The Texas Supreme Court ruled Friday that Astros owner JIM CRANE can proceed with a 2013 lawsuit against former team owner DRAYTON MCLANE. The suit stems from Crane’s purchase of the failed Comcast SportsNet Houston regional sports network from McLane in 2011. The court ruled that McLane did “not enjoy the protection of the Texas Citizens Participation Act in his negotiations with Crane’s Houston Baseball Partners group for the sale of the Astros and the ballclub’s stake in CSN Houston.” The TCPA allows a judge to “dismiss a case in which one of the parties is exercising the right of free speech, right to petition or right of association regarding discussions about a public figure or entity” (HOUSTON CHRONICLE, 6/30).
NAMES: Eagles C JASON KELCE hosted his annual fundraiser in Sea Isle City at the Ocean Drive where there was an “array of activities, including Kelce tending bar, chugging beer,” and doing an on-site podcast with his brother, Chiefs TE TRAVIS KELCE. The event brought in "more than $380,000" for the Eagles Autism Foundation (PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER, 6/29).
