Leagues poised to challenge N.J. over sports betting

NEWARK, N.J. — Four major professional sports leagues and the NCAA are poised to move forward with their legal battle over New Jersey's plans to allow sports gambling.

That comes after a judge on Friday rejected arguments that the leagues couldn't prove they would be harmed if the state moves ahead with its plans to allow sports gambling.

NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy declined comment on the ruling, telling The Associated Press on Saturday that “the decision speaks for itself.”

Stacey Osburn, director of public and media relations for the NCAA, said it was “pleased with the court's ruling.”

Phone messages left Saturday for officials with the NBA and NHL were not immediately returned.

A voice mail for a Major League Baseball spokesman was full and would not accept messages on Saturday morning.