WASHINGTON - The Washington Redskins (web | news) are still dealing with ticket controversy Thursday as ABC 7 News has learned the team has filed a number of lawsuits over the past five years against ticket holders who defaulted on multi-year ticket contracts.

Shaaron Williams, a die-hard Redskins fan and season ticket holder, was actually sued by the team he's cheered on for decades.

"It just doesn't show much class," he said. "To sue someone who doesn't have the money to start with you put them in more of a financial burden then they were in the beginning."

Williams says financially he and his wife couldn't afford to pay the last year of their six-year contract. But he says the team didn't seem to care and sued him.

"All I needed was additional time. They would still get their money -- I would've gotten my tickets -- everyone would've been happy," he said.

The front page of the Washington Post sent a chill down Traci Mayo's spine Thursday morning, causing her to wonder if the Redskins will come after her like they did the tearful 72-year-old grandmother pictured.

"I'm worried; I'm very worried," she said. "I don't know if I'll be sued or not."

Mayo was laid off from her teaching job last year, making it impossible to pay for her four season tickets.

Word that in the last five years the team has sued 125 season ticket holders who have defaulted has her worried she'll be next. The team has already sent letters warning her they could sue.

She's two years into a 10-year agreement with a balance of $52,829. "After talking to them on several occasions, letting them know I'm unemployed, it doesn't matter to them," she said. "They keep sending me notices -- call me."

Fans are now speaking out about the reported lawsuits. "You shouldn't have to be obligated if the season hasn't started," said Marcus Johnson, a fan. "You shouldn't have to pay for games you haven't been to yet."

Added Rev. Hattie Anderson, "It's the fans that bring you through, so why go against them?"

The season ticket agreements do included language informing buyers they'll be liable for the value of the entire agreement and can be sued.

According to the team, an average of 20 to 30 Redskins fans are taken to court by the football club each year. Team officials say they have no choice but to take legal action when the fans "default on their obligations."

The Redskins are currently preparing for a game in Jacksonville, Fla., and ABC 7 News caught up with the team's general counsel via telephone who said less than half a percent of season ticket holders end up in default.

"We bend over backward for these people to try and resolve it which is why we have so few of these that actually go to litigation," said David Donovan of the Redskins general counsel.

"They won't negotiate with us, and we find ourselves in this situation where with a long-term contract we feel we have no choice but to engage in litigation with these people," added Donovan.

According to team officials, in many instances suite or club seat holders just refuse to pay. They use their tickets and then bounce checks or dispute credit card charges.

But Williams says he tried to opt out or at least extend the time to pay before the 2008 season even started. He says the team canceled his tickets but charged him anyway.

"I tried to make an arrangement with them where they still get their money, where I still get my tickets -- even if I have to sell them to somebody else or sell part of them to somebody else," he said.

Team officials say they always offer payment plans for multi-year contracts. They also say they have the right to resell tickets after someone defaults.

The Washington Post cited nine NFL teams that do not sue season ticket holders.

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