A lawsuit filed by the city of Oakland will be the final move pushing the Raiders away from the town, according to a report.
Oakland filed a lawsuit against the Raiders on Tuesday that alleges the team violated antitrust laws and the league’s rules when they “boycotted” the city of Oakland in their move to Las Vegas.
“The defendants brazenly violated federal antitrust law and the league’s own policies when they boycotted Oakland as a host city,” City Attorney Barbara J. Parker said. “The Raiders’ illegal move lines the pockets of NFL owners and sticks Oakland, its residents, taxpayers and dedicated fans with the bill. The purpose of this lawsuit is to hold the defendants accountable and help to compensate Oakland for the damages the defendants’ unlawful actions have caused and will cause to the people of Oakland.”
Fansided’s Jason Cole says the lawsuit filed by the city will push the Raiders out of the town after this season. He reports a team official says there is “no way” the Raiders play in Oakland in 2019 and that they will consider several other cities instead.
High ranking Raiders official said today there is “no way” the team plays in Oakland in the 2019 season after the city filed suit today. Source said there are 5 or 6 cities the team will consider, including some that already have NFL teams.
— Jason Cole (@JasonCole62) December 12, 2018
Cole says Las Vegas, where the Raiders plan to move, is unworkable for next season because they do not have any existing viable stadium options.
However, the Raiders can’t play in Las Vegas next season, the source said. Sam Boyd Stadium is just not workable.
— Jason Cole (@JasonCole62) December 12, 2018
Cole further reports that the Raiders are unlikely to play anywhere in Northern California at all.
Source also said the Raiders won’t play at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara and likely nowhere in Northern California at all.
— Jason Cole (@JasonCole62) December 12, 2018
We have previously heard the Raiders were unlikely to play in Oakland in 2019, so this isn’t too new. There is one city that’s been previously discussed as a potential interim home for the team.
The Raiders’ Las Vegas stadium is expected to be ready for the 2020 season.
