'87 Chronology-Business as Usual

Event Date: September 11th, 1987

Event Description: Tathams Pressing On

Source: Football News

Arizona Outlaws president Bill Tatham Jr. says its business as usual despite the U.S. Football League's damage award from its antitrust suit against the rival NFL.

Tatham told a news conference at the team's football headquarters that much of the USFL's future will be determined next week at a meeting of owners in New York.

“We're going to New York on Monday for our fall owners’ meetings,” he said. “We've invested in this community, and we're going to continue to do it. We're spending money today, we'll spend money tomorrow, and we'll spend into the fall.” 

A federal jury in New York found the NFL guilty of operating an illegal monopoly, and awarded damages of $100 million. 

The suit charged the NFL with conspiring to monopolize pro football and to undermine the Oakland Invaders and Philadelphia Stars franchises.

The NFL is set to appeal the decision regarding damages thus sending the two leagues into an indefinite period of litigation. 

“We certainly didn't expect to get the damages immediately,” he said. “But we needed the mental advantage of winning the lawsuit. We expected an appeal either way.”

Tatham said he believes each of the USFL's twelve teams is budgeted for another spring season, and that the league is keeping a close eye on the possibility of an NFL strike.

(Source: (UPI Modified)