Judge dismisses one sign-stealing suit against Red Sox, Astros

A lawsuit brought against the Houston Astros, Boston Red Sox, and Major League Baseball has been dismissed by a federal judge. Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports

Judge dismisses one sign-stealing lawsuit against Red Sox, Astros

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 4/3/20

It looks like the Boston Red Sox and Houston Astros will have one less thing to worry about these days.

A federal judge dismissed one of the sign-stealing lawsuits against both organizations Friday, saying there was not enough evidence to proceed with the case.

This specific lawsuit was filed by daily fantasy sports against the Red Sox, Astros and Major League Baseball. Daily fantasy sports argued since both teams cheated, and the MLB was aware of it, that those games were unfair. They also claimed that if they knew about the sign-stealing scandals then they would have bet differently on the Astros and Red Sox.

The judge who dismissed the lawsuit said cheating is a part of the game, and that it always has been and probably always will be.

Strong opener from Rakoff:

A sport that celebrates “stealing,” even if only of a base, may not provide the perfect encouragement to scrupulous play. But as Frank Sinatra famously said to Grace Kelly (in the 1956 movie musical High Society), "there are rules about such things.” pic.twitter.com/cJoL3siX9V
— Daniel Wallach (@WALLACHLEGAL) April 3, 2020

The judge's argument states that bettors take a risk when betting on sports, especially a sport that has been known for cheating with the likes of sign-stealing and steroids.

While the Astros have already received their punishment that includes the banning of manager A.J. Hinch and general manager Jeff Luhnow for one year, removal of their 2020 and 2021 first-round draft picks and a $5 million fine, the Red Sox have yet to hear the results of their investigation.

Boston probably won't receive their results for a while as the coronavirus has delayed the process. Although they don't know the results of the probe, the Red Sox let manager Alex Cora go months ago.

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