Cleveland Browns owner loses round in deposition fight

MOBILE, Ala. (AP) — Cleveland Browns owner Jimmy Haslam is a step closer to having to answer questions about fraud at the truck stop chain where he is president and CEO.

Haslam has denied any knowledge of the fraud that has cost Pilot Flying J $177 million in settlements with customers and the government. He has not been charged criminally and for three years has fought legal efforts by trucking companies to depose him about the scheme.

Mobile-based Wright Transportation is one of several firms suing Pilot in state court.

On Friday, Mobile Circuit Court Judge Sarah Stewart declined Haslam’s request to reconsider an order requiring him to give a deposition in the case. On May 13, the court will hear arguments on another motion that attempts to stop the deposition.