From Lafayette v. Abrami by Vermont Superior Court (Lamoille County) Judge Benjamin Battles; the case was decided May 20, but just posted on Westlaw:
Plaintiff's pro se complaint alleges the following facts. Plaintiff is the parent of a Vermont high-school basketball player and a "lifelong student of the game." Plaintiff's son, who plays for a school outside of Chittenden County [where Burlington is located], is "one of Vermont's top-performing high school basketball players."
The Burlington Free Press is Vermont's largest newspaper. In 2018, it created and marketed Vermont Varsity Insider as a platform to cover high school sports throughout Vermont…. Despite its claims of statewide coverage, Vermont Varsity Insider focuses on Chittenden County schools, many of which have advertising or other commercial relationships with defendants. While scores from other schools are reported when available, detailed analyses of games or individual players are not.
Although plaintiff's son had multiple 30-point games during the 2024-2025 season, his performances were not reported in Vermont Varsity Insider, despite plaintiff's repeated complaints. This lack of coverage has hurt plaintiff's son's college prospects and caused plaintiff anxiety and stress, leading to uncontrollable vomiting, severe gastrointestinal distress, and panic attacks requiring benzodiazepine treatment. The complaint seeks compensatory and punitive damages and pleads causes of action for (i) violation of the Vermont Consumer Protection Act; (ii) breach of contract; (iii) negligent infliction of emotional distress; and (iv) unjust enrichment….
