St. Louis sues NFL over Rams’ relocation

The Rams are preparing for their second season in Los Angeles, but the aftermath of their exit from St. Louis continues.

On Wednesday, the city of St. Louis sued the NFL and all of its teams and owners, alleging the league violated its relocation guidelines.

The city, St. Louis County and the St. Louis Regional Convention and Sports Complex Authority filed the lawsuit in St. Louis Circuit Court. It seeks unspecified damages for breach of contract, unjust enrichment and fraudulent misrepresentation.

“There is no legitimate basis for this litigation,” the NFL said in a statement. “While we understand the disappointment of the St. Louis fans and the community, we worked diligently with local and state officials in a process that was honest and fair at all times.”

A Rams spokesman said the team does not comment on pending litigation.

The lawsuit alleges that in the years leading up to the Rams’ relocation request, “Rams officials decided to move the team and confidentially determined that they would be interested in exploiting any opportunity to do so.”

It also said that “Rams representatives acknowledged the strong fan support in St. Louis and knowingly made the following false statements regarding the team’s intent to engage in good faith negotiations and to stay in St. Louis.”

The lawsuit cites public or published statements made by Rams owner Stan Kroenke, vice president of football operations Kevin Demoff and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. — Gary Klein

The Chargers agreed to re-sign veteran tight end Jeff Cumberland to a one-year deal. Cumberland missed all of last season after tearing his left Achilles’ tendon during a preseason game last summer. He will compete for time behind tight ends Antonio Gates and Hunter Henry.

Cumberland caught 86 passes for more than 1,000 yards and 10 touchdowns during six seasons with the New York Jets before joining the Chargers last year. — Dan Woike