Judge In NFL Drug Case: Jones Can Be Deposed, Irsay Cannot

A federal court judge yesterday ordered that lawyers for former players suing the NFL over alleged prescription drug abuse can depose Cowboys Owner Jerry Jones, but denied the players’ request to depose Colts Owner Jim Irsay. Judge William Alsup ordered Jones can be deposed for “seven hours on one day,” on a date within two weeks after his team’s season ends. Alsup did not give a reason for granting the Jones request in his short, one-page order. On Irsay, he wrote simply, “The record does not justify deposing Mr. Irsay.” The NFL strongly objected to both requests.

The ex-players allege they were given illegal pain medications during their playing days, and asked to depose Irsay in part because of his own history of abusing prescription drugs. Jones made comments about the health of injured QB Tony Romo, which the former players pointed to in part as reason for his deposition. The case, Evans et al v Arizona Cardinals Football Club, LLC et al, is proceeding in federal district court in northern California.