New Jersey lawmaker calls for new judge in sports betting case

State Senator Ray Lesniak is calling for the judge who ruled against sports betting in New Jersey to step aside due to a perceived conflict of interest.

Lesniak said U.S. District Court Judge Michael Shipp is the older brother of a former NFL running back, and current University of Massachusetts assistant coach Marcel Shipp. “This is a strong appearance of a conflict of interest that could compromise Judge Shipp’s ability to make an objective decision,” Lesniak said.

Because Shipp's brother is connected to one of the professional sports leagues involved in the case, Lesniak is concerned with how the decision can be swayed, especially because it holds so much significance for the state's future.

Marcel Shipp participated in an NFL coaching fellowship program with the Arizona Cardinals over a year ago.

Judge Michael Shipp temporarily halted legalized sports betting until November 21, and will hear arguments the day before from both the state and the pro leagues.“Sports betting is extremely important to New Jersey and it is important to put it in place as soon as possible,” Lesniak said. “The casino industry and the racetracks would get the economic boost they need and New Jersey would be positioned to take the lead in sports gaming." Lesniak sponsored legislation to permit sports betting in Atlantic City casinos and horseracing tracks in the state.

The leagues who are moving to halt sports betting include the NFL, MLB, NHL, NBA and NCAA. So far, only NBA commissioner Adam Silver has given any indication of giving in to sports betting. He told Bloomberg in September that he can see the benefit of expanding sports betting beyond Las Vegas, and that it is inevitable to allow them in states who need it to boost their economy.

Currently, Nevada, Delaware, Montana and Oregon are the only states to be exempt from a 1992 federal law that bans amateur and professional sports betting. The New Jersey Senate approved the sports betting legislation in mid-October.