Ann Arbor, Michigan – In a significant legal move, four former players from the University of Michigan have launched a class-action lawsuit against the NCAA and the Big Ten Network, claiming they have been “wrongfully and unlawfully denied” the chance to profit from their name, image, and likeness (NIL). The plaintiffs, which include notable names like former quarterback Denard Robinson and wide receiver Braylon Edwards, are seeking over $50 million in damages for what they argue is a long history of exploitation surrounding iconic moments they created during their college careers.
The lawsuit focuses on players who participated in college football at Michigan prior to 2016, arguing that these athletes should have had the opportunity to earn from their fame and recognition. As it stands, college athletes have only been able to profit from NIL since 2021, a change that followed years of limitations imposed by the NCAA.
Notably, the NCAA has opted not to comment on the lawsuit. However, this legal action comes on the heels of a settlement reached in May, where the NCAA and its power conferences agreed to pay approximately $2.7 billion in damages related to three major antitrust lawsuits. This settlement included provisions to compensate Division I athletes who played from 2016 onwards, due to a statute of limitations.
Jim Acho, representing the former Michigan players, stated, “The NCAA knew for decades that preventing players from monetizing the one thing of value they have – their name – was wrong and unlawful. Today they recognize that players should have that right. But what about all the past players who were unlawfully denied that right?”
Joining Robinson and Edwards in this lawsuit are former Michigan defensive end Mike Martin and linebacker Shawn Crable. Robinson, who played from 2009 to 2012, was recognized as the Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year in 2010, while Edwards was the recipient of the Biletnikoff Award in 2004, awarded to the nation’s top wide receiver.
This class-action lawsuit emphasizes the ongoing struggle for fairness and the right to profit from their hard work and dedication in college sports. As the legal proceedings unfold, it marks a pivotal moment in the relationship between college athletes, their institutions, and the governing bodies of college sports.
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