A federal magistrate in OR yesterday "denied a request"
by the PGA Tour to throw out a lawsuit filed by Casey
Martin, according to Thomas Heath of the WASHINGTON POST.
U.S. Magistrate Thomas Coffin ruled that the PGA Tour is
"part of the nation's entertainment industry that depends on
public participation for its existence" and therefore is
"not exempt" under the '90 Americans With Disabilities Act
(ADA). The decision sets up a trial next week to determine
whether Martin may ride a cart in pro tournaments
(WASHINGTON POST, 1/27). While the trial begins on Monday,
Martin will appear in a news conference in DC on Wednesday
with U.S. Sen. Tom Harkin (D-IA) and Bob Dole. Harkin was
the author of ADA, and Dole a co-sponsor (USA TODAY, 1/27).
COMMERCIAL APPEAL: Martin, who recently signed with
Nike, has "many business opportunities waiting no matter
what happens" in his lawsuit, according to Ron Sirak of the
AP. Chris Murray, of MN-based Signature Sport Group, which
reps Martin, said he has "offers coming in from everywhere
... infomercials, books, movies, corporate outings and
Christian ministries" (AP/Ft. Lauderdale SUN SENTINEL,
1/27). Martin's new "I Can" Nike spot ran last night during
ESPN's "Big Monday" college basketball games (THE DAILY).
