Fans to Sue NFL Over Hall Of Fame Game Cancellation

(photo credit: movietvtechgeeks.com)

The absolute disaster that resulted from the cancellation of the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Sunday continued on Tuesday, as a number of fans that attended the game in Canton, OH are looking to sue the NFL and the Hall of Fame after the game was called off due to poor field conditions. The game was canceled after the paint at midfield and in the end zone congealed, which would’ve put the players safety at risk. 

The players did meet with the fans to sign autographs, but they couldn’t play the game, which angered many fans. Attorney Michael Avenatti told the Associated Press that at least 20 fans who attended the game approached him about filing a class-action lawsuit against the NFL. This isn’t the first time that Avenatti has represented fans in a case against the NFL, as he represented a Dallas Cowboys ticket holder who didn’t get his tickets for the Super Bowl in 2011, which was held at AT&T Stadium in Dallas. 

Avenatti says that his clients are from many states, including Indiana and Wisconsin, which are the home states of the two teams that were supposed to play (Colts and Packers). Hall of Fame President David Baker said that fans tickets would be refunded, but he didn’t comment on if there would be additional reimbursement. “We have been approached by no fewer than 20 individuals who traveled to the game to participate and be ready to enjoy the game,” Avenatti said. “And unfortunately they did not have the opportunity to enjoy the game, and as a result lost a significant amount of money." 

When approached by the Associated Press, the NFL and the Hall of Fame declined to comment about the planned lawsuit. “They could have offered what these fans paid for the tickets and to reimburse them for any expenses incurred, Avenatti added. “The league has a history of being cheap with its fans.” NFL executive Troy Vincent took responsibility for the canceled game, but until the NFL and the Hall of Fame agree to cover the costs of travel for those who were going to attend the game, they will have to deal with a lawsuit.