In the latest development since NBA lockout negotiations went terribly wrong, players filed their first antitrust complaint against the league on Tuesday in Minnesota. Players are expected to file another suit in California later on Tuesday evening.
The first antitrust suit was filed in Minneapolis, where the AP reports that "NFL players had some level of success in a similar court proceeding this summer." Timberwolves guard Anthony Tolliver and forward Derrick Williams, along with Ben Gordon and free agent Caron Butler are the referenced plaintiffs in that case.
The complaint argues on behalf of the players that the lockout "constitutes an illegal group boycott, price-fixing agreement, and/or restraint of trade in violation of the Sherman Act."
Minnesota was the only team in the NBA with a worse record (17-65) than Cleveland (19-63) last season, and like Cleveland, they are one of the youngest, most inexperienced teams in the league.
The second lawsuit being filed in California reportedly will list Carmelo Anthony, Chauncey Billups, Kevin Durant, Kawhi Leonard and Leon Powe as plaintiffs.