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Michael Rothstein

@mikerothstein.bsky.social
2.1K followers 333 following 452 posts

Reporter at ESPN. 1-time Emmy nominee 📍NYC/on a ✈️ When not at work, all about traveling, gluten free food, books, exploring and hitting golf balls into the woods often.

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Michael Rothstein @mikerothstein.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Ex-NBA champ JR Smith in jail on family violence charge. More here, including on how the arrest happened 👇🏻
espn.com
Ex-NBA champ JR Smith arrested on assault charge in Texas
Former NBA champion JR Smith was arrested Monday in Texas on a charge of assault causing "bodily injury family violence."
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Michael Rothstein @mikerothstein.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Boxer Floyd Mayweather drops $175M suit against ex-business manager
espn.com
Floyd Mayweather drops $175M suit against ex-business manager
Boxer Floyd Mayweather withdrew his $175 million civil lawsuit Thursday that alleged his former business manager and other business partners defrauded him over multiple years, according to court records.
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Michael Rothstein @mikerothstein.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
Ex-NFL RB LeShon Johnson sentenced to 5 years for dogfighting
espn.com
Ex-NFL RB LeShon Johnson sentenced to 5 years for dogfighting
Former NFL running back LeShon Johnson was sentenced to five years in federal prison Thursday for operating a large-scale dogfighting ring in Oklahoma.
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Michael Rothstein @mikerothstein.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
William Jewell College: The school interim president said Micah Jo Barnett, the running back who died Saturday after collapsing, had no known underlying health condition
espn.com
William Jewell College: RB Barnett had no known health condition
MicahJo Barnett was immediately attended to by multiple on-site medical workers with AEDs, William Jewell College's interim president said.
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Michael Rothstein @mikerothstein.bsky.social · 22/08/2026
Amanda Serrano picked up win No. 50 last night in a close fight, but didn’t break Christy Martin’s KO record. In the ring, Serrano said she had one fight left. After, on social media, she said she has a decision to make. On one Serrano’s final fights 👇🏻
espn.com
Serrano grinds out decision over Manzur to notch 50th victory
Amanda Serrano reached the 50-win milestone but got a tougher fight than expected, pulling out a majority decision over Lucrecia Manzur to retain her featherweight titles Friday night.
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Michael Rothstein @mikerothstein.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
Ex-Sacramento Kings trainer alleges pregnancy discrimination in a new lawsuit: www.espn.com/nba/story/_/...
espn.com
Ex-Kings trainer files suit alleging pregnancy discrimination
A former assistant athletic trainer for the Sacramento Kings has filed a civil lawsuit against the organization and its senior director of athlete health, alleging pregnancy discrimination, sexual harassment, retaliation and wrongful termination.
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Michael Rothstein @mikerothstein.bsky.social · 10/08/2026
Multiple ex-NFL players and others were allegedly scammed out of money by an entrepreneur. Then, the entrepreneur ended up dead. Now it’s unclear how, or if, they might be able to recoup their money. That and more in my latest for ESPN:
espn.com
Ex-NFL players seek to recoup losses after alleged fraudster's death
Multiple former NFL players and others say they will continue trying to recoup their losses -- in some cases over $1 million -- after the death of a man they say defrauded them.
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Michael Rothstein @mikerothstein.bsky.social · 05/08/2026
NEWS: One of the two men involved in impersonating NFL players Michael Penix Jr, David Njoku & Xavier McKinney in order to obtain millions in fraudulent loans was sentenced to prison time Tuesday afternoon.
espn.com
Co-defendant in football wire fraud scheme gets 6-year prison sentence
Luther Davis, ex-Alabama DT, awaits October sentencing in the same case involving $20 million in fake loans.
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Michael Rothstein @mikerothstein.bsky.social · 30/07/2026
BREAKING: Senators Ted Cruz and & Jacky Rosen introduced a Senate version of the Ali Revival Act on Thursday — focusing on attempts at more fighter protections and UBO disclosures as Congress attempts to reform boxing. More on the changes here:
espn.com
Ali Act introduced in Senate addresses contract lengths, titles
While many similarities exist between the House and Senate versions of the Ali Act, there are notable differences in disclosures and regulations around "unified boxing organizations" and titles.
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Michael Rothstein @mikerothstein.bsky.social · 28/07/2026
NEW: Senator Marsha Blackburn concerned over WADA anti-doping recommendations that might diminish USADA ahead of ‘28 Olympics
espn.com
Congress concerned by lax anti-doping rules ahead of '28 Olympics
Members of Congress from both parties are raising concerns over lax anti-doping protocols ahead of the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.
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Michael Rothstein @mikerothstein.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
Jai Opetaia sues IBF, alleges conspiracy for signing with Zuffa
espn.com
Jai Opetaia sues IBF, alleges conspiracy for signing with Zuffa
Former IBF cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia is suing the International Boxing Federation, claiming the sanctioning body stripped him of his title as punishment for signing with Zuffa Boxing.
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Michael Rothstein @mikerothstein.bsky.social · 03/07/2026
BREAKING: A federal judge denied a temporary restraining order application from an event company trying to block Floyd Mayweather from fighting Mike Zambidis. The initial June 27 fight was canceled, but this could pave the way for a rescheduled bout. 👇🏻
espn.com
Potential Mayweather-Zambidis fight OK'd as judge denies TRO
A federal judge denied CSI's attempt to block the Floyd Mayweather-Mike Zambidis fight as part of a breach of contract lawsuit, with an application for a temporary restraining order failing "to meet the requirement of irreparable harm."
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Michael Rothstein @mikerothstein.bsky.social · 30/06/2026
News: MLB strikes out in 'Play Ball' trademark quest
espn.com
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Michael Rothstein @mikerothstein.bsky.social · 29/06/2026
The USPTO has initially denied BOTH George Gervin and Caleb Williams’ attempts to trademark versions of “Iceman.” More here 👇🏻
espn.com
Caleb Williams' attempt to trademark 'Iceman' initially refused
The United States Patent and Trademark Office has initially refused Caleb Williams' application for "Iceman" on Wednesday, according to USPTO records.
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Michael Rothstein @mikerothstein.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
Floyd Mayweather exhibition bout vs. Mike Zambidis called off, per court docs
espn.com
Floyd Mayweather bout vs. Mike Zambidis called off, per court docs
Floyd Mayweather's exhibition fight against Mike Zambidis in Greece on Saturday has been called off, according to federal court records filed Thursday.
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Michael Rothstein @mikerothstein.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
Judge eyes Thursday ruling on Mayweather-Zambidis exhibition after two hours of oral arguments Wednesday
espn.com
Judge eyes Thursday ruling on Mayweather-Zambidis exhibition
A potential injunction attempting to stop Floyd Mayweather from fighting Mike Zambidis in a six-round exhibition Saturday remained unresolved Wednesday, but a federal judge was hopeful to make a decision Thursday.
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Michael Rothstein @mikerothstein.bsky.social · 19/06/2026
Floyd Mayweather hit with breach of contract lawsuit over Tyson, Pacquiao bouts and it could put Mike Zambidis fight in jeopardy
espn.com
Floyd Mayweather hit with lawsuit over Tyson, Pacquiao bouts
CSI Sports Events, which is contracted to produce upcoming Floyd Mayweather fights with Mike Tyson and Manny Pacquiao, filed a lawsuit against Mayweather alleging he breached his contract when he agreed to fight Mike Zambidis next weekend in Greece.
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Michael Rothstein @mikerothstein.bsky.social · 16/06/2026
BREAKING: Floyd Mayweather facing two felony charges for writing a bad check for a $200,000 watch
espn.com
Floyd Mayweather facing felony charges for passing bad check
Floyd Mayweather is facing two felony charges alleging theft and "intent to defraud" by passing a bad check to purchase a $200,000 watch in Las Vegas, according to court records.
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Michael Rothstein @mikerothstein.bsky.social · 15/06/2026
UFC's Josh Hokit disparages Michelle Obama at White House
espn.com
Josh Hokit disparages Michelle Obama at UFC White House event
UFC fighter Josh Hokit targeted Michelle Obama during his post-fight comments at Sunday's UFC White House event, saying the former First Lady "is a man."
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Michael Rothstein @mikerothstein.bsky.social · 15/06/2026
UFC's Sean Strickland removed from Freedom 250 fan fest by security
espn.com
UFC's Strickland removed from Freedom 250 fan fest by security
Middleweight champion Sean Strickland was removed from the UFC Freedom 250's Fan Fest near the White House "for his own and public safety," according to authorities.
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Michael Rothstein @mikerothstein.bsky.social · 12/06/2026
NEWS/ White House UFC event can proceed, judge rules
espn.com
Judge OKs this weekend's UFC event at the White House
A federal judge on Friday ruled to allow the White House to stage a UFC event Sunday in an elaborate ring already built on the South Lawn.
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Reposted by Michael Rothstein
Michael Rothstein @mikerothstein.bsky.social · 10/06/2026
Some overnight news: Government attorneys respond to lawsuit/injunction application trying to halt UFC White House card this weekend, claiming no federal laws were broken. More on the response here:
espn.com
Government responds to suit, says UFC 250 violates no laws
In response to an emergency injunction application aimed at halting the UFC Freedom 250 event on June 14, government attorneys claimed the DOI and NPS violated no federal laws in allowing the event to occur on federal property.
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Michael Rothstein @mikerothstein.bsky.social · 10/06/2026
Some overnight news: Government attorneys respond to lawsuit/injunction application trying to halt UFC White House card this weekend, claiming no federal laws were broken. More on the response here:
espn.com
Government responds to suit, says UFC 250 violates no laws
In response to an emergency injunction application aimed at halting the UFC Freedom 250 event on June 14, government attorneys claimed the DOI and NPS violated no federal laws in allowing the event to occur on federal property.
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Michael Rothstein @mikerothstein.bsky.social · 09/06/2026
New on @espn.com — the logistics behind the UFC putting on a fight card at the White House this weekend, from decisions made to costs incurred.
espn.com
UFC's logistical high-wire act: Staging an Octagon fight at the White House
Details included security, "the claw" and even bathrooms for 4,300 guests -- but no South Lawn digging
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Michael Rothstein @mikerothstein.bsky.social · 07/06/2026
Filed to @espn.com: A new federal lawsuit & emergency injunction application filed in Washington, DC last night is attempting to stop the UFC’s fight at the White House next weekend:
espn.com
Filing contends approval of UFC White House event was unlawful
A federal lawsuit seeks to halt the UFC fight card on the White House South Lawn, a show timed for President Trump's 80th birthday and part of the celebration of the nation's 250th anniversary.
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Michael Rothstein @mikerothstein.bsky.social · 04/06/2026
Everything to know about the UFC White House centerpiece: The claw
espn.com
Everything to know about the UFC White House centerpiece: the claw
The UFC at the White House stage is a 92-foot-tall behemoth usually reserved for music festival headliners.
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Michael Rothstein @mikerothstein.bsky.social · 24/05/2026
This story is updated now with the attorney for Mayweather’s ex-investment advisor strongly denying the claims made against him.
espn.com
Mayweather suing former associate in alleged $175M fraud scheme
Boxing star Floyd Mayweather is suing a former associate for $175 million, alleging a yearslong fraud scheme.
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Michael Rothstein @mikerothstein.bsky.social · 23/05/2026
Floyd Mayweather is suing his former investment & real estate advisor (and other associates) alleging fraud and lack of fiduciary duty, asking for $175 million with questions about his jewelry, plane, real estate and money.
espn.com
Mayweather suing former associate in alleged $175M fraud scheme
Boxing star Floyd Mayweather is suing a former associate for $175 million, alleging a yearslong fraud scheme.
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Michael Rothstein @mikerothstein.bsky.social · 19/05/2026
Latest on @espn.com — Chiefs WR Rashee Rice headed to jail for 30 days for violating his probation stemming from his 2024 car crash that injured multiple people.
espn.com
Chiefs' Rashee Rice ordered to jail, to miss OTAs, minicamp
Chiefs receiver Rashee Rice has been sentenced to immediately serve 30 days in jail after testing positive for marijuana in violation of the terms of his probation.
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Michael Rothstein @mikerothstein.bsky.social · 14/04/2026
Nike’s attempt to trademark a “B9” logo for Lakers guard Bronny James was denied by the US Patent & Trademark Office. Here’s why:
espn.com
Nike's trademark filing for Bronny James' 'B9' logo denied
Nike's trademark filing for Lakers guard Bronny James' "B9" logo has been refused because of a "likelihood of confusion" with an already-registered mark.
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Michael Rothstein @mikerothstein.bsky.social · 27/03/2026
Alongside Courtney Cronin — there’s a potential trademark kerfuffle taking place between a NFL starting QB, a basketball Hall of Famer and possibly even a UFC legend over the nickname “Iceman.”
espn.com
Gervin irked Bears' Williams filed trademark for 'Iceman'
Former NBA star George Gervin said he was "caught off guard" when he learned Bears quarterback Caleb Williams had attempted to trademark "Iceman," a nickname Gervin has used since his playing days.
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Reposted by Michael Rothstein
Michael Rothstein @mikerothstein.bsky.social · 25/03/2026
A look at the Muhammad Ali Boxing Revival Act:
espn.com
Explaining what's behind the Muhammad Ali Boxing Revival Act
Questions and answers about the reform bill and its impact on the sport.
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Reposted by Michael Rothstein
Michael Rothstein @mikerothstein.bsky.social · 24/03/2026
The House of Representatives passed the Muhammad Ali Boxing Revival Act today by a voice vote. The bill next heads to the Senate:
espn.com
House passes Ali Revival Act; bill now headed to Senate
The Muhammad Ali Boxing Revival Act, which would shift the structure of pro boxing by allowing Unified Boxing Organizations as options for boxers, passed the U.S. House of Representatives by a voice v...
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Michael Rothstein @mikerothstein.bsky.social · 25/03/2026
A look at the Muhammad Ali Boxing Revival Act:
espn.com
Explaining what's behind the Muhammad Ali Boxing Revival Act
Questions and answers about the reform bill and its impact on the sport.
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Michael Rothstein @mikerothstein.bsky.social · 24/03/2026
The House of Representatives passed the Muhammad Ali Boxing Revival Act today by a voice vote. The bill next heads to the Senate:
espn.com
House passes Ali Revival Act; bill now headed to Senate
The Muhammad Ali Boxing Revival Act, which would shift the structure of pro boxing by allowing Unified Boxing Organizations as options for boxers, passed the U.S. House of Representatives by a voice v...
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Michael Rothstein @mikerothstein.bsky.social · 11/03/2026
New on @espn.com with @marcraimondi.bsky.social — WNBA player Rickea Jackson filed for an order of protection in February against Falcons’ edge James Pearce Jr. because she feared for her life. Plus details from her perspective on the day of his arrest:
espn.com
Rickea Jackson, 'in fear of my life,' filed for protective order vs. James Pearce Jr.
WNBA player Rickea Jackson filed a petition for protection against her ex-boyfriend, Falcons LB James Pearce Jr., claiming she was "in fear of my life" and if the court didn't intervene she believed "...
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Michael Rothstein @mikerothstein.bsky.social · 09/03/2026
New with @marcraimondi.bsky.social: Police in Florida responded to multiple 911 calls in the weeks leading up to Falcons edge rusher James Pearce Jr.’s arrest in February on battery and stalking charges. More here:
espn.com
Cops responded to multiple 911 calls before James Pearce Jr. arrest
In the weeks before Falcons linebacker James Pearce Jr. allegedly rammed his vehicle into WNBA player Rickea Jackson's car, at least seven 911 calls indicate heightened fears by his unidentified girlf...
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Michael Rothstein @mikerothstein.bsky.social · 05/03/2026
One of the men accused of burglarizing the homes of multiple high-profile athletes in 2024 pleaded guilty Wednesday to interstate transportation of stolen property in Tennessee. He’ll be sentenced in June.
espn.com
Man pleads guilty in 2024 athlete home burglaries case
Alexander Esteban Huaiquil Chavez, a member of a theft group comprising Chilean nationals that burglarized the homes of athletes across the United States in 2024, pleaded guilty to interstate transpor...
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Michael Rothstein @mikerothstein.bsky.social · 21/02/2026
Shoe company sues Chiefs stars Patrick Mahomes & Travis Kelce over alleged trademark infringement: www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/...
espn.com
Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce sued for trademark infringement
A sneaker company is suing Kansas City Chiefs stars Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce along with their restaurant partners alleging trademark infringement.
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Michael Rothstein @mikerothstein.bsky.social · 18/02/2026
With @bynatetaylor.bsky.social, an ex-girlfriend of Chiefs WR Rashee Rice has filed a civil suit alleging assault:
espn.com
Civil lawsuit filed vs. Chiefs' Rashee Rice alleges assaults
An ex-girlfriend of Chiefs receiver Rashee Rice alleged in a lawsuit filed Monday that Rice repeatedly assaulted her over an 18-month span.
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Michael Rothstein @mikerothstein.bsky.social · 06/02/2026
As the Olympics kicks off, the battle between the US and WADA continues — earlier this week, Trump signed an appropriations bill that also had a call to withhold dues from WADA until there is an external audit. With @tjquinn.bsky.social
espn.com
Trump signs law that withholds United States' dues to WADA
A provision for the U.S. to withhold its annual dues to WADA is now law until the organization takes steps to address the country's accusations that it's beholden to Chinese influence.
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Michael Rothstein @mikerothstein.bsky.social · 29/01/2026
A look at how Antonio Blakeney went from a McDonald’s All-American to an alleged co-conspirator in the latest college basketball betting scandal:
espn.com
Tracing Blakeney's path from playing in the NBA to alleged game fixer
FBI investigation links 26 to an alleged point-shaving and wire-fraud conspiracy.
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Michael Rothstein @mikerothstein.bsky.social · 29/01/2026
Authorities arrested former three-weight boxing champ Gervonta Davis last night after a two-week, three-county search for him on charges of battery, false imprisonment and attempted kidnapping stemming from allegedly attacking an ex-girlfriend in October: www.espn.com/boxing/story...
espn.com
Boxer Gervonta Davis arrested in Miami after two-week search
Gervonta Davis was taken into custody Wednesday on an arrest warrant on charges of battery, false imprisonment and attempted kidnapping.
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Reposted by Michael Rothstein
Andy Hall @andyhallespn.bsky.social · 04/01/2026
Seven marathons, seven continents, seven days - amazing story from @mikerothstein.bsky.social for ESPN www.espn.com/sports/endur...
espn.com
Testing grit and willpower with 7 marathons, 7 continents in 7 days
Runners included an 82-year-old, a leg amputee and a survivor of the Boston Marathon bombing
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Michael Rothstein @mikerothstein.bsky.social · 03/01/2026
My latest for @espn.com Putting grit and endurance to the test: 7 marathons, 7 continents in 7 days. "I had a balaclava on and that froze. I couldn't breathe, so I had to pull it off, and I was like: Oh my goodness, I'm going to die out here."
espn.com
Testing grit and will power with 7 marathons, 7 continents in 7 days
Runners included an 82-year-old, a leg amputee and a survivor of the Boston Marathon bombing
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Michael Rothstein @mikerothstein.bsky.social · 23/12/2025
Jurors in the Skaggs-Angels trial didn’t get to deliver a verdict. But they sat through two months of testimony, deliberated for two days and provided an idea of where their decision would have landed — and their thoughts on the Angels’ procedure:
espn.com
Jurors say Skaggs, Angels shared blame for overdose death
Team's failure to address employee's drug problem drove jury to weigh punitive damages.
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Michael Rothstein @mikerothstein.bsky.social · 19/12/2025
Angels, Skaggs family reach last-minute tentative settlement (details being finalized now):
espn.com
Angels, Skaggs family settle while case with jury
The Angels and the family of Tyler Skaggs have agreed to a last-minute settlement over the civil lawsuit stemming from the former pitcher's death in 2019.
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Michael Rothstein @mikerothstein.bsky.social · 13/12/2025
Story from the final day of testimony from the Skaggs-Angels wrongful death civil trial:
espn.com
Angels' Carpino: Skaggs a 'drug addict' and 'dealer'
Angels president John Carpino closed the final day of testimony Friday in the Tyler Skaggs wrongful-death civil trial by asserting that the late pitcher was not a victim but a "drug addict and a drug ...
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Michael Rothstein @mikerothstein.bsky.social · 10/12/2025
From court today in the Skaggs-Angels wrongful death civil trial, where jurors heard conflicting testimony about when the Angels may have known about Tyler Skaggs’ drug usage. The trial has been going on since mid-October
espn.com
Witnesses offer conflicting testimony in Skaggs trial
Jurors heard conflicting testimony from two key witnesses Tuesday regarding the Angels' culpability and prior knowledge of drug use in the wrongful death lawsuit against the team by the family of dece...
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Michael Rothstein @mikerothstein.bsky.social · 05/12/2025
New: FBI docs: MLB's Rose investigation began in '88. From me, Willie Weinbaum & @tjquinn.bsky.social
espn.com
FBI docs: MLB's Rose investigation began in '88
Major League Baseball began investigating Pete Rose earlier than previously known and suspended its probe at the request of law enforcement, according to newly released documents.
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