High-stakes fight shifts to US courts

The NBA lockout now shifts to the US courts after the players union decided yesterday it was time to “push back” and reject the latest offer from the owners.

In a high-stakes game, with the 2011-12 NBA season hanging in the balance, the players said they had no choice but to risk it all and move to disband their union and begin the process of filing an antitrust suit against the league.

“We understand the consequences of potentially missing the season; we understand the consequences that players could potentially face if things don’t go our way, but it’s a risk worth taking,” union vice president Maurice Evans said.

“It’s the right move to do.”

Billy Hunter, executive director of the union, said the union didn’t like commissioner David Stern’s ultimatum that if they didn’t accept the latest proposal then they should brace for an even harsher one when, and if, talks resume.

Hunter added he thought the latest proposal from the owners was “extremely unfair” adding they are aware what this battle might cost them. That proposal called for a 72-game season, beginning December 15.

Players ignored Stern’s warnings, choosing instead to back the union. That paved the way for a potentially lengthy lawsuit which could be filed in the next few days. It could also net them billions of dollars in damages.

Hunter said the players would be represented in a class-action suit against the NBA by lawyers Jeffrey Kessler and David Boies who were on opposite sides of the National Football League labour dispute, Kessler working for the players, Boies for the league.