The NFL Scores Legal Victory in Landmark Lawsuit
In a stunning turn of events, a federal judge has delivered a significant blow to “Sunday Ticket” subscribers in a class-action lawsuit against the NFL. Judge Philip Gutierrez recently overturned the jury’s staggering $4.7 billion verdict in favor of the league, citing faulty methodologies used by key witnesses for the subscribers.
Here’s a breakdown of the key points from this groundbreaking legal battle:
- Flawed Testimonies: Judge Gutierrez highlighted the unreliability of the testimonies provided by Dr. Daniel Rascher and Dr. John Zona, stating that their flawed methodologies compromised the integrity of the case. Without their input, the judge deemed that no reasonable jury could have found class-wide injury or damages.
- Massive Verdict Reversed: The initial jury decision on June 27 awarded an astronomical $4.7 billion in damages to both residential and commercial subscribers. This ruling stemmed from the NFL’s alleged violation of antitrust laws in distributing out-of-market Sunday afternoon games through a premium subscription service.
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Stakes Were High: The lawsuit encompassed a vast number of subscribers, including 2.4 million residential and 48,000 commercial entities in the United States. The damages awarded totaled $4,610,331,671.74 for residential subscribers and $96,928,272.90 for businesses.
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Legal Complexities: The case has a complex legal history, with previous judgments swinging in favor of both parties. In 2017, the NFL emerged victorious when Judge Beverly Reid O’Connell dismissed the lawsuit, arguing that the “Sunday Ticket” service did not diminish the availability of NFL games. However, this decision was later overturned by the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, leading to the recent trial.
What Lies Ahead: While the NFL has secured a significant legal victory, the legal battle may not be over yet. It is anticipated that the plaintiffs will likely appeal the latest judgment to the 9th Circuit Court, setting the stage for further legal proceedings.
In the ever-evolving landscape of legal battles, this case serves as a stark reminder of the complexities and intricacies involved in class-action lawsuits. As the NFL celebrates its legal win, the plaintiffs are gearing up for their next move in the ongoing saga of the “Sunday Ticket” lawsuit. Stay tuned for more updates on this high-profile legal showdown.
