Summary of Episode: PTFO Exclusive: The NFL's Secret Collusion Case, Revealed

Podcast Information:

• Title: The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz
• Hosts: Dan Le Batard, Stugotz
• Episode: PTFO Exclusive: The NFL's Secret Collusion Case, Revealed
• Release Date: June 27, 2025

Introduction

In this exclusive episode of "The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz," hosts Pablo Torre and Mike Florio delve deep into the intricate and controversial NFL collusion case. The discussion centers around a recently uncovered 61-page secret document that sheds light on alleged collusive activities within the NFL, particularly concerning player contracts and the management of star quarterbacks.

Background of the Collusion Case

The episode begins with the revelation of a secret 61-page document detailing a closed-door hearing that spanned ten days in July and August 2024. This hearing involved significant figures from the NFL, including Commissioner Roger Goodell, prominent quarterbacks like Lamar Jackson, Kyler Murray, Russell Wilson, and key NFLPA leaders. The core issue revolves around the NFL's alleged collusion to limit fully guaranteed contracts for players, creating a power imbalance favoring team owners.

Notable Quote:

• Mike Florio [00:06]: "Isn't the existence of the Management Council in and of itself per se collusive activity? The mere existence of it is collusive activity in my view."

Allegations of Collusion

The discussion highlights how the NFL's Management Council (NFLMC) purportedly influenced team owners to curb the trend of increasing player guarantees. This was allegedly a coordinated effort to maintain financial control and limit the obligations teams have towards their players, especially star quarterbacks.

Key Points:

• The NFLMC hosted a secret presentation in March 2022 following the Cleveland Browns' signing of Deshaun Watson to a fully guaranteed contract.
• The union, NFLPA, filed a grievance alleging that the NFL and its owners colluded to prevent fully guaranteed contracts, disadvantaging nearly 600 veteran players.
• The arbitrator, Christopher Droney, found that the NFLMC encouraged owners to reduce guarantees but did not find sufficient evidence of explicit collusion agreements.

Notable Quotes:

• Pablo Torre [02:03]: "This document... is something that you have been calling for. You've been asking for someone to investigate..."
• Mike Florio [12:54]: "Every team has the ability to make any decision it wants, but the arbitrator."

Impact on Star Quarterbacks

The episode delves into how the alleged collusion affected three star quarterbacks: Lamar Jackson, Kyler Murray, and Russell Wilson. Each faced challenges in securing fully guaranteed contracts, leading to strained negotiations and, in some cases, requests for trades.

Lamar Jackson:

• Sent a text demanding a fully guaranteed contract.
• Faced difficulties in communication with the Ravens due to technical issues.
• Despite being a two-time MVP, other teams showed limited interest post-franchise tag application.

Kyler Murray:

• Agent Eric Burkhart emphasized the importance of a fully guaranteed contract.
• The Arizona Cardinals limited guaranteed money in Murray's deal, aligning with the alleged NFLMC guidance.
• A private text exchange between Cardinals' owner Michael Bidwill and Chargers' owner Dean Spanos suggested coordination to maintain contract standards.

Russell Wilson:

• Requested a seven-year fully guaranteed contract when traded to the Broncos.
• The Broncos' new co-owner, Greg Penner, communicated with other team owners to limit guarantees, setting a benchmark against Watson's contract.
• The arbitrator cited Wilson's negotiated terms as evidence of the NFL's influence, dismissing the union's claims.

Notable Quotes:

• Pablo Torre [05:53]: "But the union did not win this. To be clear, no damages ultimately were awarded..."
• Mike Florio [43:36]: "It felt like the encouragement to collude that was introduced in March of 2022 by the management Council to the owners."

Union Dynamics and Leadership Changes

The episode examines the internal shifts within the NFLPA, highlighting the ousting of J.C. Tretter, the union president, under contentious circumstances. Tretter's removal coincided with the appointment of Lloyd Howell, a former CFO from Booz Allen, raising questions about the union's strategic direction and transparency.

Key Points:

• J.C. Tretter was ousted shortly after pushing for union solidarity and transparency.
• Lloyd Howell's appointment raised eyebrows due to his corporate background and subsequent involvement in a major procurement fraud case with Booz Allen.
• Howell's creation of the Chief Strategy Officer role for Tretter suggests possible ulterior motives and internal power struggles.

Notable Quotes:

• Pablo Torre [22:45]: "And when J.C. Tretter got elected to his second term as president, the Cleveland Browns cut him to save money..."
• Mike Florio [35:48]: "The CFO who she referenced there... happened to be J.C. Tretter's excellent, excellent new Ed Lloyd Howell."

Implications for the Future of the NFL and NFLPA

The episode concludes by discussing the broader implications of the collusion case on future NFL operations and collective bargaining agreements. With key figures like Roger Goodell approaching the end of their tenure, there's speculation about how leadership changes could impact the balance of power between the league and its players.

Key Points:

• The suppressed document could influence upcoming collective bargaining negotiations, including the potential introduction of an 18th regular-season game.
• The lack of transparency within the NFLPA raises concerns about representation and trust among players.
• The revelation of internal collusion could set a precedent for future litigation and player advocacy.

Notable Quotes:

• Mike Florio [25:30]: "The union could only dream of the solidarity that the NFL owners have been practicing behind those locked doors..."
• Pablo Torre [66:19]: "This has been Pablo Torre Finds Out a Meadowlark Media production and I'll talk to you next time."

Conclusion

This episode of "The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz" provides an in-depth exploration of the NFL's alleged collusion to control player contracts, particularly focusing on star quarterbacks. Through the examination of the secret 61-page document and the ensuing discussions between Pablo Torre and Mike Florio, listeners gain a comprehensive understanding of the power dynamics and internal conflicts within the NFL and its players' union. The revelations not only highlight past injustices but also pave the way for future challenges and changes in the landscape of professional football.