The 10 Biggest NFL Lawsuits in History: A Closer Look

By Jason Bolton September 02, 2024 08:23 GMT+4 min read

Photo by Ryan Gonzalez/USFL

The NFL is a sports juggernaut that has been involved in some of the most interesting legal disputes this country has ever seen. The lawsuits made policy for the league and affected its players while molding a professional sports template across North America. From antitrust to player safety, these legal challenges will continue reverberating throughout the NFL. This article takes a deep dive into ten cases that have left an indelible mark on NFL law, from examining where they came from and how well-crafted their legal arguments were to providing what we hope will be lasting lessons.

1. Radovich vs. NFL

Description and Background

Radovich vs. NFL, a case that established how professional football would be handled under antitrust laws nice house design. All of these factors are why the Second Circuit held years ago that when George Radovich sued, claiming NFL blacklisting after he left to play in a rival league, his suit should be tossed.

Legal Arguments and Outcome

The U.S. Supreme Court placed the NFL under antitrust laws, and it also correctly treated the NFL as multiple teams rather than a single entity, thus allowing for increased bargaining power on behalf of players.

Implications

The verdict set a standard for other antitrust suits and indelibly impacted player movement and team bargaining in the league.

2. USFL vs. NFL

Description and Background

The USFL sued the NFL on antitrust grounds, alleging that there was a conspiracy to eliminate competition by preventing players under contract from leaving.

Legal Arguments and Outcome

The court sided with the USFL, giving them just $1 million in damages. The case magnified the muscle of the NFL and what rival leagues are up against.

Implications

This lawsuit essentially ended the USFL's expansion challenge and cemented the NFL as the dominant professional football league in America.

3. American Needle vs. NFL

Description and Background

Small apparel maker American Needle sued the NFL after the league signed an exclusive deal with Reebok, alleging antitrust.

Legal Arguments and Outcome

The Supreme Court unanimously decided that each of the NFL's 32 teams is separate in antitrust law, so American Needle still has things to say.

Implications

This ruling allowed for massive antitrust lawsuits and influenced how licensing deals were made.

4. NFL Concussion Litigation

Description and Background

The NFL settled thousands of lawsuits brought by former players who accused the league of hiding information about concussions.

Legal Arguments and Outcome

It later settled for $765 million, promising money to damaged players in addition to research.

Implications

Ultimately, this lawsuit triggered overhauls in player safety rules and brought more attention to head injuries being linked to football.

5. Colin Kaepernick vs. NFL

Description and Background

Colin Kaepernick sued the NFL, claiming collusion/fraudulent prevention from returning to playing in the NFL because he kneeled during the national anthem.

Legal Arguments and Outcome

He said the case was resolved privately, and the terms of that resolution are confidential.

Implications

Kaepernick's case sparked a national discussion of free speech, racial inequality, and whether athletes have a place in social justice movements.

6. St. Louis vs. The Los Angeles Rams

Description and Background

The City of St. Louis sued the NFL and its teams over the Rams' move to Los Angeles, alleging breach of contract and unjust enrichment.

Legal Arguments and Outcome

The NFL neither admitted nor denied guilt, paying $790 million to settle the lawsuit.

Implications

Such a case underscored the financial and emotional toll team relocations take on regional communities; it also made for a landmark regarding relocation quarrels.

7. "Spygate" and "Deflategate"

Description and Background

The New England Patriots centered around two major scandals: They were caught filming opponents' signals in "Spygate" and fielded under-inflated footballs known as the controversial "Deflategate."

Legal Arguments and Outcome

The NFL fined the Patriots and suspended quarterback Tom Brady.

Implications

The cases highlighted the need to protect competitive integrity, ultimately resulting in NFL enforcement changes.

8. Michael Vick's Dog Fighting Business

Description and Background

In 2007, Michael Vick, an elite-level quarterback, was caught running a dogfighting ring and subsequently suspended from the NFL.

Legal Arguments and Outcome

Vick served 21 months in prison before returning to the league, where he went on to win Comeback Player of the Year.

Implications

The case highlighted personal conduct and put the NFL in a position to discipline off-field behavior.

9. The "Bountygate" Scandal

Description and Background

The New Orleans Saints ran a bounty program, giving players financial incentives to injure opponents.

Legal Arguments and Outcome

The NFL hammered the team with heavy financial penalties and suspensions, including a season-long ban for head coach Sean Payton.

Implications

It should be lauded for placing a greater emphasis on player safety and empowering the idea that team coaches have an ethical responsibility as well.

10. NFLPA vs. NFL Over Covid-19 Protocols

Description and Background

The NFLPA (the National Football League Players Association) would challenge the league's health and safety protocols against COVID-19.

Legal Arguments and Outcome

Negotiations mediated the dispute, ultimately altering protective protocols for players and staff.

Implications

The case underscored the need for cooperation between leagues and players' unions to tackle health crises.

The NFL has spent years defending various legal actions that have fundamentally altered how the league functions, player rights, and public consumption. These lawsuits have forced policy changes and better safety standards for players and ignited larger social conversations. The NFL is here to stay, and with the various legal challenges that continue to hound it, you can be certain that these cases will shape its future as an ever-evolving league that plays a far more influential role in all sports.