A Minnesota federal judge late yesterday rejected a collusion lawsuit filed by the NFLPA against the NFL, alleging the league had a secret salary cap in '10. Stemming from the '11 settlement of the lockout and the new CBA, the lawsuit, which was filed in '12, alleges that the NFL conspired to keep salaries down in '10 when there was no cap. However, as part of the settlement of the lockout, the NFLPA agreed to dismiss all “unknown claims.” The union contended it had been duped into the concession and it should be allowed to sue. “This is precisely the danger in releasing 'unknown' claims -- a danger the NFLPA recognized and decided was worth the risk in order to settle,” Judge Michael Davis wrote in a 28-page decision. “Belated regret over that decision is not a basis for relief.” This is the second time a Minnesota district court judge has rejected the claim; Judge David Doty did so once. The NFLPA appealed to the 8th Circuit, and a three-judge panel partially reversed the Doty judgment, arguing the union should at least have a chance to argue its case. Doty recused himself, and Davis took the case. Davis yesterday ruled the NFLPA had been ably assisted by counsel and had failed to show the NFL engaged in fraud or misconduct.