In a recent class-action lawsuit filed by “Sunday Ticket” subscribers against the NFL, U.S. District Judge Philip Gutierrez criticized the jury for not following his instructions in determining damages. The judge expressed his concerns during the NFL’s post-trial motion, questioning the jury’s calculations and decision-making process. Gutierrez emphasized the importance of proving the reasonableness of assumptions behind the damages calculation and warned against guesswork or speculation.
The federal jury awarded an excessive $4.7 billion in damages to residential and commercial subscribers, alleging that the NFL violated antitrust laws in distributing out-of-market Sunday afternoon games. The lawsuit covered millions of subscribers who paid for the package on DirecTV, claiming that the league sold the package at an inflated price and restricted competition by offering it exclusively on a satellite provider. However, experts in the case presented different damages calculations, which significantly varied from the jury’s final amount.
NFL attorney Brian Stekloff criticized the damages amount awarded by the jury, describing it as indefensible during his statements to Gutierrez. The attorney highlighted discrepancies between the jury’s decision and the evidence presented at trial, raising doubts about the legality and support for the verdict. Given the potential triple damages under federal antitrust laws, the NFL could face a significant financial burden if the verdict is upheld.
In defense of the jury’s decision, Marc Seltzer, representing the “Sunday Ticket” subscribers, maintained that the evidence supported their case from the beginning. While the subscribers stand by the verdict and the damages awarded, the NFL continues to challenge the ruling, seeking to set aside the jury’s decision based on legal grounds and insufficient evidence.
As the case progresses, the NFL has indicated its intention to appeal the verdict, potentially taking the matter to higher courts such as the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals and even the Supreme Court. Any payments of damages and changes to the “Sunday Ticket” package would be stayed until all appeals have been exhausted, prolonging the legal proceedings and uncertainty surrounding the case outcome.
The recent NFL class-action lawsuit verdict highlights discrepancies in damages calculations, jury decisions, and legal interpretations. The conflicting arguments presented by both parties raise questions about the fairness and validity of the outcome, emphasizing the need for a thorough review of the evidence and legal standards applied in the case. As the legal battle continues, the final resolution and implications for the NFL, subscribers, and media distribution models remain uncertain.
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