No ruling from Judge Doty on TV damages

U.S. District Judge David Doty did not make a ruling on damages regarding the league's TV deal on Thursday. A ruling is expected early next week.

According to reporters at the court in Minneapolis, Doty heard arguments from the owners and the players and is taking everything under advisement.

Doty ruled in favor of the players in the case on March 1, making $4 billion of money unavailable to owners during the lockout. That decision reversed a decision by special master Stephen Burbank.

The players argued that the owners had set up the TV contracts they had negotiated as lockout insurance and they are hoping to receive a reported $707 million in damages from Doty. The league is sure to appeal Doty's decision on damages.

According to NFL Network's Albert Breer, Doty said he was disappointed the two sides were in his court because he expected a settlement by this point.

The way we see it

The waiting game in the courts continues, as Doty will not hand down damages until next week. And then that will be appealed, making it difficult for the players to use that as leverage in negotiations.

The next landmark date for the lockout is coming May 16, when the two sides resume mediation sessions with Chief Magistrate Arthur Boylan. June 3 is when the league's appeal of Judge Susan Nelson's decision to end the lockout will begin.

Source: http://www.profootballweekly.com/2011/05/12/no-ruling-from-judge-doty-on-tv-damages

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