Richard Dent v. National Football League

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

NORTHERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA

RICHARD DENT, J.D. HILL, JAMES

MCMAHON, JEREMY NEWBERRY,

RON PRITCHARD, RON STONE, KEITH No. C 14-02324 WHA

VAN HORNE, AND MARCELLUS

WILEY,

Plaintiffs,

ORDER DENYING MOTION TO

SEAL

v.

NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE, Defendant.

17 The public has “a general right to inspect and copy public records and documents, including judicial records and documents.” Nixon v. Warner Commc’ns, Inc., 435 U.S. 589, 597 (1978). “This right is justified by the interest of citizens in keeping a watchful eye on the workings of public agencies.” Kamakana v. City and Cnty. of Honolulu, 447 F.3d 1172, 1178 (9th Cir. 2006) (citation omitted). “Unless a particular court record is one traditionally kept secret, a strong presumption in favor of access is the starting point. A party seeking a judicial record then bears the burden of overcoming this strong presumption by meeting the ‘compelling reasons’ standard. That is, the party must articulate compelling reasons…