The NFL is going to court. Again.
This time it’s about an on-field call in one of last season’s playoff games, setting up the potential for a dangerous precedent that could hurt every professional sports league.
A U.S. attorney has filed a $75,000 lawsuit alleging fraud for a non-call that allowed the Los Angeles Rams to beat the New Orleans Saints. An obvious helmet-to-helmet hit wasn’t penalized, sealing the victory that sent Los Angeles to the Super Bowl. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and three on-field officials have been ordered to testify under oath.
The NFL will surely fight the case. It has to. Imagine if every call by every referee in every game in every sport could be scrutinized by the legal system. “That wasn’t a touchdown; I’m taking you to court!”
It’s bad enough that many calls are already subject to video review, causing delays and confusion in most major sports leagues. Spontaneity has already been legislated out of the games. Integrity is next.