Times wires
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
MINNEAPOLIS — The federal judge who lifted the NFL lockout dealt another blow to the league late Wednesday, denying its request to put her ruling on hold and guaranteeing more limbo for the $9 billion business.
U.S. District Judge Susan Richard Nelson wrote that the NFL "has not met its burden for a stay pending appeal, expedited or otherwise." She dismissed the NFL's argument that it is facing irreparable harm because of her decision Monday to end the lockout.
"In short, the world of 'chaos' the NFL claims it has been thrust into — essentially the 'free-market' system this nation otherwise willfully operates under — is not compelled by this court's order," Nelson wrote.
The judge acknowledged that her decision will be appealed to the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in St. Louis, and the NFL has promised that step. There was no immediate word from the league after Nelson's decision.
The ruling means the league has no rules in place, shelved since the collective bargaining agreement ended March 11.
Bronco stabbed: Defensive end Jason Hunter was stabbed in his left shoulder and taken to a hospital in Detroit for treatment. His agent said the wound wasn't life-threatening, just stitches.
Haynesworth case: Albert Haynesworth allegedly slid his credit card into the bra of a waitress and touched her breast, according to court papers filed in Washington offering the Redskins defensive lineman a plea deal. Haynesworth's lawyer said Haynesworth would not take the deal and would fight the misdemeanor sexual abuse charge.
Madden cover: Browns running back Peyton Hillis received 66 percent of the fan vote and will grace the cover of the Madden NFL '12 video game, beating Eagles QB Michael Vick.