ABSTRACT
In 1993, Houston Oilers offensive tackle David Williams missed a football game against the New England Patriots when he decided to remain in Houston with his wife for the birth of their child. Despite endless pleas from his teammates and coaches, Williams stood by his decision because he was particularly concerned about his wife’s health condition. “My family comes first,” he stated. “That’s the way I’ve always been, and that’s the way I always will be, long after I’m finished being a football player” (New York Times 1993, 22). As a result of his actions, Williams was fined one week’s salary ($111,111) and threatened with a suspension. Covered under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), he challenged the Oilers actions while his attorney threatened to file a grievance against the team if they did not withdraw their fine.1
