U.S. District Judge who oversaw NFL labor cases dies at 96

David Doty, the U.S. District Judge who directed numerous NFL labor matters in his Minneapolis courtroom and made a 1992 ruling that paved the way for modern free agency, has died at age 96. District of Minnesota officials announced that Doty died Saturday, three days before his birthday.

"Judge Doty devoted his life to public service and the law, presiding over NFL-related litigation for many years during his distinguished career," the league said in a statement issued after his death. "

He presided over thousands of civil and criminal cases during his judicial career, including several landmark NFL management-union disputes with a down-to-earth and pleasant demeanor that could turn stern if he felt the lawyers arguing in front of him needed to be redirected.

District Judge Patrick Schiltz said. "Despite his remarkable accomplishments, he was a genuinely humble man. He treated everyone -- from the guy who shined his shoes to justices of the U.S. Supreme Court -- the same way: with kindness and compassion and a sincere interest in their lives.

I will particularly miss his sense of humor. "

In 1990, however, he granted them freedom to pursue individual antitrust cases against the league.