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 The Bezos-Sanchez wedding: guest list, cost, the dress, and more. Hall of Famer Dave Parker dies This is why your cat loves sleeping on its left side. Cops nab 9th fugitive in New Orleans, with 'one more to go.' Report an error