Much was made of the so called $4 billion "warchest" that the owners had negotiated with the TV networks to ensure that they'd still get paid in the event of a lockout. It gave the owners tremendous leverage over the players, who obviously wouldn't be getting paid if no games were played.
But the players won a major victory when Judge David Doty ruled that the league hadn't negotiated in good faith and potentially left money on the table in order to secure the deal. Now, the players are back in court asking for damages... and they've got Doty again.
Doty, who has often sided with the players, will not be presiding over the hearing which will determine whether whether the players can win an injunction to end the lockout. However, he will get to decide what if any damages the players receive as a result of the NFL's TV deal.
It's just another part of the big game being played here where each side is trying to get an upper hand to strengthen their bargaining position. Certainly a big money judgment for the players in this case would help their cause. If they also won the injunction to end the lockout... the players will really be in the drivers seat.
For a more in-depth explanation of the original ruling, check out our earlier story.