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RENO, Nev. - John E. Williams III has been a San Francisco 49ers fan since John Brodie was throwing touchdown passes at Candlestick Park in the 1970s. So he was excited about the prospects of scoring a ticket to make the trip to Seattle in January to watch the rivals battle in the NFC Championship Game. But the Las Vegas man says in a $50 million lawsuit against the NFL that his hopes were dashed by the league and others he accuses of engaging in "economic discrimination" with an illegal ticket policy limiting credit-card sales to selected pro-Seattle markets. His lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court in Las Vegas says it was part of an effort to keep 49er fans away and further promote the Seahawks boisterous home-field advantage at CenturyLink Field. "Theyre always boasting up there about their 12th player and everything else," Williams told The Associated Press on Friday. "But by allowing the NFL to decide who can or cannot attend the games, you make it an unfair game. Seattle fixed it." Williams, who works as a promoter in the entertainment industry, said that because the NFL relies heavily on public subsidies and money from taxpayers to build stadiums. it should not be allowed to deny ticket sales to individuals on the basis they are "not from an area determined by the team — or the NFL — to be fan of that team." "The practice of withholding the sale of tickets from the public at large and allowing only credit card holders limited to certain areas is a violation of the Federal Consumer Fraud Act and/or common law," according to the lawsuit filed April 15. In the case of Januarys game, the Seahawks limited ticket sales only to credit cards with addresses in the states of Washington, Oregon, Montana, Idaho, Alaska and Hawaii, as well as the Canadian provinces of British Columbia and Alberta. As a result, he said, he suffered "economic discrimination and violation of public accommodation solely" because his credit card was not issued in the restrictive states or Canada — "which is not even part of the United States." "This selected process is contrary to the spirit of the NFL and contrary to public accommodation," said Williams, who is seeking $10 million in punitive damages on top of $40 million in real damages. Brian McCarthy, the NFLs vice-president of communications, said the league has no comment on the lawsuit. Officials for California-based Ticketmaster, which is now part of Live Nation Entertainment Inc., and the Seattle Seahawks did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Williams said he had made up his mind that if San Francisco beat the Carolina Panthers in a semifinal game, he was going to buy tickets to the NFC title game in Seattle for himself, his roommate, a girlfriend who lives in Canada and her daughter. San Francisco beat Carolina 23-10, then lost at Seattle 23-17. "I live in Las Vegas, but Im originally from San Francisco. Ive seen John Brodie back in the day, and Joe Montana. I really wanted to go up there to see the Niners," Williams said. "I think the tickets should be sold on a first-come, first-served basis, not based on who they want in the crowd." Theo Pinson Nets Jersey . -- Chris Tillman paid no attention to the Baltimore bullpen as it started to stir in the ninth inning. Spencer Dinwiddie Jersey . They named Mark Washington as their defensive co-ordinator on Thursday and appear to be closing in on an offensive co-ordinator. https://www.netsrookiesshop.com/Henry-Ellenson-City-Edition-Jersey/ . Not to be outdone, Atletico Madrid bettered its title rivals by demolishing 10-man Getafe 7-0 with Diego Costa returning from injury to score with a brilliant bicycle kick. "It was an almost perfect night," Atletico coach Diego Simeone said. Theo Pinson Jersey . Brassard and Coyotes defenceman Derek Morris were battling for position in the crease when a nudge from Morris sent Brassard on top of Smith late in the third period. Julius Erving Jersey . According to TSN Hockey Insider Darren Dreger, the New York Rangers winger skated with extras and goalies today.Gloucester scrum-half Willi Heinz has joined Billy Burns and Henry Purdy in signing a new contract. The 29-year-old moved to Kingsholm at the beginning of last season from the Crusaders, having overcome a nasty leg injury, and has become a regular in the Cherry and Whites first-team squad.He has made 24 appearances to date and recently captained the team in the European Rugby Challenge Cup win in Bayonne. Six months half price Upgrade to Sky Sports to watch Man Utd v Arsenal on Saturday and get the first six months half price Gloucester director of rugby David Humphreys said: Willi has been a really important part of the squad since his arrival. He was one of the first players that we signed at the club, and Im excited to see what more he has to give in Cherry and White.What Willi brings to the squad both on matchday and during the week is hugely valuable, with his input, his leadership and his knowledge of the game, as well as his calmness on it.We have an exciting pool of young half-backs at the club, and they all pay testament to what they can learn from Willi as well as Greig Laidlaw. England vs Fiji November 19, 2016, 2:00pm Live on Get Sky Sports Get a Sky Sports pass Christchurch-born Heinz, who is England qualified, said: When I arrived at the club from Crusaders last summer, I was taken aback by the welcome I received from the squad, the staff and the supporters, and I have been made to feel really at home in Gloucestershire.ddddddddddddehind the scenes I have loved the environment in the squad, and the drive that we all have to improve and drive this club forward. Ireland vs New Zealand November 19, 2016, 4:45pm Live on Get Sky Sports Get a Sky Sports pass I look forward to what is next for me at the club. Im still working hard to improve my game, and I hope to contribute to the team and the squad as we look to achieve our goals.Burns and Purdy signed new deals earlier in the week and Humphreys has also acquired back-row forward Carl Fearns from Lyon for next season.Upgrade to Sky Sports now to watch Man Utd v Arsenal this Saturday and get the first six months half price! Also See: Premiership home Premiership table Fixtures and results Rugby Union on Sky ' ' '