David Doty, Minnesota Federal Judge Who Shaped NFL Labor Rules, Dies at 96
Judge Doty spent nearly four decades on the bench and made rulings that changed how NFL players are paid and traded.
David Doty, a federal judge from Minnesota who helped shape the rules of the National Football League for decades, died on Saturday at the age of 96. He passed away just three days before what would have been his 97th birthday. The U.S. District Court in Minnesota announced his death on Monday. Doty was known for handling some of the most important legal cases in NFL history.
Doty grew up in Minneapolis and earned his law degree from the University of Minnesota. Before becoming a judge, he worked as a lawyer for more than 25 years. He also served in the U.S. Marine Corps for six years. His career showed a long commitment to public service in many different roles.
President Ronald Reagan appointed Doty to serve as a federal judge in Minnesota in 1987. He served on the bench for nearly 40 years. The court said he kept a busy schedule of cases until just a few months before he died. That is a remarkable record for any judge.
One of Doty's most important rulings came in the early 1990s. He decided an antitrust case involving the NFL that led to the creation of the league's free agency system. Free agency allows players to sign contracts with different teams when their current contract ends. That system is still used by the NFL today.
Doty also oversaw NFL labor matters for many years, including a case in 2011 that came just before a brief lockout. NFL team owners tried to have him removed from NFL cases more than once, according to the Associated Press. That shows how much power his decisions had over the league. His rulings affected players, owners, and fans across the country.
Chief U.S. District Judge Patrick Schiltz spoke highly of Doty after his death. He said, 'Judge Doty devoted his entire professional life to serving others -- as a Marine, as a lawyer who served not only clients but his community in many ways, and as a U.S. District Judge for nearly four decades.' Judge Schiltz also praised Doty for being humble and kind to everyone he met. He treated people from all walks of life with the same respect and care.
The NFL also released a statement about Doty's passing. Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network shared the league's words: 'Judge Doty devoted his life to public service and the law, presiding over NFL-related litigation for many years during his distinguished career.' The league offered its condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues. David Doty left a lasting mark on both the law and the sport of football.
He treated everyone -- from the guy who shined his shoes to Justices of the U.S. Supreme Court -- the same way: with kindness and compassion and a sincere interest in their lives.
Comprehension quiz preview
1. How old was David Doty when he died?
2. What system did Doty's ruling in the early 1990s help create for the NFL?
3. Who appointed David Doty as a federal judge in 1987?