MIAMI – A lawyer alleges the San Antonio Spurs violated Florida's deceptive and unfair trade practices law when they sat four regulars against the Miami Heat on Nov. 29, according to published reports.
Attorney Larry McGuinness filed a class action suit in Miami-Dade County on Monday, stating that the team's head coach, Gregg Popovich, "intentionally and surreptitiously" sent their best players home without the knowledge of the league, the team and the fans attending the Nov. 29 game against the Heat. McGuinness contends that he, as well as other fans, "suffered economic damages" as a result of paying a premium price for a ticket that shouldn't cost more, reports ESPN.com.
Recommended Videos
Before the game, Popovich sent Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili, and Danny Green home. The NBA fined the Spurs $250,000, saying the team was in violation of league policy reviewed with the board of governors in April 2010 against resting players in a manner "contrary to the best interests of the NBA."
According to McGuinness, anticipation of the Spurs stars sent expectations soaring, and along with it, ticket prices. Now, McGuinness said, the Spurs should have to pay for a dim turnout.
"What they (wanted) to do is send them home for next game," said McGuinness. "More important that having us entertained. That's what I have a problem with."
McGuinness told told Local 10's Ross Palombo any proceeds from the lawsuit would go to charity.
"You pay for the porterhouse and get the cube steak," said McGuinness. "(They) should've delivered, and didn't do that."
ESPN reported the NBA wasn't named as a defendant in the lawsuit. The Spurs didn't comment on the lawsuit.