Rather than pursuing damages in a separate civil action, the victim files a civil claim against the offender as a part of a criminal trial.
But it shows real cunning to pursue damages in the law courts for shortfalls in one's own conduct.
Players other than the free agents, the union proposed, should be free to pursue damages if they have been damaged by a "ripple effect."
He also demanded an immediate retraction and said he might pursue "massive damages."
Vaughn was the only player to pursue legal damages brought on by the controversy.
The suit sought to void the settlement, and to pursue damages in a trial rather than by arbitration, as specified in his contract.
It allows major retailers to pursue financial damages from anyone they believe has ripped them off, side-stepping the courts and the police.
At the time, a Prudential spokesman said the company would still pursue damages.
Warman would have pursued damages of $175,000, but waived the larger claim so that he could proceed under simplified rules of court.
Other players, the association added, should be free to pursue individual damages if they have been damaged by "various forms of 'ripple effect.' "