• Loading stock data...
Thursday, October 16, 2025
Law

Doug Gottlieb Retracts Statement About Close, Freeman

  • Gottlieb said that Close did not disclose the Atlanta Braves’ final contract offer to Freeman, leading to the All-Star firing the agent.
  • The retraction ends a months-long feud and, most likely, the defamation lawsuit filed against Gottlieb.
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Fox Sports’ Doug Gottlieb has fully retracted his statements about the Casey Close-Freddie Freeman negotiations, ending a months-long feud and, most likely, the defamation lawsuit filed against Gottlieb.

In late June, Gottlieb said on his radio show and on Twitter that Close did not disclose the Atlanta Braves’ final contract offer to Freeman, leading to the All-Star first baseman firing the agent.

Gottlieb is now retracting that statement saying, “Upon further vetting of my sources, a review of the lawsuit filed against me in this matter, and a direct conversation with Casey himself, I have learned that the conduct I alleged did not occur and that there is no credible basis for stating that it did.”

Gottlieb has also deleted the original tweet alleging the wrongdoing.

A motion to dismiss the lawsuit was filed in a New York federal court late Wednesday afternoon.

“From the onset, we were clear that Mr. Gottlieb’s tweet was wholly inaccurate and that we would seek legal remedies to set the record straight,” reads a statement to FOS from Close.
“He has retracted his statement in its entirety and acknowledged that he got the story wrong. We consider this matter closed.”

A statement from Gottlieb’s lawyers also considered the matter closed.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Mat Ishbia

Mat Ishbia Countersues Suns Minority Owners in Transparency Fight

He claims two minority partners are manufacturing a “contrived legal drama.”

RAJ Sports Withdraws Lawsuit Over Trail Blazers Stake

RAJ Sports had sued the Cherng family, owner of Panda Express.
Hymie Elhai

Jets Say Execs Tried to Sink Team President in Bumbling Conspiracy

The team says thousands of deleted text messages show the plot.

MLB’s Rare October Day: Four Playoff Games, Four Possible Clinchers

Four separate clinching opportunities are available during the day.

Featured Today

May 25, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Derek Jeter walks the red carpet on Sunday, May 25, 2025, ahead of the 109th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway

The Players’ Tribune Is Still Kicking 11 Years Later

Founder Derek Jeter is still closely involved in the publication.
Las Vegas Aces center A'ja Wilson (22) celebrates with her teammates after her last second shot to take the lead 90-88 against the Phoenix Mercury in Game 3 of the WNBA Finals at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on Oct. 8, 2025.
exclusive
October 10, 2025

Standoff Over WNBA’s Future Has Dominated Finals

CBA negotiations have stolen the spotlight from the Aces’ dominant performance.
Paul Cartier
October 5, 2025

Sports Organists Are Still Thriving in the Era of Raucous Arena Music

“When they walk out and they see a real organ guy, it’s like, ‘Wow.’”
Sep 27, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers center fielder Jackson Chourio (11) rounds the bases after hitting a home run during the sixth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at American Family Field.
October 4, 2025

Milwaukee Moneyball: Brewers Are Beating MLB’s Deeper Pockets

Milwaukee is holding its own against big-budget competitors.
Apr 9, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; The Chicago Cubs flag sign is seen prior to a game between the Texas Rangers and Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field

Facial Recognition Tech Suit Against Cubs Dismissed

The Cubs said they don’t use the technology protected by Illinois law.
Feb 9, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Recording artist Kendrick Lamar performs during the halftime show of Super Bowl LIX between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs at Ceasars Superdome.
October 10, 2025

Judge Dismisses Drake’s Super Bowl Defamation Suit

The judge said diss tracks aren’t considered facts.
Feb 4, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) and Toronto Raptors forward Jonathon Mogbo (2) chase after a loose ball during the second half at Scotiabank Arena.
October 13, 2025

Knicks, Raptors Agree to Drop Suit Over ‘Mole’ Accused of Stealing

The Knicks had sought more than $10 million in damages.
Sponsored

How Jenny Just Is Shaping the Future of Sports Ownership

Jenny Just on bringing her investment experience to sports ownership.
Oct 7, 2018; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton (14) and Miami Dolphins free safety Reshad Jones (20) talk with each other after the Bengals defeated the Dolphins at Paul Brown Stadium.
October 10, 2025

Former Dolphins Safety Lands $9.5M Settlement in Advisor Theft Case

Reshad Jones accused his former financial advisor of stealing almost $2.6 million.
Aug 19, 2022; Delaware, OH, USA; More than 1,700 Olentangy Berlin High School students celebrate being named ‘Most Spirited High School in the Country’ by Varsity Brands. The school celebrated with a pep rally in the auditorium.
October 9, 2025

Varsity Brands, PE Owner Face $200M Suit Claiming Systemic Sexual Abuse

Defendants are accused of a coordinated conspiracy.
Brian Flores
October 7, 2025

Court Again Rejects NFL Request to Send Flores Case to Arbitration

The NFL has tried to keep the case out of open court.
Dec 2, 2022; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Southern California Trojans former quarterbacks Mark Sanchez (left) and Matt Leinart watch from the sidelines during the Pac-12 Championship game against the Utah Utes at Allegiant Stadium.
October 6, 2025

Mark Sanchez, Fox Sports Sued Over Alley Fight That Turned Bloody

The high-profile incident took place Saturday night in Indianapolis.