Houston Texans Founder’s Son Files Lawsuit Against NFL

In a move that's causing a stir, Robert Cary McNair Jr., offspring of the founders of the Houston Texans, is taking legal action against the National Football League. His legal representative has stated that the lawsuit revolves around claims of 'tortious interference.'

The legal term 'tortious interference' provides an avenue for plaintiffs to demand monetary compensation when a defendant deliberately and improperly intervenes in a business or contractual interaction, as outlined by Cornell Law School.

Lawsuit Details

Filed on a Thursday within the New York State Supreme Court, the lawsuit sees attorney Tony Buzbee acting on behalf of McNair Jr. He is demanding damages exceeding $60 million, based on claims of a scheme involving the current owner and CEO of the Houston Texans, Cal McNair, in alliance with the NFL.

The allegations put forward by McNair Jr. suggest that he raised questions about player-related controversies that might affect the NFL and its operations, allegedly leading to efforts by the league to quiet him.

Allegations of Business Meddling

The lawsuit also accuses the NFL of playing a role in restructuring the McNair family’s business dealings and familial trust, a strategy that apparently involved positioning Cal McNair as the family’s voice within team activities, a typical role for family members involved with team ownership.

It’s claimed that McNair Jr. was systematically removed from influential positions in family-run ventures, effectively ensuring he could not affect any decisions related to the league.

Comments from the Legal Team

In a public declaration, Buzbee asserted that the evidence would clearly illustrate that the NFL took steps to oust Cary McNair from his executive role in a calculated effort to suppress his voice.

CBS News has reached out to both the NFL and the representatives of McNair family interests, as well as the Houston Texans, seeking their responses to these claims.

Background on Robert McNair Sr.

The late Robert McNair Sr. parted ways with his energy enterprise, Cogen Technologies, through a lucrative sale to Enron valued at $1.5 billion back in 1999. That same year saw him establish the Texans franchise and engage in numerous philanthropic initiatives alongside his wife, Janice. His passing occurred in November 2018.