Ex-Patriot Owner Sullivan Sues NFL, 21 Teams for $348 Million
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PROVIDENCE, R.I. — William Sullivan Jr., former owner of the New England Patriots, filed suit Thursday against the NFL and 21 of the league’s teams for $348 million, charging they conspired to block his original plans to sell part of the franchise.
In 1987, Sullivan wanted to wipe out the team’s $20-million debt and build a financial cushion by selling 49% of the team to investment bankers. Had he been allowed, Sullivan said, he still would own the team and be reaping millions more from lucrative NFL contracts.
The NFL invoked its rule against ownership by corporations outside of football. Sullivan, who had planned to sell part of the team for $40 million, ended up selling all of it to Victor Kiam for $85 million in 1988.
“They not only cheated me and my family, but also cheated the loyal fans of New England,” Sullivan said in a statement. His son, Chuck, said Sullivan was hospitalized and unavailable for further comment.
NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said the lawsuit had no merit. “Mr. Sullivan benefited greatly by being an owner in the same NFL he is now taking to court,” he said.
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