Vince McMahon Countersues Former XFL Commissioner For $573,000

USA Today has reported that Vince McMahon has countersued former XFL commissioner Oliver Luck, to the tune of $573,000.

McMahon filed the countersuit in Thursday in Connecticut federal court, claiming that Luck was neglectful in his duties when the pandemic struck in March. McMahon also claims that Luck defied his orders regarding league personnel decisions.

The initial legal action came in April, when Luck (the father of former NFL star Andrew Luck, and an ex-quarterback himself) sued McMahon for breach of contract, following his termination. He seeks the remaining $23 million of his contract, in addition to damages and attorney fees.

Luck is alleged to have violated a McMahon order to only seek "quality football players with good character." One such instance regards former Cleveland Browns wide receiver Antonio Callaway, whose handful of legal issues led to him briefly washing out of the NFL. He ended up on the roster of the XFL's Tampa Bay Vipers last January.

The $573,000 sought by McMahon covers the balance of Callaway's contract, as well as injury compensation.

The suit reads, in part, “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 also had issue with there being rumors of troubled ex-NFL quarterback Johnny Manziel coming to the league.

The USA Today story writes, "After learning of reports that the XFL would consider signing Manziel, McMahon texted Luck “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??”

"Admitting it was a headlines ploy, Luck responded: “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.”

The XFL's assets were purchased by an ownership group that includes Dwayne Johnson and business partner/ex-wife Dany Garcia. There are plans to relaunch the league in 2022.