More than 300 former Michigan football players have stepped into the legal arena, joining a class-action lawsuit against the NCAA and Big Ten. This significant move, announced in September, is spearheaded by plaintiffs’ attorney Jim Acho, who revealed that the suit claims these organizations have exploited the name, image, and likeness (NIL) of former Wolverines without consent.
More on the plaintiffs in the lawsuit
Among the notable figures leading this charge are former Michigan standouts Denard Robinson and Braylon Edwards, who initially filed the lawsuit on behalf of players who donned the maize and blue before 2016. Joining them are Michael Martin and Shawn Crable, bringing the total number of plaintiffs to nearly 340. This impressive roster features former All-Americans like Anthony Carter, Mark Messner, and Jarrett Irons, all of whom are standing up for their rights and the rights of their fellow players.
Robinson, a legendary quarterback, is no stranger to accolades. He was named the 2010 Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year and set the single-season FBS record for rushing yards by a quarterback. His remarkable achievement of passing and rushing for over 1,500 yards in the same season is a feat unmatched in NCAA history. Meanwhile, Martin, a standout defensive end from 2008-2011, made his mark as a two-time All-Big Ten selection. Crable, who played linebacker from 2005-2007, capped his career with a staggering 29 tackles for loss, showcasing his prowess on the field. Edwards, who dazzled fans from 2001-2004, had three consecutive 1,000-yard seasons and was the No. 3 overall pick in the NFL Draft after a phenomenal senior year.
NCAA, Big Ten filed motion to dismiss Michigan suit
The lawsuit is not just about recognition; it’s about justice and compensation. The plaintiffs are seeking damages for a multitude of grievances, including loss of market value for NIL rights, suppressed earnings from endorsements, and missed opportunities for media appearances. They argue that their likeness has been used in merchandise, archived footage, and highlight reels without compensation. The claims extend to lost licensing opportunities and economic losses stemming from NIL suppression, all of which paint a picture of unfair treatment and exploitation.
However, the NCAA and Big Ten have responded with a motion to dismiss the suit, claiming that the plaintiffs have surpassed the four-year statute of limitations. They argue that since the players in question participated before 2016, waiting eight years to file is excessive. The defendants assert, “Plaintiffs’ claims are all time-barred. Antitrust claims have a four-year statute of limitations. Plaintiffs waited too long to bring this action.”
Moreover, the NCAA and Big Ten reference the O’Bannon v. NCAA case, suggesting that the plaintiffs are attempting to relitigate issues that were already settled regarding compensation for the use of student-athletes’ NIL in game footage and video games. They are calling for the case to be dismissed with prejudice, which would prevent the plaintiffs from refiling the same claim in the future.
The players stand up for their rights
What drives these former players to pursue this lawsuit? According to Acho, it’s a matter of principle. “An overwhelming number of players — almost all of whom are financially successful — reached out, wanting to join this lawsuit because they said it was out of principle,” he shared. This sentiment resonates deeply within the college football community, where the impact of players’ contributions often goes unrecognized.
“Money was made off their backs,” Acho continued, emphasizing the ethical implications of the NCAA and Big Ten’s actions. “They were denied the right to use their name and image, and everybody knew decades ago it was wrong. It was unlawful. It was unethical. And these men want to make a statement.”
The emotional weight of this lawsuit cannot be understated. It represents a collective stand against a system that many believe has long taken advantage of student-athletes. The former players are not just fighting for themselves; they are advocating for future generations of athletes who deserve recognition and compensation for their hard work and dedication.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the eyes of the college football world will remain fixed on this case. Will the NCAA and Big Ten succeed in their motion to dismiss, or will the plaintiffs’ voices be heard in a way that reshapes the landscape of college athletics? The stakes are high, and the implications could reverberate through the world of college football for years to come.
In the end, this lawsuit is more than just a legal battle; it’s a fight for justice, recognition, and the rightful compensation of those who have given so much to the sport. The former Wolverines are standing up, and their message is clear: they will not be silenced.
