League Divided: NALL Lawsuit Has Season in Flux
Newest pro indoor leage seeks remedies in court
from staff reports
OCEAN, N.J. – The North American Lacrosse League announced Thursday it has filed suit against two of its former teams and several affiliated individuals in an effort to restore order to league operations.
Anthony R. Caruso, Esq., attorney from Scarinci Hollenbeck and the league's acting commissioner, with the assistance of Joel Kreizman, Esq. of the same law firm, filed the complaint in New Jersey State Superior Court, Chancery Division. The defendants listed include Jim Jennings, Brett Vickers and Graham D'Alvia, as well the Charlotte Copperheads and Jacksonville Bullies.
"This action was authorized by the member clubs in good standing with the League and is necessary to preserve the interests and welfare of North American Lacrosse League," Caruso said. "The Plaintiff is in control of the league funds, the league website and the League intellectual property, and seeks to stop the continuous dissemination of false information."
On Wednesday, Jennings' media company, Waterbucket Media, issued a press release under NALL letterhead (but one that was not posted on the league's website) stating the league had voted to remove Caruso and that the league would begin play in September instead of this month as planned. He said the move was the result of working to get a national television deal. Jennings also spoke to the Citizens Voice (Pa.), reiterating that claim.
In addition to the filing of several counts against the defendants, the judge has scheduled a mandatory emergency hearing for next week where the defendants shall be required to appear and defend their actions. The league has requested, among other things, that a restraining order be issued against the defendants restraining them from engaging in activity which is disruptive to the league.
"This group has been troublesome to our progress for too long," Anthony Chase, principal owner of the Kentucky Stickhorses, said. "They have personal agendas that don't coincide with the league agenda of providing exciting pro lacrosse sooner rather than later. The Stickhorses are excited and ready to play."
Tyler Low and Jason Wellemeyer of PrimeTime Lacrosse, the owner of the Boston team yet to be named, stands by the league. "We joined this league because of the integrity and professionalism of the people involved, such as acting Commissioner Anthony Caruso and owner Tony Chase," Low said. Jason Wellemeyer agrees. "We are confident that the fans will remain loyal to us."
The league has announced that, due to the recent actions of the defendants which have necessitated the filing of this lawsuit, there will be a reduced number of scheduled games. But that doesn't deter Aaron Musselman, principal owner of the Pennsylvania based Shamrocks. "We are committed to launching this League for the fans and majority of pro players in the U.S. who wish play competitively in new and exciting markets." In addition to these teams, there are plans for exhibition teams to visit the league venues from the U.S. and abroad.
These teams expect to start their season in January, the NALL stated. The season was scheduled to start with five teams.
For previous LaxMagazine.com coverage of the NALL, click here.
