NFL, NCAA and others file lawsuit to stop sports betting in New Jersey
The NFL, NCAA and other professional sports leagues have filed a lawsuit Monday in the hopes of preventing New Jersey from allowing sports betting this weekend, according to ESPN's David Purdum.
On Friday, Governor Chris Christie signed a law legalizing sports betting in New Jersey.
Attorneys for the leagues say the state, by limiting betting to casinos and racetracks, is in violation of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act.
The leagues combined to file a lawsuit Monday in U.S. District Court arguing the New jersey bill is "in clear and flagrant violation of federal law - to accomplish what it unsuccessfully attempted to do three years ago: sponsor, operate, advertise, promote, license or authorize gambling on amateur and professional sports at state-licensed casinos and horse racetracks. Because this effort is no more lawful than New Jersey's past ones, it, too, should be enjoined."
New Jersey State Sen. Raymond Lesniak said the leagues will file for immediate injunctive relief Tuesday.