The cancellation of the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game might follow the Deflategate script and end up in court. This time, though, Roger Goodell and the NFL would be on the defensive.
Attorney Michael Avenatti is acting on behalf of those attending the ill fated Hall of Fame Game.
He has instructed Roger Goodell and Hall of Fame president David Baker to preserve “electronically stored information and other evidence in your possession, custody or control as well as in the possession, custody or control of the NFL and/or the Hall of Fame,” per Mike Florio, Pro Football Talk.
Florio also cited the letter, which stated that there is “considerable reason to believe that there are incriminating text messages relating to the cancellation of the game, which show that fans were purposely not told of the cancellation in a timely manner.”
At this point, it’s hard to tell how serious these claims are and what is just legal posturing in hopes of getting a better deal.
It is worth noting, though, that the NFL and Hall of Fame have become more accommodating in terms of refunds. Initially, they were only planning to refund ticket costs. More recently, it’s been announced that refunds will include hotels and other reimbursements.
Whether that means anything as it relates to Avenatti’s claims remains to be seen.
If there is any truth to the notion that fans were “purposely not told of the cancellation in a timely manner,” it’s a really bad look for the NFL and Hall of Fame that would be very hard to explain.