ST. LOUIS -- The St. Louis Cardinals filed suit Tuesday challenging the NFL requirement that three-fourths of the league's teams approve a club's plans to relocate.
The suit was filed in New York and charges the NFL and Commissioner Pete Rozelle with violating federal antitrust laws.
The suit challenges section 4.3 of the league's constitution. The rule requires prior approval of three-fourths of the member clubs before a team can transfer its franchise.
The suit, which does not name any other clubs, alleges this procedure unreasonably restrains trade and has caused the club irreparable injury in its efforts to find a suitable stadium.
'I was reluctant to bring this action against the NFL as my family and I have been in this league for over 50 years,' said Bill Bidwill, the Cardinals' owner.
'However, in light of the litigation by my landlord at Busch Stadium and threat of litigation by the NFL commissioner, I have been specifically advised by counsel that I have no other choice.'
The Cardinals' suit alleges Rozelle threatened to sue the team if it transfers the franchise from its current home in Busch Stadium. The suit singles out New York and Phoenix as locations that have expressed interest in having the Cardinals relocate.
The suit said Rozelle's action 'paralyzed the St. Louis football Cardinals in its efforts to maintain its competitive position within the NFL and to preserve and enhance the value of its franchise.'
Busch Stadium, which seats 51,391 for football, is the second smallest stadium in the league. Its capacity is about 10,000 less than the NFL's actual average attendance.
The Cardinals' suit said the position taken by Rozelle on behalf of the league is contrary to the decision made by the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which held that section 4.3 violated federal antitrust laws.
That ruling set a precedent that would appear to favor the Cardinals. The Raiders moved from Oakland to Los Angeles in 1982 without receiving approval from three-quarters of the clubs. A jury then found that the NFL's refusal to approve the move violated antitrust laws. The Colts also moved from Baltimore to Indianapolis against the NFL's wishes.
