NFL intends to file motion to dismiss Jim Trotter’s lawsuit

Former NFL Media reporter Jim Trotter filed a lawsuit in September, prompting a response from the NFL. In a four-page letter addressed to U.S. District Court Judge Paul Crotty, the NFL, represented by former Attorney General Loretta Lynch, indicated its intention to file a motion to dismiss Trotter’s case. The letter also provided insight into the league’s position regarding Trotter’s termination.

According to Lynch, the NFL renewed Trotter’s contract for an additional three years in March 2020. However, in March 2023, the NFL decided not to renew the contracts of several reporters, including Trotter, as part of a cost-cutting measure and a strategic shift towards interactive media. Lynch’s letter portrays the NFL’s decisiveness and well-documented reasoning behind Trotter’s termination.

Trotter alleges that the decision was motivated by discrimination and retaliation, citing federal, state, and local laws. However, Lynch counters by stating that Trotter’s complaint lacks sufficient evidence of any protected activity related to retaliation claims.

The letter also rebutted Trotter’s discrimination claim and disputed his ability to seek claims under New York State or New York City law, given his California residency. This indicates the NFL’s intention to delay the discovery process by seeking a stay pending resolution of the motion to dismiss.

In response to the NFL’s position, Doug Wigdor, Trotter’s attorney, expressed confidence in the case’s success and criticized the NFL’s attempt to delay proceedings.

Trotter’s case is expected to play out in a public courtroom rather than in the NFL’s preferred arbitration setting. Regardless of the outcome, the case is likely to unfold in a public forum, shedding light on the NFL’s handling of legal claims.

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John Smith

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