

From www.sportico.com/law/analysis...

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Michael McCann @mccannsportslaw.bsky.social · 31/07/2026

Oregon State women's basketball players make history as they move for unionization. Very important thing: Oregon State is a public university. That means this is a question of state law, not federal law. That's huge. I explain in a new @sportico.bsky.social article with Jacob Feldman:

Oregon State WBB Players Seek Union Status in Historic Move

Members of the Oregon State women's basketball team have petitioned a state agency to form a union in a major development in sports law.

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Michael McCann @mccannsportslaw.bsky.social · 27/07/2026

From www.sportico.com/law/analysis...

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Michael McCann @mccannsportslaw.bsky.social · 27/07/2026

Big sports law news: Stanford University football players launch a fraternity with the CFBPA in a development that could eventually pave the way for a union of college football players that bargains with conferences. For @sportico.bsky.social, I discuss the innovative move and legal complexities:

Stanford Football Players Form Labor Fraternity in New Union Push

Stanford has a new frat, with college football players forming one as the CFBPA aims to forms unions that bargain with conferences.

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Michael McCann @mccannsportslaw.bsky.social · 20/07/2026

Much has been said of late about attorneys representing college athletes in eligibility litigation. Some news: Despite beating the NCAA, neither Tom Mars (Trinidad Chambliss’ attorney) nor Ryan Downton (Diego Pavia’s) has been paid a penny, and both are fine with that. On @sportico.bsky.social:

Pavia, Chambliss Attorneys Not Paid Despite Beating NCAA

Sports law can be a lucrative practice area for attorneys, but attorneys representing major clients in NCAA litigation haven't been paid anything.

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Hoop Informatics @hoopinformatics.com · 15/07/2026

Steve Ballmer opening a pack of Advil

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Michael McCann @mccannsportslaw.bsky.social · 12/07/2026

Attorney Paul McDonald—co-counsel for college athletes in Johnson v. NCAA (college athletes as student employees)—argues in a @sportico.bsky.social op-ed that, before supporting the PCSA, Congress should demand the NCAA ban tournaments in states that eliminate majority-minority, Black districts:

Dems Need to Pressure NCAA in States Eliminating Black Districts

Paul McDonald argues Democrats need to be bold and demand the NCAA ban tournaments in Republican-controlled states that eliminate Black districts.

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Michael McCann @mccannsportslaw.bsky.social · 10/07/2026

A big day in college sports eligibility litigation as Filip Borovicanin and 23 other college basketball players obtain an injunction to keep playing, while three college football players demand the same in federal court. I have details + legal analysis at @sportico.bsky.social:

Hoops Players’ Win Tops Big Day in NCAA Eligibility Litigation

It was a busy day on the college sports litigation eligibility docket, as athletes in Ohio win an injunction while NCAA faces new claim in Tennessee.

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Michael McCann @mccannsportslaw.bsky.social · 08/07/2026

Could the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent ruling on state laws restricting the eligibility of transgender athletes suggest that the Court is interested in a broader review of Title IX—including the lawfulness of the three‑part compliance test? Some thoughts: www.sportico.com/law/analysis....

SCOTUS Trans Athlete Ruling Raises Broader Title IX Intrigue

The Supreme Court decided Title IX doesn't prevent states from restricting transgender athletes. Will SCOTUS also review the Title IX three-part test?

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Hector Diaz @iamhectordiaz.com · 07/07/2026

those back-to-back goals are the ultimate test to see who is watching and posting on streaming vs. antenna

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Michael McCann @mccannsportslaw.bsky.social · 06/07/2026

The biggest challenge facing college sports is not NIL or the House settlement. It’s the enrollment cliff. It will cause college closures and has profound implications for athletic departments & opportunities for student-athletes. My @sportico.bsky.social column: www.sportico.com/law/analysis....

College Merger Sparks Athletics Lawsuit Amid Enrollment Cliff

The enrollment cliff hitting colleges is expected to lead as many as a quarter of private four-year schools to merge or close. What happens to sports?

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Michael McCann @mccannsportslaw.bsky.social · 05/07/2026

Folarin Balogun can play, as FIFA reverses course. It didn't take a lawsuit. It didn't take an arbitration. It didn't take legislation. It did, apparently, take a phone call from the President of the United States. Oh well. As the (Sports) Law World Turns: www.sportico.com/law/analysis....

FIFA Lets USMNT’s Balogun Play After Red Card, No Lawsuits Involved

Folarin Balogun will be available for USMNT against Belgium on Monday despite his red card—and it didn't take a lawsuit.

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Michael McCann @mccannsportslaw.bsky.social · 03/07/2026

Is being beaten up by Serbian soccer hooligans who think you've played poorly and are paid too much grounds for asylum in the United States? How about if those hooligans stalk you? Or if they have friends on the police force? The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit says no:

U.S. Denies Asylum to Serbian Soccer Player Beat Up by Hooligans

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit upheld the denial of asylum for Bojan Andric, a soccer player who was beaten up by hooligans.

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Michael McCann @mccannsportslaw.bsky.social · 02/07/2026

A Serbian soccer player who was beaten up by hooligans angered by his play in matches & high pay sought asylum in the U.S. The Department of Justice and now the 7th Circuit rejects his application on grounds the attack was personal, not about a protected group. I explain for @sportico.bsky.social:

U.S. Denies Asylum to Serbian Soccer Player Beat Up by Hooligans

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit upheld the denial of asylum for Bojan Andric, a soccer player who was beaten up by hooligans.

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Michael McCann @mccannsportslaw.bsky.social · 30/06/2026

BREAKING: the U.S. Supreme Court rules that states can ban transgender athletes. Less than half of a percentage of high school athletes are transgender, and the NCAA estimated over a year ago that only about 10 athletes out of 500,000 were transgender. www.sportico.com/law/analysis....

Supreme Court Upholds Transgender Athlete Ban

The U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday ruled that state scan ban transgender athletes from sports.

Reposted by Cody Simonton

Michael McCann @mccannsportslaw.bsky.social · 25/06/2026

The NCAA and CSC score a win with a judge ruling that Learfield and other multimedia rights companies can count as "associated entities" (i.e. booster + booster-like things) under the House settlement. A big development for the NIL market. I discuss with Daniel Libit in @sportico.bsky.social:

NCAA, CSC Score Key Win in Associated Entities Spat

A federal judge has ruled that multimedia rights companies and third-party brand sponsors can count as associated entities under the House settlement.

Cody Simonton @codysimonton.bsky.social · 23/06/2026

Woof. This is painful for a Rox fans living in New England now.

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Michael McCann @mccannsportslaw.bsky.social · 16/06/2026

It's not a foregone conclusion the NFL will let Brendan Sorsby into the league this year. If the NFL does let him in, it could come with strings attached, including a suspension. If the NFL rejects him, Sorsby could sue the NFL. I map out the possibilities in a new @sportico.bsky.social column:

Brendan Sorsby Gambles on NFL Letting Him Play

Brendan Sorsby is leaving Texas Tech in hopes of playing in the NFL via a supplemental draft, but his entry into NFL could come with strings attached.

Cody Simonton @codysimonton.bsky.social · 15/06/2026

static.klipy.com

Panicopipoca3d: Man in 3D Glasses Eating Popcorn

ALT: Panicopipoca3d: Man in 3D Glasses Eating Popcorn

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Michael McCann @mccannsportslaw.bsky.social · 15/06/2026

From www.sportico.com/law/analysis...

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Michael McCann @mccannsportslaw.bsky.social · 15/06/2026

Just when today's Brendan Sorsby Legal News seemed to max out with the Big 12 suing Texas Tech and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, the NCAA ups the ante by filing an emergency petition in a Texas appeals court to stay the injunction that lets Sorsby play. I just wrote on the NCAA's big move:

NCAA Looks to Halt Sorsby Injunction in Emergency Motion

The NCAA on Monday petitioned for a stay of a judge's ruling that allows Brendan Sorsby to play despite the QB admitting to betting on his own team.

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Michael McCann @mccannsportslaw.bsky.social · 15/06/2026

From www.sportico.com/law/analysis...

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Michael McCann @mccannsportslaw.bsky.social · 15/06/2026

The Big 12 widely expands the Brendan Sorsby legal saga with a federal suit against Texas AG Ken Paxton + Texas Tech. This is no longer a Lubbock County matter. It’s now a national one, with a conference stressing it’s not the NCAA. I analyze the lawsuit in a new @sportico.bsky.social column:

Big 12 Sues Texas Tech, Ken Paxton as Sorsby Legal Battle Expands

The Big 12 goes on offense in the dispute over whether Texas Tech should be able to play Brendan Sorsby. The Big 12 sues TTU and Texas AG Ken Paxton.

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Michael McCann @mccannsportslaw.bsky.social · 13/06/2026

From www.sportico.com/law/analysis...

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Michael McCann @mccannsportslaw.bsky.social · 13/06/2026

The Brendan Sorsby legal saga could spiral into litigation across state lines and feature not just a star college QB with a gambling problem, but states' attorneys general, colleges and power conferences. At the heart of the matter is the value of following rules. My @sportico.bsky.social take:

Sorsby Legal Fallout Could Expand to Big 12, Texas Tech

Texas Tech, the Big 12 and the State of Texas are all potential litigants should Brendan Sorsby's legal dispute move into other courts and states.