Former Michigan football stars Denard Robinson and Braylon Edwards are taking legal action against the NCAA and Big Ten Network, alleging that they missed out on significant earnings because of the previously enforced ban on athletes profiting from their name, image, and likeness during their college years.
This federal class-action antitrust lawsuit was filed on behalf of former Michigan football players, including Mike Martin and Shawn Crable, who played before 2016, aiming to seek compensation for the lost opportunities they faced due to the NCAA’s restrictions.
The NCAA and major conferences are currently working towards resolving multiple antitrust lawsuits related to athlete compensation, with a proposed settlement agreement of $2.78 billion for college athletes dating back to 2016.
The recent rule change in 2021 now allows athletes to capitalize on their popularity through sponsorships and endorsement deals after years of prohibition.
The Michigan lawsuit is seeking to redress the financial losses experienced by notable former players like Robinson and Edwards, claiming that they deserve compensation for the continued use of their highlights and replays by television networks.
Robinson, known for his record-breaking tenure as Michigan’s quarterback, and Edwards, a standout receiver, are just a few of the players named in the lawsuit who were integral to the success and revenue of the NCAA and its partners.
The lawsuit emphasizes the impact these former players have had on the sport and their right to fair compensation for their contributions.
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