Sean McManus has denied any involvement in the Sunday Ticket price-gouging scandal that has been making headlines recently. The presiding judge is considering throwing out the class action lawsuit due to doubts about the plaintiffs’ lawyers handling the case effectively. Many suspect that the NFL intentionally manipulated the price of the out-of-market Sunday Ticket package to protect CBS and Fox in-market packages, while others disagree.
Former CBS Sports chairman, Sean McManus, refuted claims on Tuesday that he knew about the NFL controlling the Sunday Ticket pricing or that CBS had a deal with the NFL to keep prices high to drive fans to watch games on local networks. McManus sent an email in 2011 asking for clarification on Sunday Ticket pricing, suggesting that the package should be sold at a premium to limit distribution. This email could be seen as evidence of potential price-fixing.
McManus also stated that he would have preferred Sunday Ticket not exist at all, as it impacted CBS ratings negatively. However, he mentioned that CBS used to be compensated for their feeds on Sunday Ticket, but that is no longer the case. The league’s official response denies any specific promises regarding Sunday Ticket pricing, hinting at the possibility of an informal agreement to keep prices high.
The case has become complex due to the NFL’s tight control and conflicting statements from the involved parties. The judge has criticized the plaintiffs’ lawyers for overcomplicating the matter. The core questions revolve around why Sunday Ticket prices remain high and why a single-team option is not available.
There is a lack of transparency in the NFL’s dealings with CBS, Fox, and DirecTV regarding Sunday Ticket pricing. The plaintiffs argue that the high prices are meant to boost CBS and Fox ratings, rather than offering fans choices. The NFL’s lawyer claims the case is about choice and maximizing free broadcast viewership, but the expensive Sunday Ticket prices suggest otherwise.
The ongoing legal battle highlights the challenges of taking on high-powered defense counsel in complex cases. The focus should be on uncovering the truth behind the pricing strategies rather than getting lost in legal technicalities. The judge’s frustration with the intricacies of the case indicates a need for clarity and straightforward arguments.
In conclusion, the Sunday Ticket scandal raises questions about the NFL’s pricing practices and its impact on viewership. The conflicting narratives from the parties involved underscore the need for a thorough investigation into the alleged price-gouging scheme. The outcome of the case will determine whether fans have been unfairly manipulated for the benefit of network ratings.
