 After the 1968 season, Salerno and Valentine filed a $4 million lawsuit against the American League and Major League Baseball, alleging defamation of character and federal antitrust violations.In 1970, as a settlement, the American League offered the umpires full reinstatement, back pay, and $20,000 in salary, but Salerno refused the deal because of a provision that stated that the umpires would have to spend time in the minor leagues to improve their skills.Salerno and Valentine lost both cases, and Salerno returned to Utica.