House Democrat to target NFL's TV antitrust exemption

WASHINGTON (AP) — A senior House Democrat says he will seek to eliminate the NFL's antitrust exemption for broadcasting contracts.

Michigan Rep. John Conyers, the top Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee, says he will introduce legislation later Monday to strip the league of its exemption.

That exemption, which allows the NFL to sign TV contracts on behalf of all teams, helped to transform the league into the economic powerhouse it is today.

Conyers' move follows the collapse of talks between the players and owners, threatening the 2011 season. The players' union has decertified, players have filed antitrust lawsuits, and the league has staged a lockout of players.