Man thrown over railing in violent brawl outside SoFi Stadium after Chargers game in September. The man was injured by a security camera at the stadium that’s since been deactivated. (Michael Ciaglo/The San Diego Union-Tribune via AP)
A man who was kicked out of the San Diego Chargers’ stadium after being ejected from Friday night’s game with the Oakland Raiders is suing the NFL, saying the league is liable for his injuries.
San Diego Superior Court Judge John King tossed out the suit by John R. Lopez, who says he was kicked out of the game for cursing and throwing a punch after being ejected. The judge ruled Friday that the claim was too vague.
“Defendant’s motion is granted,” King stated on behalf of NFL attorneys. “Plaintiff’s pleadings lack sufficient specificity to survive the rule of reason and survive a motion to dismiss.”
The NFL said in a statement that the suit “was filed in bad faith and without any merit.”
“We are reviewing the dismissal of this case on behalf of the league and take all necessary steps to make sure our fans and their families, when they experience anything at NFL games and other live sporting events, have a safe, positive and enjoyable experience,” NFL Vice President of Communications Chris McGowan said.
Lopez was arrested by security after being ejected during Friday night’s game in what is believed to be the first police chase in Raiders history. The video evidence of the brawl that followed, captured by stadium surveillance cameras, is now on YouTube.
According to the lawsuit, Lopez was ejected when he threw a punch at the security officer, then became irate and threw the security officer into a glass case full of drinks. Lopez tried to run but was tripped up by a security officer. After security officers tackled Lopez to the ground, he punched at the security officer and threw a punch of his own, according to the complaint.
Then, he was kicked out of the ballpark for making “repeated abusive and profane statements.”
