Sports Law: Weighing the pros and cons of a lawsuit
When word spread this week that former Raiders football coach Randy Hanson sued the team and head coach Tom Cable, the reaction was mixed. While no one who has followed the saga was too surprised that Hanson finally sued, one has to consider the deeper implications of the lawsuit.
As a sports lawyer at a small firm, my clients often come to me to seek legal counsel about a perceived wrong. They are breathing fire and want someone to pay! They want to sue! As their lawyer, it is my job to ensure that they are considering all the ramifications of the lawsuit. Had Hanson approached me, the first thing I would have said to him was, “You know that you will never coach in the NFL again, right?”
Even if Hanson wins, he will be viewed as a troublemaker. No team will take a chance on hiring him. I am not necessarily saying that I would advise Hanson not to sue, but just that I would ensure that he fully comprehends everything that could result from the lawsuit. A person has to stand up for what he believes in, and if that means coming to the realization that his chosen profession is going to come to an end, then so be it. I have no problem with principle. I have no problem with people who face consequences from their lawsuits, win or lose. I just want to make sure that my clients fully grasp what they are getting themselves into.
