Saints support NFL in attempt to dismiss fan lawsuit over infamous playoff no-call

The call against the Saints came late in the NFC Championship loss to the Rams.

The New Orleans Saints joined the NFL in an attempt to block a fan lawsuit regarding the no-call in the NFC Championship last season.

WWL-TV reported late Wednesday the filing of a brief to the Louisiana Supreme Court to support the league after the district and appeal courts already denied the league attempt to dismiss the case.

Although appreciative of the fan support after the infamous no-call against the Los Angeles Rams, the Saints said in a court filing they "should be the sole advocate of their interest in the fair conduct of events in which they participate."

In other words, it's time to move on, which the team and many fans appear to have done.

Saints punter Thomas Morstead also supported the Saints stance regarding the last remaining fan lawsuit still in the courts.

"I've read about this no-call litigation and my message to the fans is that it's time to move on!" he wrote in a Twitter message Thursday. "We can't let courts and judges decide our contests played on the field.

"Our focus is on (Friday night) and the 2019/20 season. WE LOVE YOU ALL!"

The Saints open the exhibition season Friday at home against the Minnesota Vikings.

A lawsuit by attorney Anthony LeMon was crafted in such a way that it would not be moved to a federal court, which was where other fan lawsuits about the no-call were ultimately dismissed. 

LeMon avoided this by keeping the damages low, seeking a sum of $75,000 to be donated to a charity in support of Steve Gleason, a former Saints player whose fight with ALS has led to the creation of a foundation to help others with the condition.

Earlier this month, a Louisiana judge ordered NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and three game officials to appear for a deposition in September.

The no-call came late in the championship loss, when the Rams' Nickell Robey-Coleman hit Saints receiver Tommylee Lewis while a pass from Drew Brees was in the air.

Many argued pass interference should have been called, which could have put the Saints in position to all but seal the game with a field goal with little time remaining. Instead, the Rams had enough time for a tying field goal before winning in overtime.

After the season, the NFL altered the league replay rules so coaches can challenge pass interference calls and non-calls on a one-season trial basis.