2. Background
S Bruce Matthews played in the National Football League
(NFL) from 1983 to 2002 for the Houston Oilers and later
Tennessee Titans.
S In 2008, Matthews files for workers compensation
benefits in the state of California.
S Filed due to pain and disability from injuries sustained
while playing in the NFL.
3. Background (Con’t)
S Titans and NFLMC file a grievance against Matthews, stating
he breached his employment agreement.
S The dispute stemmed from Matthews filing for workers
compensation in California, while his employment dictated
workers compensation claims to be decided in Tennessee.
S Arbitrator in case found Matthews in violation of the agreement.
S In January 2011, Matthews appeals the district court’s decision.
4. California Public Policy
S Matthews claims California has a dominant public policy, and
essentially he has universal right to seek workers
compensation in California.
S However, Matthews does not show that he was specifically
injured while playing in California or received medical attention
while in the state.
S Matthews needed to show he had enough contact with the
state in order to file for workers compensation under California
law.
5. Federal Labor Policy
S Matthews attempts to argue that the arbitration award should
be vacated, as it violates the Full Faith and Credit Clause of the
U.S. Constitution.
S Supreme Court disagrees, stating California did not have
“absolute right” to apply its law in this situation.
S Matthews could not show Full Faith and Credit Clause would
guarantee that the state of California would apply its law based
on this case.
6. Summary of Findings
S Matthews could not prove the arbitration award he was thought
to be owed violated federal labor policies (The Recorder)
S The court of appeals affirmed the order of the district court, and
Matthews lost the case (The Recorder)
7. Footnotes
S Matthews contract stated all matters of workers
compensation would need to be handled in the state of
Tennessee.
S Matthews claims were soundly defeated because they
were not supported by factual evidence.
S Even if Matthews had sustained some of his injuries in
California, it was unclear as to whether or not the state’s
workers compensation claims would have applied to him.
8. References
S The Recorder. (2012, August 6). Matthews V. National
Football League Management Council. Retrieved from
http://www.therecorder.com/id=1202566310737/Mathews
-v-National-Football-League-Management-
Council?slreturn=20150210041708
