NFL Lawsuits on Free Agency Are Settled

A federal judge gave preliminary approval Friday to the out-of-court settlement that opens the way for NFL free agency on Monday.

David Doty, who presided over the lawsuits that led to the NFL labor settlement, said the agreement settles the cases pending in federal and state courts, including the class-action suit filed by Reggie White of the Philadelphia Eagles. Doty gave all sides until April 2 to file objections.

“We are pleased that Judge Doty has granted preliminary approval today to the labor settlement agreement,” said Joe Browne, the NFL’s chief spokesman. “The signing period for the restricted and unrestricted veteran free agents will begin as scheduled next Monday, March 1.”

Doty set a final hearing date for April 16.

Frank Rothman, a lawyer for the NFL, said the league was satisfied. “I’m pleased it was approved,” he said. “I think the settlement was a fair one.”

The 190-page agreement includes provisions to pay $175 million in damages to players, plus $20 million to reimburse legal fees.

“I’m pleased with what happened today,” said Gene Upshaw, executive director of the NFL Players Assn. “It’s a combination of all the work we put together and put it in a position where it’s legal at least on a preliminary basis.”

The settlement includes nearly unrestricted free agency for NFL players with five years’ experience whose contracts expire. It also includes a salary cap that takes effect when players’ salaries reach 67% of gross revenue, a reduction in the draft from 12 to seven rounds and a ceiling on rookie salaries.