By Jay Hathaway | Gawker
A couple of boxing fans have sued Manny Pacquiao for allegedly failing to disclose a torn rotator cuff before last weekend’s “fight of the century” against Floyd Mayweather. Pacquiao’s team says he reported the injury to the Nevada State Athletic Commission, but a form he filled out prior to the fight indicates no shoulder, elbow, or hand damage.
Staphane Vanel and Kami Rahbaran filed suit on behalf of everyone who bet on the fight or purchased the $100 pay-per-view broadcast without being aware that Pac-Man was hurt, TMZ reports. They’re seeking $5 million for consumer fraud and fraudulent concealment.
Rose Law Group Litigation Attorney Evan Bolick adds, “The lawsuit here is tenuous at best. It is unclear that Pacquiao would have owed any duty to those who bet on the match or those who paid to view the fight to disclose the full extent of any injury, let alone a duty to perform during the match at full capacity. Athletes in all sports perform with nagging and undisclosed injuries (indeed, head coaches of NFL teams are often loathe to report on the nature and severity of an injury until game time). If anyone has a credible claim against Pacquiao, it is almost certainly the Nevada State Athletic Commission (whose rules Pacquiao submitted to, which may have included full disclosure of any pre-fight injuries) rather than any bettors or viewers of the fight.”
