Miami Heat fan Larry McGuinness filed the class-action suit last week in Miami-Dade County, claiming that Spurs coach Gregg Popovich sent his top players home without the knowledge of the league, the team and the fans attending the game against the Heat last year.

Fair trade law

According to US sports broadcaster ESPN, Mr McGuinness alleges the Spurs coach rested his top players for a match he didn’t deem crucial to his side’s league fortunes and that in doing so he violated the state's deceptive and fair trade practices law. The lawyer claims and he and other fans ‘suffered economic damages’ for paying extra for a ‘premium’ ticket, as San Antonio is ranked by the Heat’s front office. Although fans are never guaranteed to see their favourite players, some teams charge fans extra to attend highly fancied games.
‘It was like going to Morton's Steakhouse and paying $63 for porterhouse and they bring out cube steak.’ The porterhouse Mr McGuinness was alluding to included Spurs stars Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili and Danny Green.

Fine

National Basketball Association commissioner David Stern apologised to fans for coach Popovich's actions, calling his decision ‘unacceptable’. The NBA, which is not named as a defendant in this case, has since fined the team $250,000.
Mr McGuinness – who at least got to see his team edge a 105-100 win -- said he didn't believe the Spurs were served with the lawsuit yet. A Spurs spokesman declined to comment.