“Very disappointed”: Lamar Jackson NFL collusion case sparks major backlash as panel accused of ignoring key evidence

The NFL believed the collusion fight had finally ended on April 11. That feeling did not last. Within hours, strong reactions hit social media and league circles. Critics pointed to one key thing. They felt the panel ignored key evidence.

This case always carried weight because of Lamar Jackson. His contract battle with the Baltimore Ravens became the face of a bigger issue. Even now, after the final ruling, the debate refuses to slow down.

Lamar Jackson's NFL collusion case ruling draws heat as critics question ignored evidence

The issue started in March 2022. At that time, league officials warned teams about fully guaranteed deals. Then came the turning point. The Cleveland Browns gave Deshaun Watson a five-year, $230 million fully guaranteed contract.

Soon after, in October 2022, the NFL Players Association filed a grievance. It claimed teams worked together to limit deals for Lamar Jackson, Russell Wilson, and Kyler Murray. After multiple appeals, the three-judge panel upheld the dismissal on April 11, 2026.

Yet, the ruling itself raised doubts. The panel admitted in its written decision, “We cannot fathom these sophisticated business people did not comprehend they were being encouraged to limit or reduce guaranteed contracts.” Even with that line, it ruled there was not enough proof.


That contradiction triggered sharp reactions. Mike Florio, speaking through a post on X via ProFootballTalk, wrote, “The appeals panel had more than enough evidence to find that the NFL colluded as to a fully guaranteed contract,” PFT posted on X. “For whatever reason, the panel chose to ignore obvious facts and common sense”


Inside the Baltimore Ravens, Lamar Jackson’s negotiations became central to the case. The Ravens offered shorter, fully guaranteed deals. Jackson wanted a five-year structure like Watson’s. He later signed a five-year, $260 million contract in April 2023 with $185 million guaranteed.


The union did not hold back. JC Tretter said in an official NFLPA statement, “While we are disappointed by the ruling, this outcome does not erase the clear and important findings in regards to the NFL’s collusive behavior.”


The league responded the same day with a calmer tone. In its official statement, the NFL said, “We are pleased with the panel’s decision to reaffirm the dismissal of the case, bringing to an end three years of litigation.”


Even then, the story did not end. The documents, the texts, and the league memo still exist. For Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens, the verdict closed the case. It did not close the questions.







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