Players Sue Owners

David Boies, who joined the players in a legal claim against the owners, said they have filed an antitrust complaint in Northern District of California.

The district has a history of moving cases quickly.

Boies says the case is based on a boycott of NBA teams, which is a per se violation of antitrust laws. The only question is to whether the NBA has a labor exemption.

Amongst the plaintiffs in the lawsuit are Carmelo Anthony, Chauncey Billups, Kevin Durant, Leon Powe and Kawhi Leonard.

The ultimatum offer from David Stern is quoted in the complaint.

"That's not collective bargaining," said Boies.

Boies said that it is possible to get summary judgement before the season is canceled, but their goal is to resolve it out of court. Settlement negotiations can occur at any time and "might be a pathway by which an agreement could be reached," said Boies.
They chose the Northern California district not because it "has a history of moving cases quickly," but because it has a history of being pro employees. Similarly, the NBA filed a preemptive suit against the players in a district that has a history of being pro employer. Lastly, Go Leon!