Fans File Lawsuit Against NFL Over Cancellation Of Hall Of Fame Game, Report Says
CANTON, Ohio (CBSNewYork/AP) -- A group of fans have reportedly filed a class-action lawsuit against the National Football League after the Hall of Fame game was canceled on Sunday night due to poor field conditions.
Pro Football Talk reports four fans filed a class action lawsuit against the league and the Pro Football Hall of Fame in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio.
Attorney Michael Avenatti, who represented ticket holders for the 2011 Super Bowl who wound up without seats in Dallas, told The Associated Press on Tuesday that no fewer than 20 individuals have approached him about a class-action lawsuit. He said his firm has fielded another 10 calls about seeking further reimbursements, including travel expenses.
According to Pro Football Talk, the lawsuit is seeking the recovery of out-of-pocket costs for tickets, costs of merchandise purchased the day of the game, and the lost employment hours for fans who took time off to go to the game.
Avenatti said his clients are from a variety of states, including Wisconsin and Indiana, who came to see the Packers play the Colts.
"We have been approached by no fewer than 20 individuals who traveled to the game to participate and be ready to enjoy the game," he said. "And unfortunately they did not have the opportunity to enjoy the game, and as a result lost a significant amount of money."
The game was canceled after paint congealed and hardened on portions of the field at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium.
The NFL has not commented on the lawsuit. The Hall of Fame also has not commented.
Avenatti said the hall's plan to only refund ticket prices was far too little. He cited "greed" for that and blamed the NFL far more than he did the Hall of Fame.
"They could have offered what these fans paid for the tickets and to reimburse them for any expenses incurred" that could be proven. "The league has a history of being cheap with its fans."
Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers explained what he saw on Sunday afternoon.
"I went on the field about 4:45 to do a workout, as I wasn't playing, and I noticed right away the end zones were firm," he said. "It was like a plastic consistency, and I was surprised by that.
"They made the decision in the interest of player safety. The substance they were trying to get the paint off with, I can promise you, was not health-conscious at all. So I think they ultimately made the right decision. The tough part is you have so many fans there who paid money to be at the game, so that's the disappointing part."
Avenatti has a history of battling the NFL in court.
The lawsuit over the Dallas Super Bowl began as a multi-million class action, but was not certified and the claims were significantly pared down. Most of the plaintiffs did collect some damages and were offered replacement tickets for a future Super Bowl.
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