Judge throws out part of Tony Romo fantasy football lawsuit against NFL
Tony Romo's legal team suffered a setback in his lawsuit against the NFL over a canceled fantasy football convention after a district court judge in Dallas threw out one of two key claims.
The lawsuit stems from a fan expo organized by Romo and his partners last year. The plan was to host a national fantasy football convention in Las Vegas. When the NFL found out it was being held at a venue associated with a hotel casino, it demanded Romo cancel the event -- claiming it violated the league's gambling policy.
Romo and his partners sued, claiming the event was not in violation of the gambling policy, since the event was not being held in a casino.
"There are numerous events where this happens over and over and the NFL does nothing,” said Michael Hurst, who is representing Romo. “The problem was the NFL wasn't getting a part of this one."
Romo's attorney argued unsuccessfully on Monday that the NFL unjustly interfered when it threatened to fine or suspend players who attended the event. As a result of the pressure, the plaintiffs claim 35 NFL players pulled out.
"The only thing I'll say is the NFL is gratified with the ruling, which was a careful analysis and we believe it was the correct one,” NFL lawyer Thad Behrens.
Despite the ruling, this case isn't over.
The judge did allow the breach of contract claim against the NFL to move forward. Romo and his partners are seeking $1 million in damages. Romo was not in court on Monday.