NFL Subject to Antitrust Laws
Radovich v. National Football League
The Controvesy
William "Bill" Radovich alleged that the monopoly held on the NFL prevented him from having a job as he was blacklisted for trying to play with another team. His stance was that the National Football League conspired to monopolize and control professional football.
The Decision
In a 6-3 ruling, the Supreme Court decided to side with Radovich after a momentary argument over the Court's authority over statutory construction. The were open about the fact that this case changed their precedent about Antitrust laws.
Effect on the National Football League
The decision from the U.S. Supreme Court was that professional football was subject to antitrust laws. By law, market competition is maintained by regulating anti-competitive conduct from companies so that they do not become a monopoly and abuse their power or abuse consumers. The justices decided on February 25, 1957 to hold the National Football League under these restrictions.
Tom Campbell Clark
The Supreme Court member who was the leader of the majority in the case, Clark pushed for the decision and was the one who is quoted as noting the new difference in precedents.
Website: http://supreme-court-justices.findthebest.com/l/86/Tom-Campbell-Clark
Below is extra information on Antitrust Laws and how they protect not only Radovich but all citizens.
What are the Antitrust Laws?