• Loading stock data...
Saturday, December 14, 2024
Law

Los Angeles Rams Sued Over Alleged ‘Devious’ PSL ‘Scheme’

  • Lawsuit filed in a Southern California court alleges “made false representations and promises.”
  • Rams settled a PSL lawsuit in 2019 after fans in St. Louis sued.
Los-Angeles-Rams-fan-cheering-at-game
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The Los Angeles Rams were hit with a fraud lawsuit last week alleging team owner Stan Kroenke and his lawyer “devised” a “devious and deliberate scheme” to make money off fans through the sale of personal seat licenses at SoFi Stadium. 

The complaint was filed on behalf of Dwight Manley, a renowned coin collector and former agent of Dennis Rodman. Manley’s attorney, Christopher L. Pitet, told Front Office Sports that others have contacted his firm over similar issues since Defector first reported on the lawsuit. 

“Certainly there could be a legal action that involves more than just Dwight Manley,” Pitet said. “There may be five others. There may be a hundred. We just don’t know the magnitude at this point. But we do know that there are other folks that are claiming to be in a situation that is similar to Mr. Manley’s and we intend to follow up with those folks.”

Pitet said beyond the text message attached to the lawsuits, there are others in his possession.

“The alleged false statements are in writing,” Pitet said.

Manley remains on the hook for the PSLs at a total cost of nearly $1 million. Attempts to get the roughly $70,000 he’s already paid back from the Rams were not fruitful, according to Pitet.

PSLs are typically used to finance new venues, with the Carolina Panthers believed to be the first major sports franchise to employ the practice. They usually give the customer a right to purchase season tickets, often for the most desirable seats.

‘False Representations’ 

The lawsuit states a Rams employee who sold Manley six PSLs “made false representations and promises” and is accompanied by a handful of text exchanges. 

  • Manley alleged the employee told him that he could sell his PSLs on a team marketplace. The Rams’ website states such transactions are “not available at this time.”
  • The Rams employee allegedly told Manley could “cancel at any time,” but the agreement states that PSLs purchasers have to continue payments even if they no longer want the licenses.

The Rams, who settled a PSL lawsuit with fans in St. Louis in 2019, declined comment when reached by FOS.

“While Mr. Manley did not purchase the licenses to make a profit, he did not buy them to lose 100% of the license fee either. Mr. Manley was told that he could sell them at any time in a ‘marketplace’ that they still have not opened as promised,” Pitet said. “As a result, the Rams are able to sell more seat licenses for themselves while existing license holders are ‘locked out.’”

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Mina Kimes and Ryan Clark at NFL draft

ESPN Talent Turns Its Fire on Aaron Rodgers

The network’s NFL talent ripped the QB as ‘hypocritical’ this week.
De'Vondre Campbell

49ers Set to Cut Starter for Refusing to Enter Game: ‘Stupid’ and..

De’Vondre Campbell refused to re-enter the game Thursday night.
opinion

Why Bill Belichick’s Media Stint Could Help Him at UNC

Belichick became a media fixture during his year away from coaching.
Dec 12, 2024; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels chancellor Lee Roberts reads a transcript about new head coach Bill Belichicks’ father who served as an assistant coach at New North Carolina Tar Heels new in 1954 at Loudermilk Center for Excellence.

Belichick’s UNC Deal Contains Clause That Keeps NFL Speculation Alive

The six-time Super Bowl–winning coach will have a $10 million annual salary.

Featured Today

The Top-Secret Operation to Create the Army-Navy Football Uniforms

The two-year process includes dozens of employees, NDAs, and military historians.
Nov 2, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Detailed view of a Wilson NBA basketball held by a referee during the second half between the Utah Jazz against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena
December 9, 2024

‘Obvious Weak Point’: Refs Remain an NBA Gambling Concern

A season after Jontay Porter, the biggest risk may not be players.
Nov 2, 2024; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines cheerleader runs with a flag before the game against the Oregon Ducks at Michigan Stadium.
opinion
December 7, 2024

College Football’s Billionaire Backer Era Begins

Is this the new normal in CFB recruiting?
LA Galaxy forward Dejan Joveljic (9) celebrates with midfielder Riqui Puig (10) after scoring a goal against Seattle Sounders FC in the second half in the 2024 MLS Cup Western Conference Final match at Dignity Health Sports Park
December 6, 2024

With or Without Messi, Major League Soccer Is Barreling Into the Future

After the Cup final, the league looks to accelerate its growth.
Sept 5, 2011; College Park, MD, USA; Maryland Terrapins fans hold up a sign referencing Miami Hurricanes former booster Nevin Shapiro during the first half at Capital One Field at Byrd Stadium.

Biden Commutes Miami Booster’s Ponzi Scheme Sentence

Nevin Shapiro gave Miami athletics millions of dollars in the early 2000s.
Linda McMahon, former Administrator of the Small Business Administration, speaks during the final day of the Republican National Convention at the Fiserv Forum. The final day of the RNC featured a keynote address by Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump.
December 9, 2024

Linda McMahon’s Sexual Abuse Lawsuit on Pause Over Maryland Constitutionality Questions

The 2023 law allowing the lawsuit is being challenged.
December 12, 2024

Wander Franco Trial Delayed Despite Lawyers’ Request to Beat Spring Training Deadline

He is accused of sexual abuse and human trafficking of a minor.
Sponsored

How UBS Crafts Impactful Partnerships Across Sports, Arts, and Culture

As UBS continues to expand its impressive array of sports and entertainment partnerships, the company solidifies its position as a leader in wealth management.
December 9, 2024

Jay-Z’s Attorney Calls Sexual Assault Lawsuit a ‘Campaign of Extortion’

The lawsuit was originally filed against Sean Combs in October.
Tyson
December 6, 2024

Gambling Company Sues Mike Tyson, Says He Blew Off Deal to Fight..

Tyson recently lost a highly anticipated fight to Jake Paul in Texas.
James Dolan
December 5, 2024

Judge Orders MSG Bootleg Merch Sellers to Cut It Out, Appear in..

MSG Sports, the Knicks, and Rangers sued the vendors Monday.
James Dolan
December 3, 2024

James Dolan’s MSG Sports Declares War on Bootleg T-Shirt Vendors

The Knicks and Rangers are suing counterfeit merchandise vendors outside of MSG.