The leader of the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes blamed an attorney for losing a land claim to Fort Reno in Oklahoma.

Gov. Darrell Flyingman said attorney Richard J. Grellner wasn't authorized to argue the case before the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals. He said the tribe's legislature hired Grellner illegally.

Grellner disputed Flyingman and said the tribe can still make a claim to 7,000 acres at Fort Reno. At issue is when the federal government stopped using the land for military purposes.

The court said the statue of limitations to challenge the government's use of the land ran out decades ago.

Get the Story:
Tribes’ Fort Reno claim falters in court (The Oklahoman 3/18)

Appeals Court Decision:
Cheyenne-Arapaho Tribes v. US (March 17, 2009)

Related Stories:
Court rules in Cheyenne-Arapaho Fort Reno case (3/17)
Cheyenne-Arapaho land dispute inches forward (1/2)