NBA Lockout: Several Agents Continue To Push Decertification, Multiple Lawsuits Could Be Filed

The NBA Players Association has already announced its intentions to file for a disclaimer of interest and challenge the NBA lockout in court, but that may not be the only lawsuit the group files. Ken Berger of CBS Sports reports that those involved in the process are still pushing for the players to formally decertify as a union.

The two measures are similar, but there are some key differences that were spelled out here. According to Berger, those involved in the decertification process believe it will send a stronger statement that the move is not simply a negotiating tactic.

The agents believe that a statement from far more than the 30 percent of players required to initiate a vote ousting the union leadership will help the union's argument in federal court that the disclaimer of interest was a last resort and not a negotiating tactic or a "sham."

In addition, Berger reports that the players may file separate lawsuits for veterans under contract and for rookies and free agents. This is a similar path to what the NFL Players Association took when it filed for decertification.

Finally, Berger reports that if the players are to win a summary judgment, they could achieve over $2.4 billion in damages. That seems unlikely, but it still has to scare the owners a bit.