Sports and Antitrust Law

Paper Summary:

This paper reviews a court case brought against the National Football League (NFL) by a player arguing that NFL rules regarding eligibility to enter the league are conspiratorial against his ability to earn a living. The paper explains, in detail, the history and purpose of antitrust laws and the logic behind the judge's decision in the case, which declared that the NFL is indeed in violation of antitrust legislation because of the qualifications it required of players to enter the game. The paper also presents the legal position of the NFL and, in the conclusion, offers reasons why the author agrees with their position as well.

Research Problem Statement
Is the National Football League's Requirements to Enter the Draft a
Violation of Antitrust Law? If So Why? Why Does the NFL Think It Is Not a Violation?

Defining the Antitrust Legislation
Sherman Antitrust Legislation
Clayton Antitrust amendment
Presidential Support
The Maurice Clarett Case
The NFL's Position
The Effect on the Game
Judge Scheinin's Decision
Literature Review
Definition of Terms
Sherman Anti-Trust Act
Clayton Act
Basis of Judge Shira Scheinin's Decision
Other Cases
Haywood vs. National Basketball Association, 401 U.S. 1204 (1971)
Impact of Case on the League
Players Straight out of High School who Have Been Successful
Kobe Bryant
Labron James
Unsuccessful Players
The Risk to the Kids who Leave Early
Will an 18 Year Old Be Physically Tough Enough
Summary and Conclusion

From the Paper:

"It is hard to conceive how these laws apply to the ability, or inability of a person who wants to enter a professional football career, but the recent court case brought by Maurice Clarett against the NFL charged that their rules regarding eligibility to enter the league are conspiratorial against his ability to earn a living. The NFL has placed age requirements on individuals. The want to make sure that a person who applies to for the job of a football player in the NFL will have developed the talent, as well as physical and emotional maturity to be qualified for the game. None the less this recent court action by Judge Shira Scheindin has declared that the NFL is in violation of antitrust legislation because of the qualifications it required of players to enter the game."

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