Robert Cary McNair Jr., son of the late Houston Texans founder robert McNair and Janice McNair, has filed a lawsuit against the National Football league alleging “tortious interference” in his family’s business affairs. The suit, filed Thursday in New York state Supreme Court, seeks damages exceeding $60 million.
The legal action centers on claims that the NFL conspired with current Texans owner and CEO Cal McNair to limit Robert Cary McNair Jr.’s influence within the family’s business holdings, specifically related to the football team. “Tortious interference” under the law allows a plaintiff to seek damages when a defendant intentionally disrupts a contractual or business relationship, according to Cornell Law School.
Attorney tony Buzbee,representing McNair Jr., alleges the NFL sought to “silence” his client after he raised questions about player scandals and their potential implications for the league. The lawsuit claims the NFL intervened in the restructuring of the McNair family business and trust, leading to Cal McNair being designated as the owner’s representative – a role traditionally held by a family member overseeing team operations.
According to the complaint, McNair Jr. was deliberately excluded from notable roles within the family businesses to prevent him from “exercise[ing] no influence over NFL-related matters.” Buzbee stated, “We believe the evidence will be clear and overwhelming that the NFL intervened in the mcnair family business to remove Cary McNair from his position as CEO, in an effort to silence Cary McNair.”
The lawsuit arrives years after the death of Robert McNair Sr., who founded the Texans in 1999 after selling his power company, Cogen Technologies, to Enron for $1.5 billion. He and his wife, Janice, also established numerous charitable organizations. mr. McNair passed away in November 2018.
CBS News has reached out to the NFL, McNair Interests, and the Houston Texans for comment.
