SportsSuper Bowl

Actions

Lawsuit against the NFL to change outcome of NFC title game dismissed

Posted
and last updated

A federal judge threw out a lawsuit on Thursday after fans of the New Orleans Saints took the NFL to court after a botched call in the NFC title game.

On January 20, the seven referees working the game in the Superdome did not call a pass interference, which was considered a blown call . Instead of the Saints getting setup for a potentially game-winning touchdown, the Rams ended up winning the game in overtime following the blown call. The result gave the Rams a Super Bowl berth.

In one suit filed by attorney Frank D'Amico Jr., it is noted that the NFL Commissioner has the ability to replay part or all of the game per league rules. Saints receiver Michael Thomas tweeted at the NFL last week also calling for part or all of Sunday's game to be replayed.

On Wednesday, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell claimed he did not have the authority to call for a replay of the game.

D'Amico's suit, on behalf of season ticket holders Tommy Badeaux and Candis Lambert, claims the plaintiffs suffered emotional trauma and a loss of enjoyment of the game, the Advocate reported.

A second lawsuit was filed by Darrell Guillory, who claimed he was defrauded by the NFL for it not enforcing its own rules. The lawsuit, which is setup as a class-action suit, names the NFL, the State of Louisiana and four of the referees as defendants.

Guillory said he has suffered “intentional infliction of emotional distress," and asks for repayment for the cost of game tickets, parking, hotels and travel.

The second lawsuit remains dormant, according to the Advocate .