HeelByNature.com is reader-supported. When you click on links or make purchases through our site, we or our affiliated partners may earn a commission. Additionally, our site features Sponsored Content, which helps us maintain and operate the website.
According to USA Today, WWE Chairman Vince McMahon has filed a countersuit against former XFL Commissioner Oliver Luck following Luck’s lawsuit against McMahon back in April.
McMahon’s countersuit was filed on Thursday in Connecticut federal court, with claims that Luck didn’t follow orders when it came to the hiring of XFL personnel. McMahon also alleges that Luck basically abandoned his duties when the COVID-19 pandemic forced the league to suspend play in mid-March of last year.
McMahon also brought up the signing of former NFL wide receiver Antonio Callaway to the Tampa Bay Vipers, claiming that Oliver did not heed his direction when doing so. McMahon had previously mentioned a strict policy on hiring good players for the league, with Callaway having a number of flags on his profile during his time in the NFL. He would eventually suffer a knee injury prior to the XFL season even beginning.
Regarding the Callaway situation McMahon wrote in the countersuit, “Luck knowingly and deliberately deceived me – repeatedly – throughout the Callaway situation, which made me question whether I could continue to trust Luck to be the commissioner and CEO of the XFL.”
McMahon wants $572,792.10 from Luck to cover Callaway’s contract, the worker’s compensation pay owed to him, and Luck’s personal compensation from March 14 through April 9. Callaway was apparently not the only player that Oliver pursued with blemishes on their record, something McMahon makes note of as well.
Another rift between McMahon and Oliver was the pursuit of former Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Manziel. Reports are that McMahons sent Oliver the following text regarding Manziel. “How long R U going to play this game Oliver? U know there is NO CHANCE IN HELL for Manziel to play for us. I will not change my mind. So what’s Ur plan??”
Oliver responded with, “Vince – we have no intention of signing him, none whatsoever. We’re just milking the story to stay in the news. I’m happy to categorically rule him out but both Jeffrey and I think it is worthwhile to milk it until the showcases are finished (July 12). At that point we can say he doesn’t fit into our plans.”
McMahon also accuses Luck of leaving the XFL’s headquarters in Connecticut in March so he could return to his home in Indiana. The two ceased communication after that date. “Luck’s actions during the crisis caused by the COVID pandemic certainly did not meet my expectations for a Commissioner and chief executive of a sports league charged with devoting substantially all of his business time to the performance of his duties to the XFL at a time of existential threat,” says McMahon in the countersuit.
“It’s another lame attempt by Mr. McMahon’s attorneys to deflect attention from the fact that Mr. McMahon continues to refuse to pay the $24 million that he owes Oliver Luck,” an attorney for Luck wrote in an email to The Athletic in response to the countersuit.
The XFL was sold to a private equity group that is led by former WWE Champion The Rock back in the fall. The Great one claims that they plan on bringing the league back in 2022.