Current Dallas County court records show that the Dallas County 193rd District Court Judge Carl Ginsberg was scheduled to preside over a hearing regarding the NFL’s motion for summary judgement against The Fan Expo on Feb. 29.
Ginsburg ruled in favor of the motion the same day, junking a majority of plaintiff’s allegations the league intimidated players into not participating in The National Fantasy Football Convention in Las Vegas.
The Fan Expo sued the NFL on July 21, 2015. According to its complaint, the defendant threatened to fine and “potentially” suspend the players if they graced the NFFC.
The NFFC’s purpose was to give NFL fans the opportunity to meet current and former stars, as well as media personalities and football experts, live and in person through keynotes, panel discussions, question and answer sessions, autograph opportunities, photo ops, games, exhibits, and drafts, the suit says.
The NFL reportedly threw its support for the event after Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo announced the NFFC, but reneged shortly afterwards.
In the 20-page motion, the respondent argues that The Fan Expo’s own marketing materials recognized that the NFFC event venue was a “casino” and advertised this fact consistently.
The league’s gambling policy prohibits its players from participating in promotional activities or appearances at events held at casinos or gambling-related establishments, the motion adds.
Dallas County 193rd District Court Case No. DC-15-08119