Photo by The NFL is no stranger to controversy, and the latest class-action lawsuit against the league is just the latest example. The lawsuit, filed by ‘Sunday Ticket’ subscribers, claims that the NFL broke antitrust laws by selling its package of Sunday games aired on CBS and Fox at an inflated price. The subscribers also say that the league restricted competition by offering ‘Sunday Ticket’ only on a satellite provider.
Goodell is expected to testify in the trial
The lawsuit covers 2.4 million residential subscribers and 48,000 businesses who paid for the package of out-of-market games from the 2011 through 2022 seasons on DirecTV. The league maintains that it has the right to sell ‘Sunday Ticket’ under its antitrust exemption for broadcasting, but the plaintiffs argue that this exemption only covers over-the-air broadcasts and not pay TV.
‘We think it’s important for it to be a premium product that’s complementary to our telecasts. And so long as it’s a premium product, the market will govern the extent of distribution,’ said Fox Sports Executive Vice President Larry Jones.
The trial has already seen some big names take the stand, including NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones. The jury is expected to receive instructions and hear closing arguments soon, and a verdict could have major implications for the league.
In other NFL news, the Atlanta Falcons have signed quarterback Michael Penix Jr. to a four-year, $22.8 million rookie contract. The deal includes a $13.56 million signing bonus, and Penix is expected to serve as a backup to Kirk Cousins, who signed a four-year, $180 million contract with the Falcons earlier this year.
Penix was a surprise pick in the 2024 NFL draft
The Falcons’ decision to draft Penix was seen as a surprise by many, given that they had just signed Cousins to a big contract. However, general manager Terry Fontenot explained that the team believes in Penix’s potential and wants to have a young quarterback waiting in the wings.
‘If you believe in a quarterback, you have to take him,’ Fontenot said. ‘And if he sits for four or five years, that’s a great problem to have because we’re doing so well at that position.’
The Falcons’ strategy may be unorthodox, but it could pay off in the long run if Penix develops into a top-notch quarterback.
Suamataia is a top prospect in the 2024 NFL draft
Meanwhile, the NFL draft is just around the corner, and teams are busy scouting top prospects like Kingsley Suamataia, a tackle from BYU. Suamataia has a broad, thick frame and good arm length, and is known for his easy movement skills and ability to track and intersect with defenders. However, he also has some flaws, including an upright playing style and inconsistent hand placement.
‘Suamataia has the physical tools of a starting tackle with an unrefined skill set that is built on flashes rather than proven consistency,’ said one scout.
Despite his flaws, Suamataia is expected to be a top pick in the draft, and could make an immediate impact for the team that selects him.
The 2024 NFL draft is just around the corner
The NFL draft is always a time of excitement and anticipation, and this year’s crop of prospects is no exception. With top talent like Suamataia and Penix Jr. waiting to be snatched up, teams will be eager to make their picks and start building for the future.
