PSV and MLS (finally) file motion to dismiss Columbus’ lawsuit

At nearly the last second, Precourt Sports Venture and Major League Soccer filed their motion to dismiss Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine’s lawsuit to enforce the ORC 9.67.

In the motion, PSV and MLS make a number arguments, suggesting that the Modell Law itself violates the Dormant Commerce Clause, the Privileges and Immunities Clause, and the Contracts Clause. Additionally, PSV and MLS argue that the Modell Law should not apply in this situation because MLS is actually the owner of Columbus Crew SC, despite the fact that Precourt has referred to himself as “Crew SC Owner” multiple times.

Though this the defendants had until 11:59 pm EDT to file their motion, the Austin Statesman was able to obtain a copy of the motion itself hours before PSV and MLS actually filed the brief with the Franklin County Court. While this is not necessarily an illegal practice, it’s highly irregular for a party in a suit to leak the details of a motion before actually filing that motion with the court.

Stay tuned to Massive Report for more updates on this motion later today.