Opinion Pages

NFL Counsel Levy Talks About Wednesday's Hearing

While experts caution against trying to speculate the outcome of a Supreme Court decision based solely on the questions and comportment of the justices, that has not stopped observers at yesterday's American Needle v. NFL hearing from weighing in. The L.A. TIMES writes there was “skepticism from most of the judges” toward the NFL’s position, as the justices signaled that they are "not inclined to shield the NFL and other pro sports leagues from federal antitrust laws." The N.Y. POST notes the NFL "didn't seem to score a lot of winning points," as judging from the questions and comments by the justices, the NFL "didn't win the clear victory it sought." ESPN.com states comments and questions from an "unlikely combination” of justices Scalia, Breyer and Sotomayor “seemed to lay the foundation for the court to make a more limited ruling.” The WASHINGTON POST notes several justices suggested the possibility of "returning the case to the lower courts” with new instructions. The speculation will continue until the summer, as the court is expected to issue its ruling in June.