News briefs: Pippen reportedly wins big in adviser lawsuit

CHICAGO -- Former Chicago Bulls star Scottie Pippen won an $11.8 million judgment against a Chicago financial adviser who sank the basketball player's money into questionable investments, according to court papers.

Pippen entrusted Robert Lunn and his firm, Lunn Partners LLC, with $17.5 million, the Chicago Tribune reported in Wednesday's editions.

The seven-time All-Star was referred to Lunn by other advisers, Pippen attorney Bob Cummins said. He added that Pippen was considering legal action against others involved in managing his affairs.

"This has really been quite a rip-off," Cummins said.

Lunn and Lunn's attorney could not be reached for comment, the Tribune reported. Full story

Trio still in jail in alleged 'Melo scam

NEW YORK -- A lawyer and two ex-convicts remained in jail after being arraigned on charges of trying to use a videotape of a fistfight to blackmail Denver Nuggets basketball star Carmelo Anthony for $3 million.

Rodrigo Sanchez, 36, a lawyer who lives in South Orange, N.J., and Santos Joubert, 29, and Jason Pabon, 26, both of the Bronx, were held after arraignment in Manhattan Criminal Court on charges of grand larceny and possession of stolen property.

Judge Richard Weinberg set bail at $75,000 for Sanchez, $125,000 for Pabon, and $150,000 for Joubert. He scheduled their next court appearance for Dec. 8.

The three were arrested after a meeting Tuesday inside the Trump International Hotel where a check for $1.25 million was given to Pabon by an undercover detective, a court complaint said.

Gap between league, players widens

NEW YORK -- One of the byproducts of last weekend's NBA brawl could be a poisoned atmosphere in collective bargaining talks.