US | MLB Justices Don't Buy MLB's Fantasy Pitch Using players' real names in for-profit leagues is free speech, Supreme Court rules By Nick McMaster Posted Jun 2, 2008 2:15 PM CDT Copied Fantasy leagues argued that, under free-speech law, the names and statistics of baseball players like New York's Derek Jeter could be used without paying a fee, the Los Angeles Times reports. (AP Photo/Rob Carr) The Supreme Court refused today to hear an appeal by Major League Baseball against a ruling that allowed fantasy sports leagues to use real players' names and stats without paying a licensing fee, the Los Angeles Times reports. MLB contended such leagues shouldn't "exploit players' identity for commercial gain;" the for-profit ventures said free-speech law allows it. Read These Next Mark Zuckerberg's 'list' has Silicon Valley buzzing. Hall of Famer Dave Parker dies IAEA chief downplays damage to Iran nuclear sites. Tillis, who opposes Trump bill, won't seek reelection. Report an error