Haynes and Boone, LLP has secured another big litigation victory for the National Football League (NFL), this time obtaining a complete summary judgment on all claims in a lawsuit brought by the organizers of a fantasy football convention backed by Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo.
The case was filed in Texas state court and involved a National Fantasy Football Convention, which Mr. Romo’s company was planning to hold in July 2015 at the Venetian Resort Hotel Casino in Las Vegas. The plaintiff claimed that the NFL improperly interfered with the convention by informing NFL players and NFL Network on-air talent that their participation in the convention would violate the NFL’s longstanding gambling policy. Mr. Romo’s company asserted a litany of claims, including for tortious interference, fraud, and business disparagement, and sought millions of dollars in damages associated with the company’s cancellation of the convention.
On June 29, 2016, District Judge Carl Ginsberg threw out the lawsuit entirely, granting summary judgment in favor of the NFL on all claims. NBC Sports hailed the win as marking a return to the league’s “slam-dunking ways” in court.
“We are very pleased by the court’s ruling dismissing all of the NFFC’s claims in this case,” said Dallas Partner Thad Behrens. “The court’s ruling confirms what we have been saying all along—that the NFFC’s claims were baseless, and that the NFL’s actions in this matter were entirely justified and appropriate.”
The successful defense of the NFL in this case was led by Behrens and Associates Charlie Jones and Jamee Cotton.
Recent media coverage of the win:
Law360 (subscription required)