CBS News
Supreme Court declines to review conviction of disgraced attorney Michael Avenatti in Nike extortion case
Washington — The Supreme Court on Tuesday turned away a bid by disgraced California attorney Michael Avenatti to overturn his conviction for attempting to extort nearly $25 million from sporting goods giant Nike.
The rejection of Avenatti’s appeal means his conviction on three federal charges will remain in place.
Avenatti gained notoriety for representing adult film star Stormy Daniels in lawsuits against former President Donald Trump but became embroiled in numerous legal scandals. Among them was his scheme to extort millions of dollars from Nike, for which he was found guilty by a jury on three federal counts and sentenced to 30 months in prison.
Avenatti, 53, is currently incarcerated at a federal corrections facility in San Pedro, California. He is scheduled to be released in 2035, according to Bureau of Prison records. Separate from the Nike case, he was also convicted for cheating Daniels and other clients out of millions of dollars.
Avenatti also represented a woman who accused Justice Brett Kavanaugh of sexual misconduct when he was in high school in the early 1980s, allegations that surfaced during his Supreme Court confirmation process in 2018. Kavanaugh vehemently denied all the claims. He did not participate in the consideration of Avenatti’s case.
The criminal case before the Supreme Court stemmed from his representation of sports coach Gary Franklin, whose youth basketball organization Nike sponsored for roughly a decade. The company’s sponsorship, though, stopped in 2018. The Justice Department noted that when Avenatti agreed to represent Franklin, he had outstanding judgments of $11 million and his law firm had been kicked out of its office for failure to pay rent.
As part of his work for Franklin, Avenatti set up a meeting with Nike’s lawyers in March 2019, and told him he would secure him $1 million in compensation and try to reestablish Nike’s relationship with him and his youth basketball organization.
During the March 2019 meeting, Avenatti made a series of demands to Nike’s lawyers and threatened to hold a press conference to expose allegations that the company was illegally paying elite amateur basketball players. Avenatti, who also threatened to leak the story to the New York Times, claimed the public airing of the accusations would harm the company financially.
Nike’s representatives contacted federal prosecutors after the meeting and agreed to let the FBI record their conversations with Avenatti. One day later, Avenatti spoke again with a Nike lawyer and reiterated a demand that the company pay Franklin $1.5 million and hire him and another lawyer, Mark Geragos, to conduct an internal investigation into corruption in basketball.
Avenatti said he needed to be paid more than a “few million dollars” for the investigation because “it’s worth more in exposure to me to just blow the lid on this thing,” according to court papers. He ultimately demanded a payment between $15 million and $25 million, but also suggested that if Nike wanted a confidential settlement agreement, it could be “done” if it paid him $22.5 million for his silence.
“Full confidentiality, we ride off into the sunset,” Avenatti was recorded telling Nike attorneys.
Franklin was not aware that Avenatti planned to threaten Nike to go public with exposing the alleged misconduct and intended for the information to be kept confidential, according to court papers.
A federal grand jury in New York indicted Avenatti on three counts. His efforts to dismiss the charges were unsuccessful, and he was later convicted. Requests for a new trial and judgment of acquittal were denied.
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 2nd Circuit upheld Avenatti’s conviction, finding the evidence was sufficient to find him guilty on all three counts.
He then appealed to the Supreme Court, arguing in part that the federal fraud law he was convicted of violating is unconstitutionally vague. Represented by federal public defenders, Avenatti also argued that a lawyer’s settlement demand cannot give rise to federal criminal extortion liability.
“This case vivifies all the ills of honest services fraud,” Avenatti’s lawyers wrote in a Supreme Court filing. “Federal and state law already contain ample tools to combat abuses of fiduciary duty ― bribery prosecutions, or, as might be relevant here, professional disciplinary proceedings. A formless provision so amenable to prosecutorial abuse does more harm than good.”
The Justice Department urged the Supreme Court to turn the case away, calling his claims “meritless.” Avenatti’s extortion charges were based on his demand that Nike hire him to conduct an internal investigation, not litigation conduct, Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar said in a filing to the justices.
CBS News
How to watch the Arizona Cardinals vs. Miami Dolphins NFL game today: Livestream options, more
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The Arizona Cardinals vs. Miami Dolphins NFL game will be played today. The Cardinals are taking on the Dolphins following a close 17-15 win over the Los Angeles Chargers — a big victory after a tough loss to the Green Bay Packers the game prior. The Dolphins were defeated 16-10 in their latest game to the Indianapolis Colts.
Here’s what to know on how and when to watch the Arizona Cardinals vs. Miami Dolphins game today, even if you don’t have cable.
How and when to watch the Arizona Cardinals vs. Miami Dolphins game
The Cardinals vs. Miami Dolphins game will be played on Sunday, October 27, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. ET (10:00 a.m. PT). The game will air on Fox and stream on Fubo and the platforms featured below.
How and when to watch the Arizona Cardinals vs. Miami Dolphins game without cable
You can watch Fox through several streaming services if it’s not included in your cable package or if you don’t have cable. All you need is an internet connection and the top options outlined below.
Watch the Arizona Cardinals vs. Miami Dolphins game for free with Fubo
Fubo, a contract-free live TV streaming service offering comprehensive sports coverage, gives you an easy, user-friendly way to watch NFL games on CBS, Fox, NBC, ABC, ESPN and the NFL Network, plus NCAA football channels. The Pro tier ($80/month, first month $50) includes 200+ channels and unlimited DVR, while the Elite with Sports Plus tier ($100/month, first month $70) adds NFL RedZone and 4K resolution. New subscribers get a seven-day free trial and $30 off their first month, with all plans allowing streaming on up to 10 screens simultaneously.
Watch today’s Arizona Cardinals vs. Miami Dolphins game on Sling
One of the most cost-effective ways to watch major sporting events is through a subscription to Sling’s Orange + Blue tier ($60/month, currently half-off first month at $30), which includes ESPN, ABC, NBC, and Fox. The plan offers 46 channels with local NFL games, nationally broadcast games and 50 hours of DVR storage. For complete NFL coverage, add Paramount+ to get CBS games, or upgrade with the Sports Extra add-on for additional sports channels like Golf Channel, NBA TV and NFL RedZone.
Watch the Arizona Cardinals vs. Miami Dolphins game on Hulu + Live TV
You can watch NFL games, including Fox broadcasts, with Hulu + Live TV, which includes 90 channels, unlimited DVR storage, and access to NFL preseason games, live regular season games and studio shows. The service costs $77 per month (with a three-day free trial) and includes ESPN+ and Disney+ in the subscription.
Want to watch today’s game live on your smartphone? The NFL+ streaming service ($40/year or $7/month) lets you watch NFL Network and out-of-market games on mobile devices, with an upgrade option to NFL+ Premium that includes NFL RedZone for watching up to eight games simultaneously. Note that NFL+ only works on phones and tablets, not TVs.
CBS News
How to watch the Baltimore Ravens vs. Cleveland Browns game today: Livestream options, more
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The Baltimore Ravens vs. Cleveland Browns game will be played today. The game will be played at Huntington Bank Field in Cleveland, Ohio. It’ll mark the second time in less than a week that the Ravens have hit the field after playing the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday. The Browns, meanwhile, are coming off an October 20 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals and are just 1-6 so far this season.
Keep reading to find out how and when to watch the Baltimore Ravens vs. Cleveland Browns game today, even if you don’t have cable.
CBS, Paramount+ and CBS Essentials are all subsidiaries of Paramount Global.
How and when to watch the Baltimore Ravens vs. Cleveland Browns game today
The Baltimore Ravens vs. Cleveland Browns game will be played on Sunday, October 27, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. ET (10:00 a.m. PT). The NFL football game will air on CBS, and stream on Paramount+ and the platforms featured below.
How and when to watch the Baltimore Ravens vs. Cleveland Browns game without cable
While CBS is available with many basic cable packages, you don’t need to worry if you don’t have access. Whether you have cable or have completely cut the cord, the game will be available with a variety of other options. Just note that the below streaming options will require the use of an internet provider:
Paramount+: Watch CBS-aired NFL games without cable
With Paramount+ you’ll have multiple viewing options to choose from. You can catch NFL games on the Paramount+ Essential tier for just $7.99 each month or you can watch college football with a Paramount+ with Showtime subscription for $12.99 monthly. In addition to live streams of NFL games airing on CBS, you’ll get to watch additional live sporting events including NCAA college football, PGA Tour golf, soccer and more.
Get started with Paramount+ here today.
Amazon Prime Video: Add Paramount+ to your existing subscription
Already have an Amazon Prime Video account? Simply add Paramount+ to your current subscription to watch all the CBS-aired NFL games in addition to Paramount+ originals. The same prices from above apply, depending on which tier you choose. Not sure which is best for you? Don’t worry. Both options come with a free seven-day trial that can help you decide.
Watch the Ravens-Browns game on Amazon Prime Video.
Fubo: Watch the Ravens-Browns game for free
If you’re looking for an inexpensive way to watch a variety of football games, Fubo could be the best way to do so. The live TV streamer is currently offering a seven-day free trial and $30 off of your first month’s subscription. Once subscribed, you’ll gain access to all of their live sporting events immediately. And there will be a lot to choose from. Not only does Fubo come with access to NFL games airing on your local CBS channel, it also includes Fox Sunday NFC games, “Sunday Night Football” on NBC, “Monday Night Football” on ABC and ESPN and all of the games that air on the NFL Network. So don’t wait.
Get started with Fubo online now.
Waiting for the game to start? As the season rolls on you may want to stock up on the latest NFL gear and merchandise. Fanatics is a great way to do so. With the latest player t-shirts, jerseys, hoodies and more, there’s plenty of stuff in stock to keep you covered this season. But don’t wait much longer. As each week in the season passes by competition for this limited merchandise will increase. Don’t wait for it to sell out.
Head over to Fanatics now to check out the latest NFL fan gear drop.
CBS News
How to watch the New York Jets vs. New England Patriots game today: Livestream options, more
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The Northeast sports world is set to heat up today as the New York Jets take on the New England Patriots. The game will be played at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachussetts. Both teams are coming into the game looking for an edge. The Jets have lost their last four games and are just 2-5 this season while the Patriots are looking to snap a six-game losing streak. They’re just 1-7 so far this regular season.
Keep reading to find out how and when to watch the New York Jets vs. New England Patriots game today, even if you don’t have cable.
CBS, Paramount+ and CBS Essentials are all subsidiaries of Paramount Global.
How and when to watch the New York Jets vs. New England Patriots game today
The New York Jets vs. New England Patriots game will be played on Sunday, October 27, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. ET (10:00 a.m. PT). The NFL football game will air on CBS, and stream on Paramount+ and the platforms featured below.
How and when to watch the New York Jets vs. New England Patriots game without cable
While CBS is available with many basic cable packages, you don’t need to worry if you don’t have access. Whether you have cable or have completely cut the cord, the game will be available with a variety of other options. Just note that the below streaming options will require the use of an internet provider:
Paramount+: Watch CBS-aired NFL games without cable
With Paramount+ you’ll have multiple viewing options to choose from. You can catch NFL games on the Paramount+ Essential tier for just $7.99 each month or you can watch college football with a Paramount+ with Showtime subscription for $12.99 monthly. In addition to live streams of NFL games airing on CBS, you’ll get to watch additional live sporting events including NCAA college football, PGA Tour golf, soccer and more.
Get started with Paramount+ here today.
Amazon Prime Video: Add Paramount+ to your existing subscription
Already have an Amazon Prime Video account? Simply add Paramount+ to your current subscription to watch all the CBS-aired NFL games in addition to Paramount+ originals. The same prices from above apply, depending on which tier you choose. Not sure which is best for you? Don’t worry. Both options come with a free seven-day trial that can help you decide.
Watch the Jets-Patriots game on Amazon Prime Video.
Fubo: Watch the Jets-Patriots game for free
If you’re looking for an inexpensive way to watch a variety of football games, Fubo could be the best way to do so. The live TV streamer is currently offering a seven-day free trial and $30 off of your first month’s subscription. Once subscribed, you’ll gain access to all of their live sporting events immediately. And there will be a lot to choose from. Not only does Fubo come with access to NFL games airing on your local CBS channel, it also includes Fox Sunday NFC games, “Sunday Night Football” on NBC, “Monday Night Football” on ABC and ESPN and all of the games that air on the NFL Network. So don’t wait.
Get started with Fubo online now.
Waiting for the game to start? As the season rolls on you may want to stock up on the latest NFL gear and merchandise. Fanatics is a great way to do so. With the latest player t-shirts, jerseys, hoodies and more, there’s plenty of stuff in stock to keep you covered this season. But don’t wait much longer. As each week in the season passes by competition for this limited merchandise will increase. Don’t wait for it to sell out.
Head over to Fanatics now to check out the latest NFL fan gear drop.
How to watch the Arizona Cardinals vs. Miami Dolphins NFL game today: Livestream options, more
How to watch the Baltimore Ravens vs. Cleveland Browns game today: Livestream options, more
How to watch the New York Jets vs. New England Patriots game today: Livestream options, more
How to watch the Arizona Cardinals vs. Miami Dolphins NFL game today: Livestream options, more
How to watch the Baltimore Ravens vs. Cleveland Browns game today: Livestream options, more