NFL Suit Asks Raiders for Money
For the second time in 15 years, the NFL is suing the Raiders.
The league filed documents in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles on Thursday that, while not requesting that the Raiders return to Los Angeles from Oakland, will try to reaffirm NFL franchise relocation rules and collect the $3 million to $4 million annually that the Raiders owe as part of the league’s revenue-sharing agreement.
Even though his move to Oakland was approved by the league’s owners in July, Raider boss Al Davis has threatened to sue the NFL for not allowing him to move last season. He has also refused to share in the financial gains of the new stadium deal handed him by Alameda County Coliseum Commission.
The NFL’s lawsuit would preempt legal action by Davis while enforcing the league’s rules that say revenue from club seats, accompanying maintenance fees and personal seat licenses are shared by all 30 teams.
Davis had promised half of that money to the city and county.
Those monies could total $3 million to $4 million a year.
“We never want to open our season with litigation news, but there are clear disputes between the other 29 clubs and the Raiders that need immediate resolution,” said Joe Browne, league spokesman.
“In addition,” Browne said, “the Raiders have threatened league officials with an antitrust suit for over a year for failure to schedule their games in Oakland last season.”
The Raiders could not be reached for comment.
The league tried to negotiate an agreement over the disputed funds last month, before Davis signed his lease.
Davis said a deal should be worked out between the league and government officials for the money, meaning taxpayers would have to share, instead of him.
